Evening star., 1939-12-10
The story of the old lady
with young eyes - and of
Danny, who had gone west
Il Short Story Complete on This Page

II oNOTI OlOFy tOW plLe ON ms rage
DYVHAr troubled fall wanted to away from the world
for awhile Sight unseen. rented the old Penwell place.
d nothing, hill in Vermont 1t fine house
and friendly house melowed by than century of iv
ing well furnished with handsome old pieces built like the
house. to many generations of Penwells.
My first walk led along weed grown side road through
rssetcrimson wood and presently came upon house.
very small very neat My eye was caught by splash of
color lacecutained window geranum of vivid
scarlet Then noticed bit OF weatherworn tackled
the gatepost On it, in childish hand was written EGGS
We needed eggs SO tapped the door Nobody came
heard then the crak of bucket being aboriousy
hauled we'll and got round to the back yard just
small with last determined tug brought the big
bucket top She resting against the we'll painting
little when toward her When she heard STEP she
turned quickly eagerly and started toward smiling
she expected me Then, seeing stranger she stopped
Her smile of welcome retreated.
I'm sorry if | startled YOU said
The smile returned to her face. Her hair and hands old
but her eyes young.
I'm mite hard of seeing. she said Need specs guess
For a second thought you were somebody else.
said Id like dozen eggs and after hunting round she
found eleven.
Pay any vthng you like she said II haven't been near
lately so don't know what they get for eggs.
She began laugh Wait till tell Danny about this she
said Hes always said Mother, you head for
business than hummingbird Fact is he doesn't like the
idea of me selling eggs. He's sort of you know proud
her hens faster than she eat EN- u Toa Yankee
way back like waste sim wrote and if
lucky enough to have well TODD to send me all the
money need I'm still going sell my spare eggs He
back he didn't exactly approve but it made happy
ahead. That's how Danny always is with me-
guessed three cents egg.
That's fair enough" she said For tfry-th
can dress doll underwear and all
She saw my look. and her eyes twnked.
Not for myself she said Il m speck too old for dols
being sxty-sx They're for my grandchildren.
Have you many asked.
Two hundred she said and added O course that just
little Joke Danny and have between He has kids OF
his own boy just ready for college almost big almost
handsome his father and girl named Lucy after The
rest flesh and blood but I've adopted them in
manner speaking and with Christmas coming I'm getting
ready toys send them They're Were
in San Francisco sir"
NO.
Then you wouldn't know my son. He's head of big chill
dren hospital Dr. Daniel Ames Penwel Ever hear of him.
shook head Are related to the Penwes who have
the big house the hill: My question seemed her
Why that's my house she said. Il married there
Danny born there and his father died there Danny
pretty when sold the house, years
but after his work took him west found big for
old lady and besides hated to have him spend money
he could his free clinic This little house just right
lo and I'm perfectly happy here Naturally Danny
me and live with him. but think Id rather be
mother far away than mother naw in the house and
anyway like to be independent.
found had only lve-doar bill with me Mrs. Penwel
invited the house and left in the living While
she went get my change In the small table
with lamp and Bible it. wicker rocking chair and
nothing else the in the window and picture
on the wall photograph of goodookng lad with the
frank humorous eyes Mrs Penwell
Yes that's my Danny she said, she into the
room and he's certainly right - I'm of business
can't find penny of change nothing but big bills.
III you like Ill take out the balance eggs said Il take
long walk every dav and can stop by here.