Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1922-07-13


VERY well, mother; but-well, you
know we don't pay very much"
Then pay more. I'm sure l
shouldn't think you'd grudge me
enough to eat, Helen"
Mother! How can you say thing
like thatw Helen's voice shook.
1t was at the supper table that
Helen's mother brought out the letter.
You don't ask, nor seem to care"
she began with curious air of injured
triumph, but I've got letter from
Herbert"
The younger woman flushed.
"Why, of course, care" she retorted
cheerily. "What does he say?"
"IIe wrote it several days ago. 1t
got missent. But it's such a nice let
ter !"
They always are"
at asks particularly how l am, and
says he's sorry l have to suffer. He
cares"
Only the swift red in Helens cheeks
showed that the daughter understood
the emphasis.
"Of course he cares" she answered
smoothly.
and he sent me present, too
money!" Mrs. Raymond's usually fret
full whine carried a ring of eXutation.
Helen lifted her head eagerly.
Money!"
"Yes. A new crisp dollar bill He
told me to get something pretty-some
| little trinket that I'd like"
But a dollar--only a dollar" muir
! INJURED Helen. "Now you're needing a
wrapper, but that"
"a wrapper indeedw interrupted
Mrs Raymond in fine scOrn. "a
wrapper isn't a 'trinket for me! I'd
have wrappers anyway, Of course. But
then, I might have known. You never
think l need anything but wrappers
and-and Goldfish I'm glad I've got
one child that-that appreciates 7"
And Mrs. Raymond lifted her handker-
chief to her eyes.
Across the table Helen caught her
lower lip between her teeth. For a
moment she did not speak; then very
gently she said:
Mother, you didn't quite mean that,
I'm sure. You know very we'll that /
I'd dress you in silks and velvets, and
feed you on Strawberries and cream,
if l could. It's only that-that-- But
never mind. Use the dollar as you
please, dear. Isn't there something
some little thing you would like"
Mrs. Raymond lowered her handker-
chief. Her grieved eyes looked re-
proaChfully across at her daughter.
I'D thought ola tie; a lace tie
with pretty ends; nice tie. You know
how l like nice things"
"Of course, you do; and you shall
have it, too" cried Helen. "Pll bring
some home tomorrow night for you to
select from. Now, that will be fine,
won't it,"
The other drew a resigned sigh.
"'Fine'! That's just like you, Helen,
You never appreciate, never realize
Perhaps you think it's fine to stay
meWed up at home here and have ties
brought to you instead of going out
yourself to the store and buying them,
like other women"
Helen did not answer. AS we'll she
knew she did not need to- Her mother,
once started on this subject, asked
only for listener. YEARLY the girl
rose to her feet and began to clear
the table.
And it isn't as if he didn't have his
hands full, just running over full with
his business and ALL" continued Mrs
Raymond. you know how successful
he is, Helen. Now there's that club
what was it, president or treasurer that
thing; and that shows how popular he
is. And you know every letter tells
us something new. I'm sure it isn't any
wonder I'm proud of him; and relieved
tool did hope some one of my chill
dren would amount to something; and
I'm sure Herbert has"
There was pause. Herbert's sister
was washing the dishes now, hurriedly
nervously. Herbert's mother watched
her with dissatisfied eyes.
"Now, there's you, Helen, and your
music" she began again, after Ions
sigh. You know how disappointed
was about that"
"Oh, but piano practice doesn't hell
to sell goods across the counter" OBJ
served Helen duly. "At least, never
heard that it did"
"Sell goods" moaned the other
always something about selling
goods Helen, can't you get YOU
mind for one moment off that dreadful
store, and think of something higher?'
"But it's the store that brings us IL
our bread and butter-and Goldfish,
added Helen, half under her breath.
1t was foolish allusion, born of {
much-tired spirit; and Helen regretted
the words the moment they had lief
her lips.
Eyes, that's exactly what it brings
Goldfish" gloomed Mrs. Raymond. I'm
glad you at least realize that"
There was no reply. Helen wa
working faster now. Her cheeks wer,
mink, and her hands trembled AS sOOl