The Hartford republican., 1921-11-04
PATRICK HENRY
BY GRACE q. oLlN.

ly and sultry. Outside, the sounds
Of the day were already heard.
Inside, the Ran Hat was commenc-
ing to show signs of the beginning Of
the daily routine.
Mrs. Raff, 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 call grandpa, YETI"
"Sure," answered the eight-year-old
heir; "but grandpa says he amt going
to eat any breakfast this morning; he
says he's got a 'gagement."
"a whatT with puzzled frown.
"A 'gagement," shrleked Jimmie,
above the clatter of the dishes, as, s,he
vigorously set the breakfast table.
"lle means an engagement" ex-
planned Raft, Sr., with grin. "Where
do you suppose the old boys going?"
81 can't be guessing nOw." replied
his wife. "Iie ain't going to see moth
er until tomorrow. Jm," she added.
lowering her voice, this is the second
time this week he's gone without his
breakfast; the other time lie had an
engagement, too"
Hint anything?"
~. him, he's as mum as clam,
if Ellei.'s house was not so far away
| would suspect him of going TO see
motlAr He's getting pretty restless
lately, I've noticed.
Mrs. Raff sighed in grieved fash
ION. I'VE cant have everything we
want in this world" she continued.
Now, wouldn't ] love TO go to Ellen's
for the Fourth, dressed up swell, with
ygu and the kids. But we can't af-
FORD It, costs too much for fares.
I'D like pretty frocks. and car,
and cute clothes for the young ones,
and some new things for the house.
but II | can't, / can't, and | amt GO
Ing TO NOPE over it. I've tried to
make nice home for father. but II
lie don't appreciate it, and tries to
keep things from me, can't do
thing But / do say as how / think
It's kinder ungrateful like"
Mrs. RafI deposited Baby Johnnie
In his high chair, and stepping across
the hall, she knocked ON her fathers
door.
Father" she called, "it's terrible
hot out this morning. you'd better
have an egg and some coffee to brace
sou up. Come on. we're just sitting
down.
'I'll be out in minute, Nellie" the
voice inside had answered.
< II was quite some five minutes later
that the llaff family suffered severe
shock. They had heard the warning
of steps, but they We're 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 duds and where. | ask, are
you going?"
For answer. Mr.. Patrick Henry
Grandman advanced jauntily into the
room.
His eyes were twinkling,' but when
he spoke his tone was calmness itself
"Nellie," he said, 'tiid you think
your old dad was content to wear old
togs and work In the factory for twen-
ty dollars week, when | worked full
time?
did you think wanted to be sep
arated from your blessed mOther2
But l was tied, hand and foot. First,
l was sick. and then your mother, then
they cut us down to half a weeks
work and ! had my trade and could
do nothing else.
well. Nellie, to make long story
short, I've been working on an inven-
tiOn. I've thought of 1t and dreamed |
of It and at last my dream has come
true. Nellie, l signed the Declaration
of Independence last night when l
sold ii to the government" He placed
roll of bills at her plate.
celebrate tomorrow" he told her.
But, father" broke in Mrs. Raff,
'you aren't going to leave me. I
won't"
Patrick Henry Grandman raised his
hand.
Didn't tell you, girl. had signed
the Declaration of independence? |
Your mother and l 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, a
little old lady was smoothing down
her soft black silk, and white laces,
with hands that shook.
mo, thank you, Ellen" she was say
ing. II don't want to do it myself
Patrick always liked 1t the way l
did it,"
1t was rather an awestruck little
throng that watched them depart the
next day. The flag waved proudly !
from their automobile, and around
them and above them hurst firecrack- |