The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1926-12-09

rnree steps AT time, anu sodl}
opened the door of the great front
bedroom.
II was a lovely room. darkened now
beautifully arranged and furnished
Nothing in ii was as beautiful as llIe.
woman who was lying upon the bed,
staring at the ceiling. She looked
scarcely older than Mary herself.
Tumbled masses of red hair spread
over the pillow. She turned her face
quickly from Mary
Mother, I'm going to bring you
some tea and toast In a jiffy, unless
you feel like coming down."
~ don't want anything. Don't
trouble" came in soft murmur from
the bed.
"Oh, mother, don't take It so hard !
I'm getting on famously and the coun>
try people here are wonderful. What
do yol think The grocer-the one
with a funny little short name
Dabbs-that's 1t, Is sending a woman
to cook and clean for us this after
noon. BY tomorrow Wen have not
only clean house, but probably a
new batch OF maids and a cook from
the city. Then you can be properly
fed"
Her mother raised herself on one
elbow, staring at her daughter with
level, unblinking brown eyes. Seen
face TO face she appeared Older than
Mary, but one would hardly have class
flied them as mother and daughter.
Sisters would have been a reasonable
guess.
Mary. what did you say the grocer's
name was?"
''Dabbs," repeated Mary. Funny
name"
Isn't this place called Clover Hol.
low"
Yes, mother, but the grocer comes
from Peace Valley There are no
shops In Clover Hollow"
Mary's mother sank back on her
pillows and muttered something that
sounded like: "oh my soul The last
straw {"
Mary looked puzzled and little
frightened. This was the first time in
her life that she had known her strong,
capable mother to give way TO her
nerves.
Mother. can't you tell me what's
wrong?"
mo, can't just now, Mary girl. Its
a little financial bother, and until
understand II better myself, can't
talk about IT, Run along like good
child. My head will soon be all right
again." Then the head was lifted and
the eyes fixed upon her daughter.
"oh do take that ugly apron of J"
1--WE been so busy forgot It."
Mary was more hurt than apologize
To tidy big house like this, and make
something to eat, was quite an achieve
mcnt, for any girl, and especially one
unaccustomed to doing Il. She had
looked for praise.
ut makes you look" her mother
gave an odd, hysterical giggle-'ft
makes you look grocer's daugh-
ter. For heavens sake, take II of "
Mary went downstairs more slowly
than she had come up. She wished
her mother would eonfide in her, for
she must be awfully worried about
money TO act like this. Mary won.
dered, idly, IL II meant that they would
have to give up the proposed trip to
California and Honolulu this fall.
They might possibly have TO stay In
New York all winter. They might
even be so poor that they would have
10 stay here In the country. There
was something that appealed to Mary
In this thought, II only mother could
be kept amused.
Ever since sMany.s childhood, she
had realized that the first duty OF the
world and the people therein, herself
included was to keep mother amused.
When she was not amused, Mary's
heavens were dark. II was not that
It took so much to amuse her. Some
times new book or visit from n
friend, and the sun shone again but
woe betide any place or person boring
her for two consecutive days. They
were Immediately obliterated from her
life
Mary sat down to rest on one OF the
steps. Her thoughts went back
through the years to all the hotel
suites they had occupled-the rented
villas, apartments In Spain, Italy and
France All had been delightful, but
she would love to stay here and see an
American winter To watch the sea-
sons change from spring to summer,
summer to autumn, autumn to win
ter here in her own countryl II
would he delightful, wonderful.
Mary rose slowly and went down
stairs. One thing certain. she must
not bother mother now. and she must
make her a cup of tea.
Mary opened the door leading to the
kitchen. Then she stared with aston.
ishment and dismay at the grocer's
hoy drying the dishes.
ooh !" exclaimed Mary.
The "grocer's boy" began tugging at
HE anrnn efrinoe wiehinp that no bod