Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1922-02-15
BoB's GIRL
BY MINNIE M. TOWNSEND

the hot stove and tenderly basted the
sizzling brown-crusted turkey that re-
posed within the oven. She lifted the
with satisfaction the sugary coated
mince, the shoulder-strapped cranberry
and the deep, luscious squash pies.
Next she inspected the neat rows Of
goodies on the pantry shelves; jel]ies,
chowchows celery, nuts and candies
everything to tempt the appetites of
her numerous family, which gathered
yearly at Christmas time.
There was graham bread for Melissa,
who did not care for white, -Ad there
were Boobies raspberry tarts, without
which, to him, Christmas dinner
would be incomplete.
The old lady's smile faded as she
gazed at the fiaky tarts. Although
twenty-four years old, Bob was her
baby, and now for the first time in his
life was causing her much worry. All
of the remainder of her large brood
had married well.
Bob had set aside all Of the tradi-
tons of his family and was keeping
company" with a slim, delicate little
city girl, partial to shiny, dark, plain
satin dresses and wearing the style of
bobbed hair which, to family like the
Abbotts, spelt the stage or question
able character. The dear little old
fashioned mother wiped away a tear
with the back Of gnarled hand. To
day this unreal little creature was to
take Christmas dinner with the family,
and although she felt unfaithful to her
boy for thinking of such thing, she
hoped with all her heart that Miss
Ainslie would sense the difference be-
tween herself and Bob's own rosy
checked sisters. Perhaps even Bob
himself would be brought to realiza-
ton of the difference.
ITS all for Bob's happiness" she
told the raspberry tarts huskily. as a
long line of family ancestors swept
swiftly before her vision.
Why, even Bob himself had a horrid
dent in his side where shrapnel had
ripped him open. No! This little non
descript nonentity could not enter their
family of brave traditions.
Later. around the creaking, festive
board, she looked them all over; big.
stalwart men and gay, plump, rosy
checked women, all happy in the JOY
of family reunion. Truly the slim,
satiny figure, between Melissa and
Bobby, looked out of place, though she
LODI h,a, ~ al, iNtl,
with Bob.
They were in the midst of the steam
ing plum pudding when the door bell
pealed merrily and Bob ushered in a
cousin who was too far from his home
to get there in time for Christmas din
ner. Hope you don't mind me drop
ping in on you this way, Aunt LIP"
he asked, knowing full well what the
answer would be.
Bless your heart, no. she made
haste to reply, and promptly set about
to make the unexpected guest comfort
able.
In the general confusion of greet
ingS it was some time before the new
conner was introduced to little Miss
Ainsie, but when Bob did the honors,
to the amazement of everyone the late
conner just stared.
Lefty Ainslie. Can it be possible?"
In an instant he was around the table.
holding tight to two slim white hands.
"They told me Bob had sweet
heart, but they didn't say who she
was John was explaining eagerly.
ITO think that Lette Ainslie of soup
kitchen fame should become mem
Der of our humble family What
do you think of her Aunt Lil?'
II don't understand, john" she an
swered meekly.
~ didn't tell Them captain" came
tremblingly from little Miss Ainsie'S
quvering lips.
Didn't tell them. Oh, boy, what a
Christmas story. I'm too starved to
tell it all now, but later Look" He
lifted back the despised bangs of the
Dutch clip and disclosed an ugly, jag
ged scar. Her memento of the big
fight, ladies' and gentlemen. Some
brave kid, I'll say; right there with the
hot stuff and the comforting words
when we needed them most"
please, captain" came small
voice from Letty's corner. "Mayn't
we finish Mother Abbott'S delicious
plum pudding in peace?
Something welled up in the old
lady's heart. Eyes, let the dear child
eat her dinner; afterwards she can tell
US all about 1t. Lefty, dear, try one
of Bobbies favorite tarts."
Into the old lady's family history
passed suddenly with great pride and
thankfulness, a sweet, slim little crea-
ture, the equal of all the Abbotts that
had passed on before.