The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-04-15

ling in too-tight ringlets. She looked like her mother but instead of be- ing slender she was squareiy built and chubby. Her name was Lucia Elizabeth.
 I'm pleased to meet you" sim- pered the child in a manner that l had evidently been rehearsed. Junior the boy, put forward ono hand and mumbied something inaudible.
 What have you been readingT' | Gypsy asked.
 l "Kidnapped!" Junior answered :. Without another word he faced about and returned to the sofa. l Gypsy smiled down att he little girl. She was wondering how to begin a conversation when Lucia Elizabeth solved the problem. You're our aunt what?" she asked.
 Aunt what?" "WeII--this is Aunt Ellen and that's Aunt Abbie. You're our aunt what?"
 "oh, see" Gypsy spoke. en- frightened. My name is Gypsy. Aunt Gypsy I guess"
 Lucia Elizabeth stared at herf, then began to laugh. What funny name,' she exclaimed. Aunt Gypsy-isn't that funny"
 Lucia Elizabethv her mother said severely. Where are your manners? It's not funny name. 1t only seems sol"
 But it is funnyv' the child pro- tested loudly. 'It isn't a name at all. Why. gypsies are funny old dirty people. saw some last sum- mer. They tell fortunes and steal babies-"
 "That will dol" Lucia Wallace's voice was stern. Her daughter looked down sullenly, then sank to the edge of a chair.
 By thhis time Gypsys checks were flushing. Charles Manley spoke to 1 her and she turned toward him with evident relief. He placed chair for her and she sat down. Gypsy felt she should address her hos tess.
 "The house looks lovely" she said to Miss Wallace. "1 don't see how you managed to get everything settled so quickly"
 Aunt Ellen was sitting erect in her favorite high backed chair. T
 
 said. "Of course, after being &C., custmed to big house it's quite a change" She interjected a sigh. But I'll get used to it."
 Aren't you going to show us the place?" Jim asked.
 ''I'll show you" Abbie Manley volunteered. I've just been through it myself. You and Gypsy come with me"
 Aunt Ellen held up one hand. q think little later. Abbie." she said but Mrs Manley was on her feet. l "We'li have time" Abbie in lsisted. Come on. Gypsy. There's a lovely view from the bedroom win dow and the kitchen is wonderful"
 Jim leaned back. You two go along" he said. "Ben's telling me how to get rich quick" Gypsy and Mrs Manley stepped into the hall. There were six rooms in the cottage but they were large. The central hallway (counted as a room) divided the living room from the dining room. Back of the living room was Miss Wallace's bedroom and at the back Of the house was room for the maid. The pantry afid kitchen were on the other side. Ab-
 
 tractive features. They came to the kitchen last.
 Abbie drew back the door and they were greeted by the inviting odors of cooking food.
 Hello, Harriet" called Gypsy from the doorway.
 ! The cook turned and her face | lighted. "Howdo, Mis- Wallace" she answered. She put down the potato masher which she had been yielding vigorously. "It's good to see you here"
 "My--what a fine kitchen you have" Gypsy said smiling. Every things so fresh and white I guess it's a pleasure to work in such a place. We miss you. Harriet. Say. something certainly does smell good."
 There isn't better cook in For est City than Harriet" Abbie Man. lye put in.
 Harriet's face showed that she was pleased. She began beating the potatoes again. Gypsy glanced over her shoulder. Miss Wallace had come up behind them.
 ''Well. really-." Ellen Waliace's tone was exasperated. If Where's to be any dinner in this house to- night I'm afraid Harriet will have to be allowed to get 1t on the table. It's nearly seven o'clock, Abbie. Don't you think you two had better go back to the living room?"
 Miss Wallace scared into the kitchen. Gypsy and her companion fled. Never mind Aunt Ellen," Abbie whispered into the girls ear. She's on her high horse tonight. Ii doesn't mean thing"
 Fifteen minutes later they were ushered into the dining room Gypsy and Jim were given places of honor at Aunt Ellen's right. Ben Wallace sat next to Gypsy and di- rectly opposite was Lucia. hiss wife Mrs Nicholson sat in state at the foot of the table.
 Harriet served the soup. It was an elaborte five-course dinner and the food was delicious but Gypsy had no appetite. Whenever she looked up Lucia Walalce's small dark eyes were watching her bel. ligerently. Jim made several at. tempts at general conversation but gave up the effort. Junior sauirmed in his chair and was scolded for refusing to eat his spinach. So. phronia Nicholson made use of the opportunity to deliver lecture on how grateful small boys should be for a good home and plenty ot n0urishing food. There were other little boys in the world, she assured Junior, who would be glad to eat