The Pensacola journal., 1922-11-14
New Revelations of
a Wife
What Madae Arranged for LiIlian's
Daughter over the Long Dis.
tance Phone.
BY ADELE GARRISON

"nat Mad9e Arranged for LiIian'S
Daughter over the Long Dis
tance 'Phone.
''Number?"
Central droned the word sleepily, al
most resentfully. 1t was long past md
night, but I seated at Lillian's desk tele-
phone behind the locked doors of ter
wonderful brown toned library had 10
thought of sleep. For without MO-
ment's delay l was putting into execu-
ton the plan which had come to me
for the disposition of little Marion dur
ing the inevitable coming trial of her
grandmothers death.
My home in Marvin wasn't a safe
place for the little creature even if
there had been anything unusual there
to interest her. And although Marion
liked me, yet I was unused to children
how the old haunting pain gripped me
at the thought-save as had dealt with
them in my schoolroom. She needed
more skilled care than mine, and even
as / had realized my own lack the
thought of the ideal place. the ideal
care, had flashed into my mind.
"Shaudaken, 135 F." I said clearly
into the telephone and as the girl re-
peated it there came to me vision Of
the cosey farmhouse in the Catskill
mountains which that telephone number
represented, and the true, kindly folks it
sheltered.
I knew that if there was any service,
even to life itself, which Robert Sa-
Varin, artist recluse of that farmhouse,
could render Lillian, liege lady Of Lis
heart. he would count it his greatest
privilege And during my stay in the
CatslxilI farmhouse l had learned so
much of the kindness and the sterling
worth of the artists sister, Mrs. Cos
grove, that 1 was sure l could count
on her for the thing, odd and unex-
pected as it was, which l meant 10 ask
OF her.
Marion was extremely fond of Robert
Savarin. This fact stood out in my
memory of his visit to us. And Mrs
Cosgrove, mother of a whole brood of
healthy youngsters, was just the person
to make the child forget her grief.
The telephone operator seemed un
conscionably long in getting me the
connection, but at last l heard the voice
of Mr.. Cosgrove, its jovial tones tenn
pered by the note of anxiety which 1
knew must accompany an after mid
night telephone message to the lonely
farmhouse.
This is Cosgrove's. Who is this,
please?
Il am Mrs. Graham, Mr.. Cosgrove."
Mrs. Who-?"
Mrs. Graham, Mrs. Richard Graham. |
Don't you remember I was there at the |
time Mr.. Savarin's paintings were so |
nearly stolen?''
"Oh, Mrs. Graham! OF courset Yes, I
yes. It's Mrs Graham, mother, Of New |
York"-evidently reassuring Mrs Cos |
grove. And what can 1 do for you? |
There's nothing wrong, 1 hope, with |
you"
"Brine Her Here
mot with me- I returned promptly, |
but friend of Mr.. Savarn's is in |
deep trouble, and 1 wish to ask his aid. |
But l think 1 would better speak to
Mrs. Cosgrove first"
Come on. mother. She wants to
talk to YOU
rather tremulous greeting before begin
ming my story of the dilemma in which
Lillian and I found ourselves concerning
little Marion.
The dear little thing!" sne inter-
rupted, before l had completed my story.
"Of course, bring her right up here.
I've heard Robert speak of ner so often,
and there are two lovely children board
ing here this summer; they and their
parents are the only people 1 have, SO
that she will have just enough ccinpan-
ionship. How soon can you get her
here?"
Madoe Has a Problem.
That's just my problem" re-
turned, encouraged by her cordial |
voice There are reasons which make
it impossible for either Mrs. Under
wood or myself to leave the city just
now: And she ought to get used to You
a bit before she goes away. I was
Father, call Robert" Her voice was
indistinct, and I knew that she had
turned her face from the receiver. The
next moment it was strong and clear
again as she spoke to me.
"Of course, Robert will have to come
with me. for he already knows the child
and 1 don't" she said rapidly. IF we
hurry we can catch the milk train, and
be in New York in a few hours. l am
so glad to do this for Mrs. Underwood's S
child. AS you may imagine. 1 am in
Roberts confidence, and l am sure
you understand. Robert has her address,
I know. Shall we come straight to the
house?"
Yes, and oh. if you knew
Never mind thanking me. We
haven't time if we catch that train.
I hung up the receiver, a bit over
at the promptness with which
Mrs Cosgrove had caught and inter-
preted my wish I had known that she
was a woman of keen perceptions, quick
decisions. and strong initiative, but her
almost instantaneous acceptance Cf my
meaning was a surprise as well rs a
joy.
As 1 left the library and went to the
sick room to give what assistance could
to katherine and the physician l Won
1ered what Lillian would say when l
should tell her of the summary manner
IN which I had arranged her affairs.
OF one thing I was shrewdly sure,
hayS iobt tot her