New Britain herald., 1920-11-26

tono which implied a grave doubt that her hope would he fulfilled. Let me look at that teapot"
 I handed 1t to her. and she assured herself that if had been properly heated, while l stood by struggling to remember that she was old'and-l was afraid-sick, and therefore to Do humored, and, above all other things not to be taken seriously. A Flood Of Tears.
 Hurry up and pour that water in' she commanded. "or you'll have 10 throw if out and prepare fresh.
 I promptly did her bidding and set the trnv close to her chair. She turned her face toward the tray. fum- blcd for a minute with the handle or the tea kettle. and then turned upon me wrathtully.
 whats the matter with you that you can't make a cup of tea?' she de- mandcd.
 took the little kettle from her shaking hands, with alarm and pity tugging at my heart strings. For l saw that she was too i'll to make the exertion of preparing the cup of tea, a ceremony which she absolutely for bids any one else to perform If she IS able to sit up.
 When I had prepared the tea and had poured her a cup, with Just the proportion of cream and sugr that she directed. she tasted it. then pushed it away with an exprssion of disgust.
 Tastes like dishwatera." she com- mented disappointedly. 'T don't see whats tho matter with you, anyway. Margaret You're smart enough in a lot of ways but you can't make O de- cent cup of tea to save pour life, never could wish that ape of a Katie was here Shc didn't know much. but she could make tea that tasted good"
 My lips quirked into an involuntary smile. for I had heard my mother-in- law characterize Katie's tea, as the most nauseating slop." With Mother Graham. the old adaEe of blessings brightening as they take their uiGht. is surely exemplified.
 In for q Siege.
 There's plenty moro water said cheerily. ''so please let me try again. I'm sure can get it right this time.''
 To my surprise and diS4nay. she burst into a flood of tears.
 I'm so mean to you, Margaret" she said. when she could speak. "I wonder you don't hate me-"
 saw that the time was propitious to get her to bed
 "I couldn't hate you and love you ut the same time." said gayly. and I certainly love you lots, as tho chil- dren say. But really. mother. you are all tired out from last nights wedding festivities. Please let me help you un- dress and get into bed. "I'll light Are in your bedroom right away. so il will be warm in there for you to un- dress"
 'weu, I believe will lie down for n little while" she answered slowly. ''feel-so-funny and dizzy"
 I glanced at her quickly and flew to the kitchen.
 "Mandy," I~- said peremptorily. "Mother Graham is sick. Build q little fire in her bedroom as quickly as you can. then run over and ask Mrs. Lukens to telephone for pr. Paige. Remember. do tho fire first Please hurry"
 "Yas'm, I'll step right smaht," Mandy promised. and I waited only to sec her pick some kindling and wood from behind the stove and start for Mother Graham's bedroom before returned to the sitting room, pausing only on my way to snatch Mother Graham's heavy bathrobe and her night things from the foot of her bed.
 Mandy Is building the fire in your room" I announced, "so let me help you undress right here. all but your shoes and stockings. I'll take them off after you get into bed. Then you won't get chilled crossing the hall"
 "AIl rght." she replied spiritlessly. and I felt my heart constrict with alarm, for when Mother Grbam is docile she is III.