Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1920-04-16
CROSS PURPOSES
BY GRACE E. RILEY.

FNNN0N0NNNNNNNNN0N
20. 1920. by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate
1T is hard for you to have my moth
err all the time but 1t is also hard for
me to have yours, dear; don't forget
that"
"Oh, don't forget, Dan; forget
nothing connected with the whole af-
fair. / only wish l could, 1t wouldn't
be so hard If they did not quarrel so;
and 1t isn't because they are tired as
am. don't let them lift a 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 1t was necessary to have his
mother, too, for she was failing IN
strength and needed her only son near
her. From that day small Irritable
ties, endless arguments and tlresome
dlssensions had changed the harmonl-
GUS atmosphere of the once happy
Harrington home, and Jane was nnd-
Ing 1t almost more than she 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-rand the clock hands merci-
lessly pointed to eight o'clock.
"Jane" Jane stirred restlessly,
but did not awaken.
"JaneW Dan spoke again. Girl, it's
after eight o'clock" This time Jane
opened her eyes. "What's 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 itT'
"Janes slck-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 go for the
doctor?"
"Why, certainly, Dannle, 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
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 and
quiet"
Had 1 better remain at home, doc
torY
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
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
Thanks, mother-and just be a lit
tie patient with Mrs. James, won't your
1t wears on Jane frightfully to hear
you two argue"
Ian sakes, sonl We don't mean
anything by our argulng-why, I 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, Mathllde James, don't you
worry 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 a chair
before the table.
"Dld he say so, Mary2 But who will
do the housework2"
Goodness, me, Mathilde, don't you
reckon I have still strength enough to
WELD dlshmOpT shifted Mrs. Har-
rlngton 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 weT'
you're a good woman, Mary Har-
rington-and I've always said So
though you have got frightful tenn