New Britain herald., 1925-12-21

Shuffling back through the pages, column.
 Thought you'd come to it."
 Well" admitted Barbara, smiling shamefacedly. "I never would have done it If l hadn't visited the baby department of The Fair. Thought I'd test your theory. And what l saw there was enough. All sorts ages and conditions of women crowding there. somr to buy, but many just to look around.
 "The buyer told me that dozens of old maids come in and look a, the things. Some of them say noth- ing, and others talk about fictitious nephews and nieces, But they're oil there, because the place fascinates them, she says.
 'I guess you win. But it's an awful state of affairs, isn't it?'
 McDermott raised his eyebrows. That's a sophomoric remark. This baby matter is one of the things you cant beat. Life breaks all your weapons" He whirled about and be- gan to peck away at his old type writer with the faithful two fingers. Barbara went back to her desk with steps that almost danced. She caught Miss Badgers hostile eye and sobered at once. Bob Jeffries sauntered over 10 hear what had happened. Barbara told him of the 1 promotion.
 Fine and dandy" he exclaimed, Aren't we coming up in the world? 1 It seems like yesterday that l was ! taking a scared cub out to q rail- road wreck and cautioning her to 1 call the city editor before she faint cd"
 { Barbara threw a wad Of paper at him. Don't talk about it. Do you suppose l want to be reminded of my humble beginnings at time like this?"
 Jimmy came in with a tall, irregu- lar parcel tied with red ribbons. He set it on Barbara's desk.
 She seized her clipping scissors and cut the ribbons. The paper fell away, revealing tall poinsettia plant, with three velvety red blos- sons.
 How lovely" cried Barbara. Her hands, as they pulled out a little envelope hidden among the leaves trembled.
 Bob stood watching, He saw heI face fall. Its Sinbad Sullivan" she said, obviously struggling to hide hel disappointment.
 "Wow!" commented Bob. "Pool
 old Sinbad. He must have beer
 really sorry about the Lighthouse spree That little posy has cost hin
 pretty penny, and Sinbad's no
 been having such good sleddine
 lately. either. He's beginning to fint
 that he cant even hold down q press
 agent job and be drunk half thu
 time"
 Anyhow it was nice of him,
 cried Barbara, and I shall call hin
 up and tell him so.'
 "Tll drive you home with it, 1
 you're ready to go now" said Bob
 Wells called after them as the! were leaving, Down early in tn morning, folks. We'll get out thu final at thirty so you can all ge home for Christmas dinner" The grind that never stops, grumbled Bob as he rang for tn elevator,
 { Barbara awoke at five o'clock, t l find sher mother laying a fire on he < bedroom hearth. I Why, mumsy, dear. what mad l you get up at this impossible hour {? . Mrs. Hawley strengthened he r body. Her face was white an l strained, Barbara sat up and locke
 at her mother. Are you ill mother t You're very white" ;. 'No, I'm all right. Didn't spen e a very comfortable night, but noth g ing. serious. l got up because n couldn't sleep and also because e knew you had an especially earl g start to make ths morning. Lie sti n few minutes and the room will IS warm enough to dress in." IS "Mumsy. dear, what would I d ', without your thoughtfulness? Tn n feverish life I lead would have slai d me long ago if it hadn't been fc e you"
 t Mrs. Hawley drowned, Its tc l. hard a life, Barbara. I'm afraid fC a you"
 t "No, 1t isn't, mother. I like it. e except when have 10 get up ar ss so to work Christmas mornings l. She rolled over and looked out il y window. A thin fall of snow W; e sitting down against a leaden grs ,e sky. A bare twig on the maple trt Sc was pecking away at the windo
 pane.
 ) Regular white Christmas" sa
 Barbara. wish didn't have to lea' VI nome" me ,-. .....,,, |, :,