The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1922-12-30
Chapter u.

letter had come from Walter
mother. She was about to start east
10 visit ns. My heart sank clear into
my boots. az father used to gay al
though | WAS ashamed OF myself Tor the
feeling. But the letter was 80 colo'
seemed to take for granted that waiter
had been unwise 10 marry, thal II
reused my resentment.
The Mater thinks everyone should
ask her advice, and take IT, her son
said laugh!ngly when | spoke OF the
sentence In her letter that had hurt
mo. She'll like you AL right "heh
she gets 10 know you. But warn you
she'll be stand-oflsh at first, so make
up your mind 10 it,
This was not very encouraging, put
nv husbands mother had right 70
visit her son. | would do all ! coula
In make her stay pleasant. l went 10
/ the station with Walter TO meet heF
and when saw him greet the tall thih'
woman with iron gray hair, and severe
aristocratic face. made Up my miho
I should need all the tact l possessed
!" keep my resolve to make her s'as
pleasant.
80 this Is your wife" she said In
cold voice when Walter introduced U.S.
She raised her lorgnette and looked me
deliberately over. much as II l were
some curiosity. I flushed. embarrassed,
AZ held out my hand, which she Just
touched with the tips Of her gloVed
fingers.
Walter left us 10 attend to her lug
gage, after many cautions TO be caretui
q: lido She had brought dog.
felt myself growing pale. I hated TO
acknowledge it but had always been
terribly afraid OF dogs. Father said
once AN animal only had To be park
and a tail for me TO run from IL.
was asha med OF this weakness but II
was mine: and now was 10 nave
dog In the house.
Il hope you will see that fldo mas
! everything TO which she Is accustomed
while am with YOU" Mrs. Page said:
she - very particular, gets III easily.
Just then Walter appeared with the
dog basket. followed BY = porter loaded
down win luggage. | was reiteNeo AT
The size uf The basket. II was a small
dog. nerhap. could hide my fear from
! his mother.
We took a taxi, and soon arrived At
home. My mother-in-iaw opened the
/ basket IN the hall. and little Pom
! leaped ou;. 7 drew away. and waiter
i said with 4 laugh:
, "porecn IS terribly afraid ~ dogs
Mother"
! There l. something lacking in a
woman WHO is afraid af animals, she
replied. taking the dog into her arms
! and calling It pet names
! Il don't think shnll be afraid or 30
/ small dog" ! replied. wishing waiter
! had kept still.
HIS mother made no reply. but still
! cooing TO tho dog in what seemed to
me disgusting fashion. she followed me
20 her room.
had taken great pains 70 make II
honc-like and comfortable. had fresh
flowers on the table. books and maya
zines for her 10 read.
Throw these flowers out" she said
,, vt once. at isn't healthy for Fido TO
have flowers in I'll" room. And please
clos. those windows. There's draft
on aim"
! | closed the windows although Il was
n very warm day and the air was SORT
j Th"n ! took the flowers In my hand,
! before ] said:
we dine n, :. c1pec: you will
! ike 10 rest until then"
"Tr yuu mean /" down. ! never do
that in the daytime. ! shall unpack.'
can help :"u" Or would you
rather have m n,aid"" asked.
Il always awaack myself. Then
knnw where ;:,;..S are" She opened
The bureau drawers as she spoke. and
thought | heard hsr sniff RS she bent
over them.
Amos: hy,'rr."ally ] wondered what
she cNpcctc,: +" find had lined each
drawer win fresh white paper. they
;v,.n y, sweet and clean us possible.
IF you wan anything please ring.
I said ~ left the room.
Slowly ] wr"; into the kitchen. Jen-
ME must hr told about Tho dog. must
lc warTSi i',a' shc must h" very re-
Sre::fu! 80 M. Page. She was very
~, 90 SOW :; when things didn't go to