Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1921-08-12
HOW MANY LUMPS2
BY PAULINE BARRETT.


hin ahead of him and then at his
heavy suitcase and swore softly under
his breath.
"Such beastly train service he
muttered, for he had arrived at Pal
ham some three hours late-this be-
ing his first trip home from college to
see his mother since she had given up
the big house and elected to live in a
hotel until Max had finished school
The scarcity of help, she had written
Max, had driven her to this step.
"Well, there's no one to meet me,
that's certain" decided the young man.
Brown rs an Indian from weeks Of
outdoor practice with "the team" 1t
would have been hard 10 recognize in
this very bedraggled looking young
man the son Of the fashionable Mrs.
Harding, who lived in the hotel at the
top of the hill.
Scowing fercely, he dragged his
heavy suitcase up the path that led
to the house, only to be met at the
veranda steps by a pompous-looking
turnkey, who effectively barred his
further progress.
Cant come up this way, fellah,"
said the pompOus one. "All trades
men and peddlers" a significant
look at the heavy case-"must go round
the back way" And he waved Max
grandly away.
Maybe l can sneak in through the
kitchen and get washed up before l
greet my fastidlous mother" he
thought to himself. IF she ever saw
me looking like this-hellol Whew-
ew-ew," and he whistled softly, for a
young and remarkably pretty girl, ali
muflied up In great woOlly scarf,
stood directly In front of the kitchen
door hanging up dish towels, thus once
more effectually checking his progress
"1m Probably the assistant cook
thought he to himself well here
goes.
Have you moment to spare?' he
asked, removing his hat and speaking
| in his most engaging manner.
II have not" replied the young wom-
an promptly, scarcely CHANGING up from
her work.
Not much enthusiasm here" he
decided. Then, May | show you some
of my waresT with an expressive
| glance toward the suitcase
You may not" answered the "as-
sistant cook" as promptly as before.
well, do you mind if l sit down on
the steps "A minutef' he hazarded for
! his third venture. I'm rather out Of
breath"
II do not" again responded the fair
! lady of the kitchen, taking him in with
one all-appraising glance.
SO Max sat down on the lowest step
and, leaning his head back against the
house, closed his eyes.
poor fellow" thought the girl, her
sympathies aroused ut last, "he must
be tired I'm afraid I was too sharp
with him"
She was back in moment with
| cup of Steaming liquid and, tapping the
young man ON the shoulder, she offered
| 1t TO him.
Here drink this" she said.
With many thanks, he beat a hasty
retreat around to the front of the
| house once more.
This time his mother was on the
yeranda, and she greeted him affection
ately. Then he went up to his room.
He descended about an hour later,
looking very different In his dinner
clothes, and his mothers pride shone
in her eyes as she met him.
And, Max she said, there's the
lovellest girl here want you to meet
! her"
"Now. mother" he demonstrated
But, Max, dear, this one Is different
yes, she really is" she insisted as he
smiled unbelievingly. All there's the
bell for dinner now"
well, no sign Of your divinity yet,
mother" said Max when they were
well started on their meal. Perhaps"
-hopefully-"shes changed her mind"
mo, | see her coming now" said
Mrs. Harding, and straight to their
table came the lady of his afternoons
adventure.
lie had moment TO recover from
the shock of recognizing her before she
reached item, but not so the girl, and,
lifting her eyes to acknowledge the in
PRODUCTION, the color flooded into her
face and her eyes asked innumerable
questions as she recalled the events of
the afternoon. But Anne Cabot was
nothing If not self-possessed, and very
soon her usual calm manner returned.
ibid you know that Katie, the cook,
left this afternoon?" she asked. look
Ing at Mrs. Harding
Gracious, no." gasped that lady.
"WhO got the supper?"
81 did said the girl quietly. "You
see, Mr. Gates, who owns the hotel,
has known me since was a little girl.
and when he asked me to help him out
| couldn't bear to refuse him. Besides,
II was good chance for me TO test
out my college training"