Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1921-09-23
PATRICK HENRY
BY GRACE r. OLiN.
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The third of July dawned reluctant
~ aud sultry. Outside. the sounds
Of the day were already heard.
Inside, the tafr fiat was commenc-
ing TO show signs Of the beginning Of
the daily routine.
Mrs. Ran. smart in her morning
dress Of striped blue and white. was
putting the finishing touches to little
Annals and the baby's toilet.
Jimmie" she called to James, Jr.,
didn't you Gull grandpa. yet?"
Sure" answered the elght-year-old
heir; but grandpa says he ain't going
to eat any breakfast this morning; he
says he's got 'gagement."
"A whatT with q puzzled frOwn.
"A 'gagement," shrieked Jimmie,
above the clatter Of the dishes, rs hS
vigorously set the breakfast table.
He means an engagement" ex-
planned Ran, Sr.. with a grin. "Where
do you suppose the old bsy's goingT
II can't be guessing now" replied
his wife. HE amt going to see moth
or until tomorrow. Jim," she added,
lowering her voice, this Is the second
time this week he's gone without his
breakfast; the other time he had an
engagement, too"
"Hint anything7"
'S:IS! him, he's as mum as a clam.
Il Elso's house was not 80 far away
would suspect him OF going to see
mother. He's getting pretty restless
lately, I've noticed.
Mrs. Ran sighed in a grieved fash
lon. I'VE can't have everything We
want In this world" she continued.
Now, wouldn't love to 70 to Ellen's
for the Fourth. dressed up swell, with
you and the kids. But we can't af
ford it, costs too much for fares.
I'D like pretty frocks. and a car.
and cute clothes for the young ones.
AID some new things for the house.
But II 1 can't, can't and 1 amt 60
ing to NOPE over 1t. I've tried to
make a nice home for father, but il
he don't appreciate IT, and tries to
keep things from me. l can't do
thing. But do say as how l think
It's kinder ungrateful like"
Mrs. Ran deposited Baby Johnnie
In his high chair. and stepping across
the hall, she knocked on her fathers
door.
Father" she called, Its terrible
hot out this morning, you'd better
have an egg and some coffee to brace
you up. Come on, we're Just sitting
down"
OIL be out in q minute, Nellie" the
voice inside had answered.
1t was quite some five minutes later
that the Raft family suffered Il severe
shock. They had heard the warning
Of steps. but they were altogether I'M
prepared for the apparition that stood
In the doorway. She had seen her
husbands eyes fairly bulge over his
coffee cup, and had heard Juniors ex-
cited exclamation, before she turned
to look.
Patrick Henry Grandman," she
cried, quite ignoring the familiar
father" in her WONDER
wherever in the world did you get
the fine buds and where, I ask, are
you golng?"
For answer, Mr.. Patrick Henry
Grandman advanced jauntily into the
room.
His eyes We're twinkling but when
he spoke his toac was calmness itself
"Nellie." he said, did you think
your old dad was content to wear Old
toys and work in the factory for TWEEN
ty dollars a week. when ! worked full
time?
did you think | wanted to be sep
arated from Your blessed MOTHER
But l was tied, hand and foot. First.
| was sick, and then your mother. then
they cut US down to half week =
work ana / Lad my trade and could
do nothing else.
well, Nellie, 10 make q long story
short, I've been working on an inven-
ton. I've thought of it and dreamed
Of it and at last my dream has come
true. Nellie, | signed the Declaration
OF independence last night when
sold it to the government" He placed
roll of bills mt her plate.
celebrate tomorrow" he told her
but, father" broke In Mrs. Rnr,
you aren't going to leave me
won't"
Patrick Henry Grandman raised his
hand.
Didn't I tell you, girl, ] had signed
the Declaration of Independence
Your mother and will never be
bossed again. He patted her hand
as he spoke, and for the first time his
daughter could find no answer.
And meanwhile, down in Ellen's
house some sixty odd miles away, q
little old lady was smoothing down
her soft black silk, and white Iaces
with hands that shook.