Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-12-04
One Pleasant Afternoon With Junior in the Park

TT was all my own fault for accepting
Elsie's invitation. But I did want to go
down to New York for some shopping,
and when I received her letter I'd forgot
ten my last visit. Time, the wonderful
healer, had done its work What gets me
now though, is how I could have overlooked
Junior He was at the time Of my previous
visit and one of those children who make even
. 29- year-old female thankful for her spinster
hood. OF course, he wouldn't have been such
q brat if Elsie hadn't spoiled him so, but shed
never learned to say no where Junior was
concerned. She used up all her negatives on
poor Frederick.
Even at 5, Junior had been a menace to the
community. But that lived to learn, was
Nothing to what he could be at 6! Whereas,
the year before he had merely hurled lamps at
you if you crossed him. now he threw them with
intent to kill-or, at least, to MAIN for life.
From being a noisy nuisance who jumped up
and down your new straw hat, he had de-
veloped into husky young thug who wouldn't
mind if your head was inside the hat.
Elsie met me at the station looking as pretty
as ever, but little pale and wan. Why. with
her looks she should ever be jealous of Fred
erick will always remain one of the lesser mys-
teries Of life to me. Especially since Frederick
never sees another woman and is the COM
pletely docile husband in every respect.
On our way to her apartment in the East
Eighties, Elsie explained that she was little
tired, as Juniors nurse had left two days be-
fore and had not, as vet, been replaced
Really, Sally" she said, in that worried
voice Of hers, maids are terrible these days.
They don't know q good place when they have
one"
We arrived at the apartment to find the
nursery . shamhles with Junior banging his
head ON the floor while the cook, Enlda. tried
10 pacify him. At our entrance, she turned TO
Elsie with torrent of accusations. explana-
lions and invectives which thought 1t kinder
for me to ignore.
Hello Junior" said, walking over TO him.
do you remember me?"
what did you bring me?" he demanded.
mot another old crayon book. hope"
"Oh. no." gulped, thinking of the crayon
book In my bag. "rer-I thought you might
like . nice new dollar bill to buy something
Tor yourself"
II could get something really good for e."
Junior, dear!" protested his mother feebly.
Hilda had retired muttering to her kitchen.
1.-TWO nice new dollar bills" amended and
followed Elsie to my room.
At dinner that night I noticed that Elsie
looked really III. When questioned her she
admitted that she didn't feel well.
IT only could get a nurse to take Junior
to the park-the registry isn't being o bit
helpful And after all the nurses I've gotten
there!" she added resentfully.
you mustn't overdo. dear" Frederick looked
at her anxiously. Poor old Fred-rve always
been fond Of him.
Tomorrow you stay In bed" told Elsie
firmly. Get rested up so when you do get
a nurse we can have some fun together. I'll
take Junior to the park-Td love TO-" tried
, to keep my voice hearty and cheerful.
Il wouldn't think" began Elsie, but
Frederick and OVERRIDE her protests.
And III look up new employment agency"
concluded Frederick as we rose from the table,
"and try to get nurse right away" As We