The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-02-14
~ JOUR mothers gone down
downstairs" he said in
voice Of distress. "One Of

downstairs" he said in a
voice Of distress. "One Of
the button holes in my
shirt is too large and I can't keep the
dang thing fastened. I don't
know vat to do about it!
only got one other white
shirt, and it's kind Of ruined; tried
it before I did this one. Do you s'pose
you could do anything
I'll see," she said.
My collars got a frayed edge" he
complained, as she examined his trou-
blesome shirt. It's a good deal like
wearing a saw; but I expect it'll wilt
down fiat pretty soon, and not bother
me long. I'm liable to wilt down fat,
myself, expect; I don't know as
remember any such hot night in the
last ten or twelve years" He lifted
his head and shifted the faced air,
which was laden with a heavy odor.
My. but that smell is pretty strong, d"
he said
stand still. please. papa" Alice
begged him. 4 can't see what's the
matter if yfu move around. How alb
surd you are about your old glue
smell, papal There isn't a vestige Of
it, Of course"
It didn't mean glue he informed
her. 'I mean cabbage Is that fash
ionable now. to have cabbage when
there's company for dinner?"
That isn't cabbage, papa. It's
Brussels sprouts"
"Oh. is it? I don't mind it much.
because It keeps that glue smell of
me, but it's fairly strong. I expect
you don't notice it so much because
you been in the house with It all
along, and got used to it while it
was growing"
'It Is pretty dreadful" Alice said.
Are all the windows open down
stairs?"
I'll go down and see. If you'll just
fix that hole UP for me-"
I'm afraid I can't" she said. mot
unless you take your shirt off and
bring It to me. I'll have to sew the
hole smaller"
"Oh. well. I'll go ask your mother
To-"
4NOs sd4u <Al4CG. one y SOL every
thing on her hands. Run and take it
off. Hurry. papa; I've got to arrange
the flowers on the table before he
comes.''
He went away, and came back
presently, half undressed, bringing
the shirt. There's one comfort" he
remarked, pensively, as she worked.
I've got that collar Off-for d while.
anyway. I wish I could go to the
table like this; could stand it a good
deal better. Do you seem to be MAX
ing any Roadway with the dang
thing?"
Il think probably I can"
Downstairs the door-beU rang, and
Alice's arms jerked with the shock.
"Golly"' her father said. did you
stick your finger with that fool
needIe?"
She gave him a blank stare. Hes
comet
She was not mistaken, for, upon
the little veranda. Russell stood fac
ing the closed door at last How
ever, it remained closed for a con
siderable time after he rang Inside
the house the warning summons of
the bell was Immediately followed by
another sound, audible to Alice and
her father as a crash preceding a
series Of muffled falls. Then came a
distant voice, bitter in complaint.
"Oh, Lord!' said Adams. What's
that?"
Alice went to the top Of the front
stairs, and her mother appeared in
the hall below.
Mama
Mrs. Adams looked up. Its all
right" she said. in a loud whisper.
Gertrude fell down the cellar stairs.
Somebody left bucket there. and"
She was interrupted by a gasp from
Alice, and FASTENED TO reassure her.
Don't worry, dearie. She may limp
a little, but"
Adams leaned over the banisters.
did she break anything?" he asked.
'Hushr' his wife whispered. No
She seems upset and angry about it.
mere than anything else; but she's
rubbing herself, and she'll be all right
in time to bring in the little sand
witches. Alice. Those fiowersl"
II know, mama But"
Hurry" Mrs. Adams warned her.
Both of you hurry! I must let him
in!'
She turned to the door, smiling cor
daily, even before she opened it.
DO come right in, Mr.. Russell" she
said. loudly, lifting her voice for adj
ditional warning to those above. I'm
so glad to receive you informally,
this way, in our own little home.
There's a hatrack here under the
stairway" she continued as Russell,
murmuring some response, came into
he hall. I'm afraid you'll think it's