New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-08-22
The Curious last Word" Katherine
Gave Madge.

The Curious Last Word" Katherine
Gave Madge.
"Well!" my mother-in-law ex-
claimed when with frequent excited
interruptions and questions from her,
I had finished my story of the hap
penings across the road. u can see
where we have that family on our
hands for a while"
LET me see" she continued spec
ulatively We have more potatoes
and cabbages and other vegetables
than we can possibly use before
Spring, and its no use trying to sell
them out here. And there's more
milk than the pigs need, and the
hens are laying fine now. We can
send them milk and eggs and yege-
tables, and perhaps a fitch or two
of that pork Jim put down last Fall
But it will take some money be-
sides I hope you thought of that
when you offered to take the care
of them on your shoulders"
Madse is Tackful.
Her tone held the old captious
note. and I realized that like a
spoiled child temporarily on its best
behavior, my mother-in-law had
been "ss good as she. could be" for
Just about as long as she could stand
1t. That she was tired and exceed
ingly nervous with the strain OF
preparing for the impending arrival
Of her daughter and her distinguished
son-in-law, l also knew. and hastened
to proffer the Scriptural soft an
swer."
Il don't expect to give them but
very little for their immediate ne
cessities," / said placatingly. TO
morrow, If the father has not been
released on bond, which appears en-
tirely probable, | shall report their
case to the Red Cross local. which
will investigate, and If relief is nee
essary, will see that town funds pro-
vide for them. But l am sure the
eggs and milk will be welcome, any
way. with so many little children"
TIN glad you had that much sense.
anyway" she answered in a more
Modified tone, ignoring the latter part
of my little speech. "But I wish
I'd gone over myself . However, I
suppose you did the best thing you
knew how. Do you want anything
more of me tonight?"
why no thank you Mother" an
swered hastily. fervently hoping that
she would not detect the smile which
was heroically pressing back from
my lips. -.
Then I'll go to bed" she an
ewered rising. I'm tired to death.
You two would better go to bed.
also, instead of chattering Here half
the night, as you're planning to do,
We've all got hard day In front of
us tomorrow"
You wrong us Mother Graham"
Katherine said lightly. IF Madge
attempts to talk longer than FIVE min
utes, | shall stalk out and leave her
spouting to the empty air."
That's No Empty Threat"
"Humph! I know both of you as
well as if I'd iointed you and put to-
gether," my mother-i law responded.
You can't fool mel But warn you,
] shall call you both at six, no matter
what time you go to bed"
And that's no empty threat"
Katherine groaned when my moth
er-in-lsw finally had taken her depar-
ture and | had closed the door be-
hind her. She means exactly what
she says. Six o'clock! Ugh, That's
my daily diet. l thought I'd be
often it for a day or two"
And so.you shall" ! said, indg-
nantly. you are under no obligation
to rise at that hour just because she
wishes you to-"
"No-o?" she drawled. DO you
imagine for one fraction of second
that with the lady in her present
frame of mind toward me, / shall do
anything to add to her fancied griev-
ance? Nay, nay little one. ! never
yet have stirred up the circus ami
mails at feeding time, and l don't
intend to begin now. After all, I
don't need the extra sleep, I'll have
my regular eight hours If / don't
tarry here too long, and more than
that is only an enervating luxury"
I'm glad you have a nice philo-
sophical name for it." rctorted.
But its shame to get you up.