Fair play., 1920-03-06
CROSS PURPOSES
0y GRACE e. RILEY.

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t6. 1889. by Mcclure Newspaper syndieste)
1T is hard for you to have my moth
er all the time; but 1t IL also hard for
me to have yours. dear; don't forget
that"
"Oh, I don't forget, Dan; I forget
nothing connected with the whole az
fair. only wish could. 1t wouldn't
be so hard IL they did not quarrel SO;
and It isn't because they are tired as
am. 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.
"Oh. you don't know what you're
talking aboutw 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 II was necessary to have his
mother. too. for she was falling Tn
strength and needed her only son near
her. From that day small irr1tabili-
ties, endless arguments and tiresome
dissensions had changed the harmoni-
Gus atmosphere Of the once happy
Harrington home. and Jane was find
ing 1t almost more than she could
bear.
When Dan awoke the next morning
ne 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-
lessly pointed to eight o'clock.
"Jane" Jane stirred restlessly.
hut 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 1t Isl" 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.
II 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-will you come upstairs
as soon as you CAM"
Then he went to his mothers room.
Mother" he said, "Jaue Is sick; her
mother is going to her. win you get
me some breakfast while 60 for the
doct0r?"
"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 4
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. Evi
IDENTIFY complete nervous breakdown
and she must have absolute rest ant
quiet"
"Had I better remain at home, doc
tori"
Better not; far better not" said thu
busy doctor. as he piled small stacks
of pink and white and red pills OF
the dressing table.
Downstairs, Mrs. Harrington hat
prepared not only a tempting break
fast for Mrs. James and Dan, but hat
tray ready to take up to Jane.
Brace up, Dannie, we will bring he
back to health before you know She
sick. son." A wealth of Aove and ten
derness was In her tone, and Dal
could scarcely believe his ears.
Thanks, mother--and just he a III
tie patient with Mrs. Jame.I won't you
1t wears on Jane frightfuuly to hea
you two argue"
Ian sakes, son! We do mt mea
anything by our arguing-whl. thin
heap OF Mrs. james; and "a ny way, W
will be too busy today. I RECKON, 70
arguments"
Here Mrs. James put in an appear
snce looking frail and anxlou,'.
"Now, Mathilde James, don't yo
worry a mite-the doctor told me- Jan
would be all right with you to ,nurs
her" said Mrs. Harrington, as sh
drew her friend and enemy into cha
before the table.
did he say so, Mary? But who " |
do the hOusework?"
Goodness, me. Mathilde. don't 20
reckon I have still strength enough I
WELD a dlshmop?" sniffed Mrs. Hal
rington with fire In her eye. But G
sudden the fire disappeared. "(iues
you and me, between us. Mi,thilde, ca
keep the house clean and take care 9