New Britain herald., 1923-12-21
Dr. Braithwaitc Accepted the situation


 Dr. Edwin Braithwaite turned as- tonished and unconsciously reproach- ful eyes upon his wife at Dicky's in- adyertent revelation.
 Why, what's this, Harriet" he asked helplessly. Going away to- morrow? You haven't told me
 l dug my elbow warningly into Harriet's arm.
 '"She hasn't had time,' 1 struck in Eaily. If you're going to chastise anybody. Edwin, cut a rod for me I'm the guilty party. It was l. alone, all by myself. who thought of this plan, and enticed Harriet into joining me at the farm for few days. Indeed she nasn't promised me certainly yet, but of course Dicky jumped to the conclusion that she had"
 A Tactless Remark
 Don't you belive word. Ed win," Dieky admonished. T don't know much about my sister these later years, but my spouse is the most accomplished bunk thrower in existence. For instance, l was led to believe but a few minutes ago that Harriet was the one panting to leave home and husband and was dragging Madge along reluctantly by the hair
 I planned several slow tortures for my tactless husband in the few sec onds which elapsed before I gathered enough breath for a retort. Why could he not have played up to my "A ( t,,, 10 have Harriet leave her husband to his own devices, as an offset to the too assiduous care with which she had surrounded him for years; it was distinctly something else sgain"-I recalled the phraseology of Lilian's old cclored cook with a smile--to hurt and offend him by having him believe her anxious to get away.
 'I fancy Edwin knows Harriet well enough to take your chatter for what it is worth" I replied, with an edge to my voice which l hoped picky would recognize as a signal to keep quiet. "The whole thing, Ed win"-I turned to him-"was planned by me because Of Mother Graham. You know she is getting older and feebler each year and she is really pitiful in her anxiety to have Harriet with her for good long visit"
 was speaking but the truth in the last words. Indeed I had felt distinct irritation against Harriet for her willingness 70 sacrifice her mothers longings to her husbands convenience. was sure of my generous, big hearted brother-in-law response, however, and his prompt reply iusti- fled my belief.
 Why. of course :" he said heart fly. Harriet ought to go, and I shall get along famously never fear. 1t WAS only, my dear" he turned to his wife gallantly. that l was so taken by surprise. But, really, you could not go at a better time. I am feeling unusually fit, and my pa tient is in such good hands and has rallied so wonderfully that I have no special anxiety there. Dick and will ramble around New York that is if he can put up with an old man's-"
 The Note Of Psthos
 Didn't tell you?" Dicky dc. manded of me. What old Ed and will do to poor old Broadway"
 No doubt ws shall find it a deep maroon tint when we get back" l rec turned. But we don't envy you. Wen be feeding tho chickens and huggins Junior"
 "1ll trade anything on Broadway for that privilege" Juniors uncle said, and there was that in his voice as he uttered the apparently testing words which clutched at my heart strings. That Harriet recognized the note also I knew by the conyulsive fwitch of her arm next 10 mine, and l hastened a commonplace return.
 You ought to be able to run out and take the privilege in couple of days, couldn't you? You could see Mrs. Durkee before you tcok the early train on one day, and after you come back on the eve ming one then ext. That would give you almost two days with us."
 That's splendid idea, Madge." he said with enthusiasm. T ought