Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1920-02-04
CROSS PURPOSES
BY GRACE E. RILEY.

1T is hard for you TO nave IhS Ahoth
er all the time; but it is also hard Tor
me to have yours, dear; don't forget
that"
"Oh, l don't forget, Dan; l forget
nothing connected with the whole af-
fair 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. 1 don't let them lift a finger
They offer from time to time, bat the
poor dears had their years OF labor
and deserve to rest now"
Perhaps they would be happier II
they did work, Jane" suggested her
husband
''Oh, 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 ms
mother, too, for she was failing III
strength and needed her only son near
her. From that day small Irritable
ties, endless arguments and tiresome
dissensions had changed the harmon1-
Gus atmosphere of the once happy
Harrington home, and Jane was find
ing it almost more than she could
bear.
When Dan awoke the next morning
he was surprised to see that Jane was
still sleeping who usually awoke
early, prepared breakfast and then
called bim-and the clock hands merci-
Iessly pointed to eight o'clock.
janet Jane stirred restlessly,
but did not awaken.
"Janeg Dan spoke again. Girl, it's
after eight o'clock" This time Jane
opened her eyes. whats the matter,
Jane? look how late 1t is 1" 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.
81 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?"
James sick-will you come upstairs
as soon as you CAM"
Then he went to his mothers room.
"Mother," he said "Jane is sick; her
mother is going to her. Will you get
me some breakfast while I go for the
doctor?"
"Why, certainly, Dannie, I'll 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
this nowhere was much to be done.
Dressing hastily, he went for Doctor
Meade, who returned with him and
gave Jane a thorough examination.
"She is certainly a very sick girl,
but nothing dangerous, / think. Evil
IDENTIFY a complete nervous breakdown,
and she must have absolute rest and
quiet"
"Had l better remain at home doc
tor?'
Better not; far better not" said the
busy doctor, as he piled small stacks
of pink and white and red pills on
the dressing table.
Downstairs, Mrs. Harrington had
prepared not only tempting break
fast for Mrs. James and Dan, but had
tray ready to take up to Jane.
Brace up, Dannie, 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.
Thanks, mother-and just be lit
tie patient with Mrs. James, won't you?
It wears on Jane frightfully to hear
you two argue"
Ian sakes, sonI We don't mean
anything by our arguing-why, l think
heap of Mrs. James; and anyway, we
will be too busy today, I reckon, for
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
drew her friend and enemy into chair
before the table.
did he say so, Mary? But who will
do the homework"
Goodness, me, Mathilde, don't you
reckon 1 have still strength enough to
WELD a dishmop?" shifted Mrs Har-
rington with fire in her eye. But of
a sudden the fire disappeared. Guess
you and me, between us, Mathilde, can
keep the house clean and take care of
Jane. too, can't WEI"
you're a good woman, Mary Har-
rington-and I've always said So
though you have got a frightful tenn
Der" said Mathilde lanes StOnninp to