Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1921-03-17
TO BOARD OR NOT
BY JESSIE A. PARSONS.


said," interrupted Mrs. Doane, 1that
two generations ought not to live to-
gether. If Molly thinks her mother in
terferes with the children, how much
worse it would be if it. were Toms
mother who was living with them"
This unfortunate comment kindled
an idea in the irresponsible head Of
pretty Mrs. Benton. who tactlessly
gave it expression.
'How is Victor's mother, dear? It
didn't seem to me she was looking
very well the last time l 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. Doane
The visitor had hardly turned the
corner of the street before Mr.. Doane
returned for the evening meal. In the
dining room a light suspended in a
garish dome of Kaleidoscope glass
tried to lend a 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 unoccupied corners. At
one of the latter sat Mr.. and Mrs.
Doane. Tonight it was Impossible for
them to exchange a word as the occu-
pants of one of the long tables-young
men from the mill-were a little more
hilarious than usual.
1.-THE tides out, Lizzie" bawled one
youth, as he thrust into the hands of
he bewildered waitress an empty milk
pitcher.
Mr. Doane YEARLY pushed back his
)late with a sigh, glad to reach the
luiet of his room, where he sank into
/ chair near the table and began TO
Ill his pipe.
Don't smoke tonight" protested his
vife 1--WE splitting headache" and
he moved her chair near the open
window.
Now Mr.. Doane wanted especially
0 smoke, not only for the stimulus Ii +,
race him to lay before his wife what
rom previous experience he knew
'ould be an unwelcome proposition.
He laid down his pipe, however,
nd began. Taylor told me today Of
great bargain he has in a house. It's
ew, convenient, and the most attrac-
We place in the town, and he is will
g TO hold it for us day or two.
ont it be fine to have our own home,
nth, with everything just as we want
and get away from this distracting
aceY
Dm her beautiful hair and wound il
ound her finger for a moment before
eaking Every word came slowly
d deliberately from pouted lips.
"Victor, you know very well, after
2 time / was hurt last winter the
ctor said | must be careful, so ]
1ldn't possibly do homework. Now
Mt interrupt by saying there will be
ids. This is mill town, with its
Hess procession entering the mills
! leaving one for days without any
D."
Then because she hadn't yet learned
{ too many excuses weaken
se, she added: "Think how horrd
would be for you if the furnace man
uld be sick and you might even
e to shovel snow, to say nothing Of
extra expenses"
fter much patient arguing, Mr.,
me knew that the only thing was
ell his brother, John, who lived in
small apartment and wanted
Sc. about the bargain.
Inns wife, Mildred, came TO see
h the next day. She was beaming
happiness over the thought Of
ng Il real home. Although not as
ltifuI as Ruth she was most at
tive in her animation.
md we've asked Mother Doane to
? and live with us % she exclaimed
is such a wonderful woman and
es her old home so much"
It Mother Doane died suddenly be-
the young people moved. Ruth
on the black gown she had worn
lie funeral and went with her hus-
to the Office of Mr.. Gray, the
err, to hear the will read.
. Gray explained that Mrs. Doane
made her will six months before,
a visit from her physician, who
her she could not live more than
r. Her money had not been lost