New Britain herald., 1922-07-06
The Reason Lillian Gave Why
 Madge Was Left Out"


 was bitterly disappointed at re-
 ceivins no significant look from either
 Lillian, my father or Allen Drake
 which would enable me 10 tell m,
 mother-in-law that I would be busy
 upon the next morning. But my pride
 enabled me to turn 10 Dicky's mother and answer her as l knew she wished d
 me 10 do. ...
 Why I haven't thing planned Mother, l said, "Is there anything you wish me to do?"
 The falling Of log in the fireplace diverted her attention for an instant, and in the pause I waited tensely for some obleetlng word from the other three persons round the ire-some word which would mean that they de- sired my presence at the conference scheduled for the next morning. But no word was said. and l heard Moth CT Graham's answer when she finally spoke, through a childish sullen re- sentfuness at the three in whose laudation I had basked but an hour before
 T want you 10 drive 10 Easthamp- ton in the morning" she said. I've got to do some shopping, and they say there's store there which has some fairly decent things. No. that expect to be snited-it isn't anything like the city. of course-but then if we must live in such a place as this I suppose we can't expect anything much
 Just what store or place of resi- 
 would suit my doughty mother Jaw I have yet to discover But I natural ly-and prudently-kept that refec- ton to myself
 We can take Junior with us, and Marion. too, If you're willing" She tU led to Lillian, while Marion from her favorite place upon the arm of my fathers chair looked eagerly at her mother
 tfSoe Here. Old Dear !'
 "Of course. and thank you so much. but she must go to bed now" Lil- lian nodded brightly at her daughter and the child waited a kiss toward her, then climbed down from my fathers chair, bade us all goodnight very prettiy and left the room
 How that child grows .' Mother Graham commented
 And what a ravishing beauty she's going to be" Allen Drake added
 Lillians involuntarily knitted eye hrows contrasted with the pleased | smile twisting her lips. That | she loved any tribute to Marions un- deniable beauty, I knew. but that she dreaded more even than most mothers the time when her darling should be erown-up, child no longer, l also knew. For long ago she had contided to me the story of the awful lonely years when her baby had been sep arated from her. Indeed, I had wit first met her Marion had not yet been returned to her. i
 What time do you want to start Mother?" I found that I had difficulty n keeping my voice steady, and I feared I should betray my disappoint- ment in a nervous tremoo. It was all very well, I told myself childishly. for the three government agents to accept the product of my hours of la DOT, my all-night vigil, and to fatter me by saying that I had solved a problem they had feared was unsolv- lble But it was another thing al- together to admit me to their secret 
 'As early as we can after break last Mother Graham rejoined, and I rose at her words. glad of an excuse % get out of the room
 Then if you'll pardon me" said moving toward the door, I'll go to ny room. I'm actually sleepy again Il spite of my day-long nap
 Wait a minute and I'll escort you upstairs Lillian interposed T for got to tell Marion what dress to wear o morrow. I'll be right back, folks" 'he threw back to the group by the ire.
 I did not speak as we walked through the hall, and when we cached my room she took me by the lrm, whirled me inside, shut the door, md put her back against it. See here, old dear You're all vrong on this thing" she said en- ,hatically
 ,fadge Is Appreciative. T was not aware that l had showed my displeasure. I replied sulkily. "Oh, tin that :" she retorted T till have my eyesight and I don't