The Caledonian-record. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1920-current, 1920-07-31
TO BOARD OR NOT
BY JESSIE A. PARSONS.

tNo ScHclutlOlS OuSlI HUI W ilNc "
gether. If Molly thinks her mother in
terferes with the children, how mucl
worse it would be if it We're Toms
mother who was living with them"
This unfortunate comment kindlet
an idea in the irresponsible head o.
pretty Mrs. Benton, who tactlessl
gave it expression.
"How is Victor's mother, dear? II
didn't seem to me she was looking
very well the last time 1 went to see
her"
"She couldn't have anyone better to
do for her than Kate Stephens" re-
piled Mrs. DOane "As to not look
ing well, there's nothing whatever the
! matter with her except that she's al
ways brooding over the loss OF her
money"
perhaps she misses her home,
Ruth. 1t was very lovely and Kate
Stephens house is anything but home
like, even if she is tower of
strength" Then, seeing that some
thing was wrong, she turned her re-
marks into another channel. How
wonderfully warm they keep you
here!" she exclaimed as she took
leave.
"That's a splendid point about the
Gates house." agreed Mrs. Doaae.
The visitor had hardly turned the
corner of the street before Mr.. DOane
returned for the evening meal. In the
dining room light suspended in a
garish dome of Kaleidoscope glass
tried to lend festive air to the occa-
sion and to counteract the effect of
the smoke-tinged wall paper. There
were two long tables and two small
ones in the unoccuped corners. At
one of the latter sat Mr.. and Mrs.
Doane. Tonight it was impossible for
them to exchange word as the occu-
pants of one of the long tables-young
men from the mill-wefe a little more
hilarious than usual.
1.-THE tides out, Lizzie" bawled one
youth as he thrust into the hands of
the bewildered waitress an empty milk
pitcher.
Mr.. Doane YEARLY pushed back his
plate with sigh, glad to reach the
quiet of his room, where he sank into
Il chair near the table and began to
fill his pipe.
Don't smoke tonight" protested his
wife. give splitting headache" and
she moved her chair near the open
window.
Now Mr. Doane wanted especially
to smoke, not only for the stimulus it
gave his jaded nerves, but also to
brace him to lay before his wife what
from previous experience he knew
would be an unwelcome proposition.
He laid down his pipe, however,
and began. Taylor told me today of
Il great bargain he has in a house. It's
new, convenient, and the most attrac-
tive place in the town, and he is will
ing to hold it for us day or two.
Won't it be fine to have our own home
Ruth, with everything just as we want
it, and get away from this distracting
placer"
Mrs. Doane drew golden tendril
from her beautiful hair and wound it
around her finger for moment before
speaking. Every word came slowly
and deliberately from pouted lips.
"Victor, you know very well, after
the time l was hurt last winter the
doctor said I must be careful, so I
possibly do housework., Now
don't interrupt by saying there will be
maids. This is mill town, with its
endless procession entering the mills
and leaving one for days without any
help"
Then because she hadn't yet learned |
hat too many excuses weaken a
'ause. she added: think how horrid
t would be for you IL the furnace man
should be sick and you might even
nave to shovel snow, to say nothing of
he extra expenses"
After much patient arguing, Mr..
ooane knew that the only thing was
o tell his'brother John, who lived in
small apartment and wanted
louse, about the bargain.
Johns wife, Mildred, came to see
Ruth the next day. She was beaming
With happiness over the thought of
having real home. Although not rs
BEAUTIFUL as Ruth, she was most at
ractive in her animation.
"And we've asked Mother Doane to
ONE and live with us !" she exclaimed
She is such wonderful woman and
Misses her old home so much"
But Mother Doane died suddenly be-
ore the young people moved Ruth
ut on the black gown she had worn
0 the funeral and went with her hus-
and to the office of Mr. Gray, the
awyer, to hear the will read.
Mr.. Gray explained that Mrs. Doane
ad made her will six months before,
fter visit from her physician who
Did her she could not live more than
year. Her money had not been lost
l foolish investment as every one
ut himself had thought. She merely
'anted to find out how many people
wed her for herself Then, in his =,
visionary dry manner, with a slight
lstle of paper and adjusting of spec
,cles, Mr.. Gray read in monotonous
Dice many things without interest I'M
| he came to the following: