The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1922-06-19
INDIGESTION
Chapter "a


Mrs. Mum, hastily rolled up in her
fur cape, took her way to the tiny fat
she had found for Patty and her family
to live in. 1t was only 9 O'Clock She
knew, though this was an hour in Wis
sakegan when people began to yawn
and think pleasantly of bed, that these
people would still be up.
The only real city habit that Mile
adopted was to stay up until midnight
and to get up late the following morn
ing.
She found Mrs Parke rolled in a
shawl and reading.
"Patty's out with Paul, of course"
Mrs. Parke apologized. And Mile
and friend have gone to the movies
she'll be home soon. There is no
telling when Patty will come back. I'm
here alone, as usual"
Mrs Mum had loosened her furs,
and was regarding the other woman
across the table. They were amazingly
unlike. Mrs. Mum had known mis-
fortunes that little Mrs. Parke had
never experienced, but in return had
touched the heights of happiness that
the other woman could not dream Of.
In short, one had lived, the other had
gone, somewhat complainingly, over
the surface of life The only misfor-
tune Mrs. Parke had really known was
the loss of her small income through
her son-in-law's speculation-and that
was not such great trouble, for she
was comfortable enough in this city
fat
Mrs Mum took up the opening
given her by the complaint of loneli-
ness.
It is hard on you, isn't IT." she
began sympathetically.
This brought out a flood of com
plainings, all of which the visitor en-,
dured waiting for a chance to begin
telling her plan.
Il never see anyone. never go any
where,X Mrs. Parke complained after a
time
This was not quite true. For Mile
and Patty had picked up some friends
and certain very mild social life went
on in the little fat But they were not
her old friends, so Mrs. Parke consid
cred them all great nuisances.
Il wish I'd never come. I'd rather
have stayed home and worked for my
living" Mrs. Parke wound up IN &
burst of confidence induced by the
sympathetic attitude of her visitor
Oh, but think of the happiness tha'
has come to Patty because you die
move to the city Mrs. Mum protest
ed You must be so glad about that.
Glad? When they're afraid to tel
people they're engaged because hi!
mother looks on Patty as a stenog
rapher?"
And Mrs. Parke poured out a lony
tale of their own great social position
as good as anybody's," in Wissakea
gan.
Yes, but this isn't Wissakeagan,
Mrs. Mum observed. Millie had com
in from the movies, and was joining
the discussion now.
Il don't complain" Mrs. Parke SAT-
more than once, straining her sill
shawl around her shoulders again. IN,
duty is here with my children. l
Mile goes back to her husband, as sh,
ought, and if Patty marries, then
consider my duty done. Then it's m,
time to rest and enjoy myself"
Mile shrugged her shoulders, an
walked to the mantel, against whic'
she leaned, glowering discontentedl
across the room.
L suppose you would go back t
your sister in Wissakeagan then" Mr.!
Mum began, seeing her way out nov
IF l had the railway fare-if Hun
phrey would pay me back little"
Mrs Mum leaned forward eagerly.
Dear Mrs. Parke, then you must IL
me send you back" she began. wit
another woman she might not hav
dared this, but she felt safe in maxim
this offer now. Il want to do som
thing for you and for Patty-all {
YOU. Now. YOU must let me send Yc