Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1927-06-23

only clean house, but probably a
new batch of maids and 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 Glover Hol-
low?"
eyes, mother, but the grocer comes
from Peace Valley. There are no
shops in Glover Hollow"
Mary's mother sank back on her
pillows and muttered something that
sounded like: '"Oh my soul The last
strawr'
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, I can't just now, Mary-girl. Its
little financial bother, and until
understand it better myself, 1 can't
talk about it. Run along like a good
child. My head will soon be all right
again." Then the head was lifted and
the eyes fixed upon her daughter.
ooh do take that ugly apron off,"
''I've been so busy I forgot it."
Mary was more hurt than apologize.
To tidy big house like this, and make
something to eat, was quite an achieve
ment, for any girl, and especially one
unaccustomed to doing it. She had
looked for praise.
''It makes you look" her mother
gave an odd, hysterical giggle-'ft
makes you look--like grocer's daugh-
ter. For heavens sake, take it off !"
Mary went downstairs more slowly
than she had come up. She wished
her mother would confide in her, for
she must be awfully worried about
money to act like this. Mary won
dered, idly, if it 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
| to stay here in the country. There
was something that appealed to Mary
in this thought, if only mother could
be kept amused.
Ever since Mary'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. It was not that
it took so much to amuse her. Some
times a new book or visit from, a
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 occupied-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 country! It
would be delightful, wonderful.
Mary rose slowly and went down
stairs. One thing certain, she must
not bother mother now, and she must
make her cup Of tea.
Mary opened the door leading to the
kitchen. Then she stared with aston
ishment and dismay at the grocer's
boy drying the dishes.
ooh" exclaimed Mary.
The 'grocer's boy" began Juggling at
his apron strings, wishing that he had
heard her coming. "Must look fool"
was his thought.
1T was very kind of you, but en-
tirely unnecessary" Mary spoke
severely.
Her tone reminded Ned of all he had
forgotten about his apparent station
in life. Suddenly he disliked this
blue-eyed girl intensely, if she was
that kind.
He slipped out of the offending
apron, took up his hat, and looked at
her gravely. 'I'll bring Mrs. Pulsifer
up after luncheon" he offered, Imply.
Mary's sense of humor, which had
mOmentarily deserted her, returned
She thought herself a fool to handle
the incident, however annoying, in this
manner.
"Oh, Mr.. Carter, will you please
bring up two pounds of Graham flour,
and some table SALT don't remember
how salt comes-and three cakes of
soap. I'm awfully grateful for all
. you've done for me-"
She blushed wildly at the end of
her speech. Ned instantly forgave her
everything.