The Coolidge examiner., 1937-03-11

Qetall. uncle James was Improving
slowly. 1t was doubtful that he
would ever be entirely well again.
Aunt Emily liked California though
she missed her friends in the East.
''Whitehall' had not been sold.
Its probably in an awful condi-
tion," Mrs. Macpherson said, I'D
not want to see it again"
A nostalgia silence filled the room
for an interval Each, with vary
ing emotions, was thinking of the
old order of things, gone forever,
perhaps.
Presently the conversation turned
to the MacPhersons and their pres
ent situation.
Il understood that you meant to
retire." Jim said.
1--WE did," Macpherson replied.
1--WE rented little place. Meant
to buy if we liked it."
Didn't you like it?" Jim asked.
1T answered the purpose" Mac
Pherson looked steadily at the bowl
of his pipe. The lines in his face
seemed deeper. "The bank went
up," he continued, after a moment.
I'VE lost all our savings"
"Oh!" Jim was unable to express
his sympathy more completely.
Words seemed pitifully inadequate.
A place of their own had been the
MacPhersonS' life long dream.
They'd worked for it and saved for
it. No one was more deserving
than they.
''It's hard at our age" MacPher-
sons voice was not quite steady.
1T seems as though"
"At our age!" Mrs. Macpherson
interrupted. "You talk as though
we were on our way to the grave
yard. Well, you can go if you like.
Andy MACPHERSON! AS for me, l ex-
pect to live a good long time yet.
There are things I'm curious about.
l mean to see how some of it ends,
as much as possibly can."
A little of the gloom lifted from
Macpherson countenance. Some,
thing like chuckle came from the
easy chair.
That's right, Bessie" he said.
Il don't doubt that sheer curiosity
will keep you on top of the sod"
"Retire!" Mrs. Macpherson con-
tinued. THE time had with the
man! He was as hard to manage
as a child in the house on a rainy
day. Always under my feet"
Are you satisfied here?" Jim
asked. DO you like the placer"
well enough" Macpherson drew
on his pipe. It's not like your un-
cles place, of course. But l have
no complaints"
THE family-?" Jim asked, curl
Gus to know of them-Susan, Tom
my, the Cecily he hadn't seen.
What sort of people are they?"
Macpherson paused to consider.
Mrs. Macpherson, however, had,
apparently, no need for delibera-
ton.
AN ill-mannered lot, if you're
asking me-" she said with heavy
emphasis, her face set in a disap-
proving expression. They need
taking in hand"
Nov, Bessie" Macpherson said
mildly, we're not we'll acquaint-
ed"
I'm as acquainted as l need to
be- l know want of manners
when 1 see it. Not that there aren't
excuses" she conceded, obviously
finding it difficult to be fair. THE
mothers been dead since the little
girl was a baby. Mr.. Vaughn is
getting over a breakdown of some
kind. He's been sick ever since
they came here the first of June
That Miss Parker can't do thing
with the children. l feel sorry for
her sometimes, she's got job on
her hands! Is that thundCr?" she
asked.
Il shouldn't wonder" MacPher-
son replied. There's storm brew
ing. Well get it by sundoWn.
Then Jamie must stay the
night" She turned to Jim, her
face bright with expectancy. 1T
wouldn't be the first time. You
will, won't you?"
Il should like to stay" Jim said.
eff l won't be a bother. l haven't
job at present"
mo job. lad?" Macpherson
asked. Nothing to do?"
Nothing" Jim's smile was a
little strained. There. aren't any
jobs. Nobody wants me. I'm a
gentleman of leisure"
He had meant to be jaunty about
it. He hadn't intended to sound dis
couraged. His voice had betrayed
him. A sound, half-consternation
half sympathy came from the easy
chair where Macpherson sat smok-
ing his pipe. Mrs. Macpherson 8
expression told him that he hadn't
succeeded in being debonaire.
"Well!" she exclaimed. ''T g
country is in a state! AS smart a
boy as you are. should think any,
body'd be prouL to give you job!"
what do you do with yousef?"
Macpherson asked.