The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-26
EMAIL and stately" had been ss Manville's description of his
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|<I"ALL and stately had been Manville's description of his
 aunt. "Meddlesome. and cranky" I added in my thoughts. How ever, I wasted no time but at once prepared the room for her reception. I would be nice to her. Perhaps she might be more comfortable to have around than I thought. Anyway, 1t was Manville's house--as he never failed to impress upon me. He could do as he pleased. x.
 Because he paid the bills, supported me entirely, Manyille used to tell me that as long, as he supported tho estab- lishment and me he intended to be boss the same as he was in his office. He expected me to give tbe same un- questioning obedience to his orders as did the stenographers and bookkeepers in the office. He allowed no argu- ment or question there, neither did he in his home. So, although my heart was heavy, carried out his wishes at once. I knew that should she come and I had not done so he would not forgive me nor fail to make me mis- erably unhappy. t4
 You will miss your nice, sunny room," Nancy said as she helped me with the finishing touches.
 "Yes, but MT. Hyde's aunt may not remain long. She wrote her health was not good, so we are going to make her as comfortable as possible" 1 said it bravely enough, but all the time kept saying to myself, "I hope some thing happens she won't come"
 Is aunt's room ready?" Manville asked. T had a wire this afternoon. She will be with us in the morning. Her train. arrives about eleyen-thirty. I shall meet her and remain at home to luncheon. She will appreciate a little attention just at first when she is strange-until you and she become acquainted"
 We went upstairs and he looked at the room. He turned back the bed ding to see if I had put sufficient quantity upon the bed; ordered me to get out my rose colored down com fort Elsa had sent me and which was my pride and joy, the only bit of the rose colored room I had planned which has come true. I obeyed with flaming cheeks. Manville knew loved to lie on the divan to read with that lovely soft quilt thrown over me.
 Wont this one do as we'll ?"' I asked, bringing in a tan one just as good. No, that rose one will brighten up the room wonderfully. Bring that" did as he told me, but had he known the spiteful feeling it engendered to- ward his aunt, doubt if he would have insisted. felt almost like a murderess. wanted to strangle his Aunt Cynthia.
 He was pleased with the room, how ever, with the way I had arranged it, and told me so with kiss. for got my murderous feelings because of the embrace and the approving words. But I turned to look at my rose col Ored comforter as we left the room, longing to go snatch it from the bed and carry it back to my own room.
 In the morning before Manville left I he gave cook explicit directions about luncheon; warned her once more not to fail to have breakfast at 7:30; eau tioned me to see that his wishes were carried out, then left me.
 I'd not stay in house where the man gives the orders and upsets me like he does if it wasn't for the good wages and bein' sorry for that, young thing what don't have no say about anythin, overheard the cook say to Nancy, and it comforted me-be- cause she had said she was sorry for me. 4 &a ax
 Sorry for sher!' Nancy sputtered. t"Why, cook I wouldn't change places with her for anything! ! She don't dare to say her soul. is her own. Not that he ain't good provider, and she has fine home. But that ain't every thing, not when you are young"
 No, Nancy. was right a It wasn't everything. And it was growing harder