Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1920-06-10
A WOMAN OF
METHOD.
By cEcILLE LANcDoN.
Copyright, 1920. western Newsnaner Union

is commonly designated as a "tartar."
mo one who took the pains to become
acquainted with her real qualities of
sense justice and strict adherence to
her principles considered her either
caprlcious or prejudiced, only her
stern, iron ways seemed tyrannical at
times.
Her husband had left her poor with
an only son to care for He became the
one object of his mothers solicitude.
not to coddle or indulge, but to bring
up in the way he should go. There
was no lack of the strap and unwaver-
ing discipline. John respected his
mother because she was consistent. AS
he came to the estate of manhood he
forged ahead very creditably in bust
ness way. He courted and welded
Lillian Duane, who lived in a neigh
boring town, Lyndon, and they settled
down there in their own home.
John asked me to break up and
live with them," old Mrs. Bryce re-
marked to neighbor, land that meek,
mild, but thoroughly good little wife
of his joined in the idea, but would
never think of intruding, for it would
not turn out tremendously. The only
thing that worries me is that John
needs some one to guide and restrain
him. l do hope Lillian will see and
curb his inclination to act on impulse"
The newly welded pair seemed to
al fnh
Johns mother learned, and if she
missed her son and was lonesome, she
concealed her sentiments One day,
however, a neighbor who had been
on visit to friends at Lyndon, stirred
old Mrs. Bryce up and started her on
the war path, bringing back some in
formation that caused the mother to
set her forceful wits at work.
Lillian fairly idolizes john" was
the way the neighbor put it, "but
hasn't the gumption to govern him.
She is simply so devoted to him that
she never resents or complains"
"Resents what?" sharply challenged
the blunt old lady
"John has sort of hailed his release
from your strict discipline as a relief
and is celebrating his liberty full
blast"
What! you don't mean that he has
got into wild ways and all tllat?"
BLESS you, no! 1t isn't in John to
act otherwise than the man your care
full training has made of him. But
he neglects Lillian"
John Bryce had never been out in
the world much. His business was
prosperous, he liked companionship
and through his genial and liberal
ways had made many friends, princi-
/ pally members of club. There he
became a great favorite and most Of
his evenings were spent away from
home, and while Lillian pinned in Sc
cret, she really encouraged him be-
cause of the enjoyment he SO selfishly
acquired
Like Roman mother of the olden
times, the elder Mrs. Bryce made ar
engagements to remain away from home
for week and arrived bag and bag
gage at the sons home at Lyndon one
morning. She was greeted with sin
cere pleasure by the lonely, neglected
daughter-in-law who, within the hour
welcomed visit that promised to re-
store to her the happiness she so
craved
John Bryce came home that evening
to find his mother in charge. She
got him his supper and told him that
Lillian had been called away to visit
friend and would be home later.
John had gone to his own little den
adjoining the parlor, when his mother
intruded upon his privacy. There was
a resoluteness of the old time in her
wrinkled face.
"John," she said. "do you remember
when you were boy how / used to
tie you to chair when / wished to
keep you in the house?"
Eyes, mother" assented John with
reminiscent smile.
"Well, | shall do just that right now
unless you consent to remain home
all of this evening right in this room
and learn what gifted and lovely
VIE you nave. uOeS uOl KNOW
you are here. | will leave the door
slightly ajar. want you to know
what Il treasure you have got"
Some neighbors arrived one hour
later. 1t was Lillian looking her best
who received these. John Bryce open
ed his peering eyes wide as he noted
her brilliancy in conversation, her rare
grace and beauty, never before real
lied by his needless gaze. She played
on the piano, she sang-hidden accom-
plishments never before suspected by
him.
And when Lillian had gone to the
door with her guests old Mrs. Bryce
entered the den.
Have you learned something new
about your wife, John?" she interro-
gated.
"I have, for fact" acknowledged
John. Guess I've been sort of blind
Ell? Say, mother, what's 1t all about.
anyway"
'"To try and check the cruel neglect
| of needless husband. For her sake