New Britain herald., 1923-07-10
The Welcome Home Mother Graham
 Gave Madge

0dte Mdupe
 Margaret '' My mother-in-lav faced me sternly, as Mrs, Ticer, Kath crime and I. with Junior clinging t my hand, came into the farmhous' living room. Didn't you hear m' call you when you went past thu kitchen on your way to Ticer's2"
 turned to Katherine with an ex asperated little gesture.
 ''So she did call, after all v l said "The car made so much noise I wasn't sure, and knew you were in hurry for me to get to Mrs. Ticer's, So didn't stop"
 The keen eyes of my mother-in-law registered utter disbelief of my in- genuous exclamation.
 That may do for some people, she said grimly, but you cant pull any wool over MY eyes that way. You know very well that you had no business taking Richard Second with you, and you naturally didn't want to hear me. Well, I have nothing what ever to say
 Only" she went on inconsistentIy. If that blessed child gets pneumonia and dies, don't come to me for sym pathy. How do you do, Mrs. Ticer? ? It was good of you to come right over. Now if you'll come upstairs with me. I'll show you what I want done.
 No. Richard Second" as the child started to follow them, stay with your mother. I refuse to have the slightest responsibility for you, when my wishes are ridden over roughshod in the way they have been this morn- ing"
 She swept out of the room with Mrs. Ticer trailing in her wake, but I knew that as soon as she heard from our neighbor of the escaped boot legger, she would be down again. filled with the excitment which any suggestion of mystery always brings to her melodrama loving soul Kath- crime and I looked at each other blankly.
 "Never Say Dose Bad Words !'
 Gather ye roses while ye may" Katherine hummed with a little grim ace. II give her 30 seconds after Mrs. Tcer springs her news"
 Make it 20," I amended, and then, with the uneasiness which any com ment upon Juniors health gives me, pealed to Katherine
 Do you think taking him out did him any harm" l asked.
 If I had thought there was the slightest danger of his taking cold. you know I would have protested his going, myself she said gravely Come here. Junior. Come to Aunt Tattie''
 He ran toward her gladly, then, as if reminded of something, stopped and stamped his foot resoIutely.
 Never say dose bad words, Aunt Tattie said-never. never "
 Katherine flashed panic stricken look at me which ] returned. This .reiteration of his promise which Junior without doubt would repeat in his grandmother's hearing, was all most as bad as the original com ment on the august lady, his repeti- tion of which we had succeeded in suppressing
 "No use, I suppose, of any further cautioning," Katherine asked. as she | caught the youngster up in her arms. l
 Not a bit," l returned He has a one-track mind. There's but one thing to be done. When the un- avoidable explanation comes, I shall blacken your reputation by saying that you uttered an unladylike darn | with frills, that Junior heard you and | repeated the words, and that we made him promise never to say it again."
 Katherine Reassures Madge
 Tt sounds plausible" Katherine admitted reluctantly, but my soul 1 misgives me. However, it's on the lap of the gods. Let 1t rest there while give this youngster going over"
 She felt Juniors pulse. listened to his breathing, felt his wrists and fore head and looked at his tongue.
 There isn't thing the matter with him." she said. He may come down before night with everything from smallpox to housemaid's knee, but I'd stake my professional reputa. lion on his good condition now"
 Then going out with Us"
 Didn't hurt him bit. The fresh air was good for him. See how rosy his cheeks are If he'd had any temperature. of course - but he