New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-06-22
The Fine May Katherine Bipkeil
Promised a. Help lIaage

Promised "a Help lladge
katherine 2" ! exclaimed with Joy
IN ma eoiee,
AT youF Measure, my dear kaths
crime Beckett retuFne@s vita a warm
kiss Of greeting, 'isst AZ that, II Is
l who should he eEes-.ming 'Madge',
Ne one told me sou ssre coming,
fee distinctly deiTauded,"
'NO one knew" returned, \
didn't know myself until nieky an
nonneed he hal 20 so out Of the city
Tor a little trip, couldn't see stay
Ing IN that apartment by myself Tor
any longer time than II took me 20
dress and pack my bag"
How you do love city life ,''
Katherine gihed, ana then Katie
struck into the conversation with
pleading. dspFseatoTy note In her
voice,
"Plees exeoose. Missis Graham, but
would you sheost as soon talk some,
we're elses 'fraid ] get -four on
YOU"
''of course. Katie" returned. and
with Junior still elinging tightly "a
my hand. Katherine and I returned
10 the living room,
'Katisr IL planning some culinary
surprise for us,'' said as we drew
our chairs close 10 the ieaping blaze
In the fireplace. and Junior enddled
into my arms for the lots of low
tngs' he had demanded when ] came.
II thought so.'' Katherine replied.
smiling. she is so very transparent.
But where 10 Mother Graham? Not
I'll. ! hooper"
mot In body" ] answered. with a
troubled smile. But I believe she
means 10 engage you TO care Tor her
a. soon as Hhe sees you. She wishes
oil communication with the rest OF
the family 10 come through you until
she departs either for Pennsylvania
or Michigan"
Madge Confides In Katherine
"Whew |" Katherine emitted an as
fonished whistle. Again"
Very much again." returned
grimly.
feel no breach Of confidence In
telling Katherine of Mother Graham's
most recent tantrum. had first seen
this dear friend and learned to love
her when she nursed my irascible
mother-in-law through a severe III
ness In the first week of my marriage.
Even II Katherine had not since be-
come kinswoman of mine through
her marriage to my brother-cousin,
Jack Beckett she was too familiar a
Gate ga got aJ I,
Mother Graham's vegaries, for me to
attempt to keep her in ignorance OF
the latest temperamental spasm OF
that august body.
So. in few rapid words, I depict
ed the scene in which my mother-in-
law had played the leading role
Katherine listened attentively, but the
smile which quirked her lips soon
faded. and when I had finished, her
pretty mouth was a thin tight line.
and her eyes were flashing indigna-
ton.
And as usual, you were the ulti-
mate goat" she commented. Real
ly, Madge, you are altogether too
forbearing. II she were my mother
iYi-laW-"
''You Mean-w
You :" / scored. You'd be far
more patient than I. Remember, l
as If I'd moulded your flesh on your
bones, SO don't try to make yourself
out a belligerent lady, for you can't
do IT,
Little you know me - she retort-
ed. But we'll get nowhere disput-
Ing the point. SO suppose we talk
about something else until Mother,
What's the news along the Rialto?"
gave distinct start. I had for
gotten the thing which had meant
TO tell Katherine the moment l saw
her. It was a message from little
Mrs. Durkee. whispered to me the
asst thing before / left her home.
II have troubling news from the ,
Durkees," replied, and hurried on to
ell her OF Mrs. Durkee's mysterious
illness, her consultation with DR.. /
Foxham. and his verdict that he /,
'eared an operation would be neces- !
;ary. {
Alfred is to see DR.. Foxham this \
morning" said, land then he is to S
telephone me. But the last thing be-
ore let Mrs. Durkee whispered this
Message to me:
"If ! have to go to the hospital,
SIX Katherine If she will take care
# me-"
"As II ! would let anybody else
rine responded with wet eyes, and
hen, after a minutes thoughtful
tudy, she lifted her head.