Smyrna times., 1932-05-25
WEEKLY STORY
AROUND TABLE
Reading to While Away Time
Under the Evening Lamp
When Days Work is Done
INTERESTING READING
"SOPRONIA PROTECTS JIM"
By Lolah Treadwell Lee
.ITH faltering step the old lady


Travellers Aid in the interurban
depot
I'm Mrs. Cutler" she Informed
the attendant, hesitantly. "Be We
right sure nobody's asked fer me?"
For the second time the girl shook
her head.
Daisy Cutler walked slowly back
10 the bench and sat down beside
her aged suitcase and shopping bag.
For a moment her faded, blue
eyes stared anxiously at the door
which led to the street, then from
her purse she took a letter and
opened 1t.
Your boys In q ness,'' she read
slowly. you better come here. Get
the early train from Sunset Point.
II gets here at ten. I'll meet you.
Something's got to be done about
Jim. Your Sister. Sopronia."
Daisy sat staring into space, the
letter crushed in her work worn
hand.
Il wonder what Jim could'a done"
she mused. Its only been a week
since | got that long letter from
him. He's a good. hard working boy
an a good son TO me. Sopronia al
lus said | was too easy with him.
but her boy. Fred. never did love
an trust her like my boy does me,
even If | didn't lick him enough
like she said"
Again she glanced toward the
door. Coming toward her was So
pronia, her square-cut face barren
of expression.
I'm right glad to see you. Daisy"
she said. as she stopped to pick up
the suitcase "Come on. well get a
street car right away"
II couldn't help bein' late" she
went on. "The cars right close.
Come on" With the suitcase in one
hand and healthy grip on Daisy
with the other, she started toward
the door. talking constantly and at
the top of her voice.
Several times Daisy attempted to
speak. then gave up in despair.
Tmpatiently Sopronia helped her
up the step and into the car; then
still gripping her arm. dropped the
suitcase and turned to the conduc-
tor.
81 want off at Salina street." she
informed him. grabbing his shoulder
and turning him completely around
from counting change into another
woman's hand.
He nodded and she steered Daisy
to a seat, then piled the suitcase
and shopping bag near her.
Il told him." she resumed. utter,
ly oblivious of the other passengers.
that not while | lived could be
marry such a woman. He just
laughed at me, his own aunt, an it
made me mad | been tryin' to
watch over him an he amt got no
sense"
Il wish you'd let me be, though.
Sopronia." came Daisy's quavering
voice. 81 amt got much money an
travelin' costs a tot"
"Well. If he's goin' to live In my
house. he's a goin' to be decent r.
came firmly from Sopronia. II know
that grill Her very name means
carousin' an doin' things as ain't
decent mind the time back home
when she stepped on my corn right
after church services, SOS I wouldn't
see her squeeze the preachers
hand. She makes her livfn' nov
posin' fer artists. seen one o. the
picturesi She didn't have nc
clothes on, Jest filmy piece O. lace
fioatin' about her middle"
Daisy opened her mouth to speak
but Sopronia took no notice.
Il come to Los Angeles to live
Daisy; to git away from kin-folks,
she went on. "Then your Jim had
to walk in on me an ask to live
with me. What could do but take
I'm in?" She folded her hands
across her stomach, stiff and taut
"He stays out nights. sometimes till
eleven o'clock. He smokes ciga.
rettes an reads magazines with pic.
lures O. naked women In 'em"
"But Sopy-"
Sopy shook Daisy's hand rudely
from her arm.
I'm goin' to have my sayi" she
informed her vehemently. "Jin
can't run around with that girl As
soon as be seen her he grinned an
she set her cap fer him. I reckon
know the signsi She amt no better
than she should bel She rolls her
eyes ct the men an puts black paint
around 'em. tool She paints her lips
an"
Daisy closed her eyes wearily but
the alert Sopronia put the quietus
on such rudeness.
"What you goin' to do about it?'
she demanded. pompously. You're
his mother. II my boy Fred acted
out like that I'd"
"Sopy." said Daisy. wearily, "you
wrote me to come here, that my boy
was in trouble. I been here an hour
an you amt done nothin' but go on
about girl. What's she got to DR.
with It? Who Is she?"
"You ought to knowp exploded
Sonronia. 'T'm a talkin' about that