The Waterbury Democrat., 1933-12-06
MEXICAN KISSES F aesi s.'iE n's. l's,'

Here was the old housel A funny ! feeling, coming back to a place where you've lived so many years, and finding it unchanged, and yet subtlv different. The downstairs hart was still vacant. Upstairs door was closing.
 Marguerite walked up the stairs slowly. Mama wishes to be re- nem bered." she rehearsed to her self. 'and she has asked me to l find out if you would have dinner with us Christmas instead or IThanksgiving, this year. because because-" oh, well, she needn give reason.
 THERE WERE VOICES COMING THROUGH THE DOOR She reached the landing. There were voices coming through the door. Marguerite hesitated, for: incredible as 1t seemed, "the girls
 You fooi!" That was Lucy's voice. Linda was apologetic, con- ciliating.
 'I don't see why you call me fool" she quavcred. Why, | thought I did a right smart thing | You thought. q. .,
 "B-but 1t was such bargain. Linda faltered. "Only Sy cents. | thought it would save us an er- rand."
 Iucv's exasperated voice almost brole' ..Only 39 cents" she cried. "That's the terrible thing about vo,I-vou don't know the value Of money, .If you knew how hard l,r 4o ,x.nrly In Qarn 3g cents. Oh. well, what's the use. It's only that I needed. the change to get my shoes fixed"
 Marguerite felt awful. She hated to listen, but she was rooted to I the spot. Linda was saying: But Mrs | Maxwell owes you three dollars She'll pay you tomorrow. And you know what we have to pay for th*. candy every year. I've never seen Mexican Kisses for less than 5s | cents. and that's the cheapes,, thing we can get in q recent box.
 Clear and distinct and cuttins i came Lucy's voice: How do you | .snow we're invitcd?"
 "Don't~ they invite us every year?" Linda asked in a small voice. .,, .I would bank on that! l "B-but they like us. They are such sweet children. And--Mr Benson. Such nice man."
 "Thcre you go!" Lucy's voice was triunlphant. "Tbat's been your trouble all theso years. h. curably romantic! Making eyes at MT Benaon. No, my dear. NJ Benson doesn't give you another I thought. He's only being civil. anu Ito you it's the grandest time of the year. You look forward to it-
 Linda said staunchly: T do l-z like people, and gavety and warmth. This place is cold most oi the time. do look forward to It. and so do you <.
 Lucy answered heatedly: "ies, I look forward to it too. But not on account of Mir Benson, or any one else. Only-its chance to eat Q square meal for once. I mean 10 really fill up, and not think or the l cost. And drink a glass of Wine. oh, yes, it means something.
 Marguerite rang the bell.
 C3ANIMOND
 Instantly silence fell. There was a harried rustling, and then Linda opened the door. '.Why, it's Mar 'guerite! Come in, my dear?!
 The room that was etched In the lamplight was bleak and meagreiy furnished. Piled on the table was mending, and from under a heap Of stockings peeped tho corner of { familiar pink box, ,hurriedly hidden.
 There was tense stiffness in the room, Lucy looked at Linda signih- cantly, as if to say: what did tell you? And Linda looked back, crest fallen. They waited.
 At last Marguerite said, quickly. breathlessly: Mamma wishes be remembered, and would you please come to dinner this Thanksgiving, as always?"