Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1923-07-05
CHAPTER vI.-continued
g.

''Living-or getting ready to. He's
Just moved in"
"My land p Mrs. Wopple, who had
been standing in the doorway, leaned
against the iamb, as If props in her
system had suddenly given way.
'Well, if he's goin' to try to live up
there, he must be awful poor"
81 don't know" replied Mrs. Pen
fleld calmly. 81 haven't asked him."
"Guess there amt no need" shifted
Mrs. Wopple. factions is good 'nough
evidence. At his time of life, he must
be a failure If he's willin' to hang
out in a place that nobody ever
thought of Twin in. Me, I'm glad I'm
well connected. Amt nobody in my
family but what lives better'n | do
and I'm pretty comfortable"
"That's NICE" commented Mrs. Pen
field cordially. "Ain't nothing SO sat
isfying as being satisfied"
"There you go laughin' again." said
Mrs. Wopple, with touch of exas-
peration. 81 s'pose in another min
ute you'll be tellin' me you like failure
better'n success"
Mrs. Penfield was amused, rather
than offended. "No, shan't, although
sometimes there amt much diff'runce
In em. Depends on what kind you
mean. There's some kinds of success
that I'd be glad to head straight for.
But I expect you meant money, cause
that's what Uncle Jerry amt giving
many symptoms Of having"
"Sure I meant money. Way it's
with me, hain't got no respect for
man that can't make money"
'Is that 500" Mrs. Penfeld's ques-
ton was purely rhetorical; also care
fully impersonal, although mentally
she glanced for q moment at the
weakened man who was Mrs. Wopple's
husband, with the selfish, inquisitive
eyes and the selfish, grasping hands.
money success is something I've
specialized bout considerable; It's
one of the queerest things know Of.
Pears like it amt anything in itself !;
it's just something that you can use
any way you like"
Exactly" put in Mrs. Wopp1e, nod
ding vigorously. THAT'S why"
"Say Car'line, where in thunder's
your hammer? And you got any old
tin? The mouse-holes Is as thick =
The voice, growing nearer, stopped
abruptly as Uncle Jerry entered the
Kitchen and perceived an unknown
neighbor. Mrs. Penfeld introduced
him.
PLEASED to meet you, I'm sure" ac-
amowledged Mrs. Wopple irreproach-
ably. 81 hope you're goin' to enjoy
yourself in Mis- Penheld's loft" Her
voice was acidly sweet.
Jerry Winston's eyes twinkled.
Thanks. I'm going to s'prise you by
doing that very thing"
TO Mrs. Penfield's amazement, they
looked steadily at each other through
a moment of tacit appraisement, more
significant than speech. And it was
ae If each felt the decision of the
other and acted upon it, for Mrs.
Wopple flushed and departed with
stammered leave-taking and when
she had gone, Jerry Winston laughed.
Sweet little daniel" he murmured.
''Pepper up an icicle, and you got her
duplicate, ehT"
"Sh-h, Uncle jerry" begged Mrs.
Penfield In a whisper. Here's Per-
ennial Prue coming, and wouldn't
have her hear you"
"Who's she?" inquired Uncle Jerry,
IN a corresponding whisper. II guess
IN get out"
"You will not" Mrs. Penfeld
caught his hand. "She's one of the
incest" She broke off.
Prudence Hapgood was standing in
the doorway. She was of delicate
build, dainty, with a pretty air of
self-possession that resulted from the
consciousness of family background
No longer young, she had yet retained
many Of the elements of youth, like a
flower that has been dipped in wax.
"If I'm intruding-"
Nonsense, my DEAR" interposed
Mrs. Penfeld. You're always well
GO1uSs DSSluSSt WdAL yOQ u SSI
acquainted with my Uncle Jerry"
Prudence Hapgood acknowledged
the Introduction with grace that was
unusual In The Custard Cup. But
Jerry Winston betrayed embarrass-
ment, most surprising, most unlike
his accustomed assurance. A flush
rose under his heavy tan; he mum
bled incoherently.
"Pve heard about you," said Pru-
dence. "And sometime I want to
hear about the lumber and the camp
and the woods and-everything. I
make pillow tops, and I need some
new designs I'm looking for an in
spiration."
'Tnspi- Why, now, look here-that
Is, artistic things amt in my line.
="
She smiled at him gently. 81 should
DO the designing, Mr.. Winston, but I
need new motif. rye been using
GOwers and black cats and holly. I