The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1920-02-26
CROSS PURPOSES
se~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ss~e<ee~~~s'~->>.'.
BY GRACE E. RILEY.


''0h, 1 don't forget, Dan; 1 forget
nothing connected with the whole af-
fair. l only wish I could. 1t wouldn't
be so hard if they did not quarrel so;
and it isn't because they are tired as
am. l don't let them lift finger.
They offer from time to time, but the
poor dears had their years of labor
and deserve to rest now"
Perhaps they would be happier if
they did work, Jane" suggested her
husband.
ooh, you don't know what you're
talking about!' Jane answered with
irritation.
A year before her mother. Mrs.
James, had decided to live with her
married daughter. Mrs. James was
right, of course; Mrs. James was al
ways right. Six months later Dan had
seen that it was necessary to have his
| mother. too, for she was failing IN
strength and needed her only son near
! her. From that day small irritahii-
| ties, endless arguments and tiresome
| dissensons had changed the harmoni-
| Harrington home, and Jane was find
| Ing it almost more than size could
| bear.
When Dan awoke the next morning
he was surprised to see that Jane was
| still sleeping-Jane, who usually awoke
early, prepared breakfast and then
called him-and the clock hands merci-
/ 81
"Jane!' Jane stirred restlessly.
but did not awaken.
"Jane." Dan spoke again. Girl. it's
after eight o'clock" This time Jane
| opened her eyes. whats the matter
Jane? Look how late it isr' And
Jane awoke-awoke to an understand
ing of the hour; to the fact that she
had oversight and that Dan was late;
but more alert to the pain in her back
and head than to anything else.
u guess I'm sick, Dan; you'll have
to call mother"
Dan was quickly out of bed and
, downstairs tapping at Mrs. James
} door
what is it?'
"Jane's sick-wilI you come upstairs
! as soon as you camp
Then he went to his mothers room.
Mother" he said. "Jane is sick: her
mother is going to her. VIII Won got
' me some breakfast while 1 go for the
n doctor?"
"Why, certainly, Dannie, III be right
down." The thought flashed through
Dams mind that not for years had he
heard his mother speak so cheerfully;
but he could give no more thought to
4 this nowhere was much TO be done
l. Dressing hastily, he went for Doctor
d Meade, who returned with him and
gave Jane a thorough examination.
"She is certainly a very sick girl,
: but nothing dangerous, I think. Evi-
: IDENTIFY complete nervous breakdown.
II and she must have absolute rest and
g quiet"
is Had better remain at home, doc
tori"
IS Better not; far better not" said the
: busy doctor, as he piled small stacks
: of pink and white and red pills on
i the dressing table.
Downstairs, Mrs. Harrington had
d prepared not only tempting break
fast for Mrs. James and Dan, but had
T a tray ready to take up to Jane.
: Brace up. Dannle, we will bring her
: back to health before you know she's
= sick, son." A wealth of love and ten
" derness was in her tone, and Dan
could scarcely believe his ears.
u Thanks, mother-and just be a lit
tie patient with Mrs. James, won't you !
1t wears on Jane frightfully to hear
you two argue"
Ian sakes, son! We don't mean
anything by our arguing-why. 1 think
heap of Mrs. James; and anyway, we
] will be too busy today, reckon, for
I arguments"
Here Mrs. James put in an appear
ance looking frail and anxious
"Now, Mathilde James, don't you
worry a mite-the doctor told me Jane
would be all right with you to nurse
her." said Mrs. Harrington. as she
W drew her friend and enemy into chair
h before the table.
"a did he say so. Mary? But who viii
"a do the houSewOrk?"
Goodness, me. Mathilde don't you
"A reckon l have still strength enough Ia
10 WELD a dishmop?" shifted Mrs. Har-
Of rington with fire in her eye. But OF
E. a sudden the fire disappeared. Guess
y you and me- between US. Maihilde, car
d. keep the house clean and take care cf
= Jane, too, can't WEI"
you're a good woman, Mary Har
If rington-and I've always said So
ID though you have got a frightfuI tenn
n per-" said Mathilde James. stopping tC
is kiss Mary as she carried a pile OF
IN dishes TO the kitchen.
d During that day and those that f..
~ lowed the two old ladies lived peace
= fully together. yying with one another
in cooking, nursing and cleaning. Theil
I'd minds were so occupied that there wa,
OF no room for petty disagreements. Grad
a ually was borne In upon Jane the real