The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-01-24
PAUL ISSUES ORDERS
CHAPTER XVII

Martha Marshall, in a printed housedress that belonged to her sis ter, with her hair struggling abou her unpowdered face, a knife 1T her damp fingers, was a difteren Martha from the girl Paul Elliot had always seen before. At his tact less, astonished outburst, she almos broke down in tears. But she man. aged to say, Come in"
 Biting her lip, she followed hin into the living room. She put tht knife down on a corner of tht secretary, wiped her hands on hel apron and fastened stray wisp o. hair.
 50 you think look terrible?' she said, and her tone was almost gay. T don't blame you. l fee terrible"
 He couldn't seem to stop staring at her. You must have lost 1( poundsl Haven't you been sleep- ing? Good grief, what's been go- ing on here?"
 "Helen's in the hospital, and I'm merely doing the housework and looking after the children. Wo- mans work. The kind Helen's al- ways done.'
 You mean, you're doing slav- eys work work you're not accustomed to work for which your brother-in law should Ia, angry. She could tell from the spots of color on bis throat, above his collar, and from the way his eyes regarded her, hot brilliance in their steady depths.
 For a moment, the facts of Pauls anger came as an ineXplicable surprise. Why should he take this attitude? Bill wouldn't have dared to say this! Did he think he owned her?
 But as she stood there, seeing the way Pauls big hands fumbled for his pipe, her resentment died.
 She said softly. After all, Paul, Helen's my only sister. I'd do anything in the world for her! More than this. Why, this is noth- ing! A little cooking, caring for my own niece and nephews :"
 ''Nothing!" he said grimly. Look at ycul You're not strong enough. The whole things ridiculous! Why in the name Of common sense cant they hire someone whose business is housework, someone who could do it better and more cheaply? Martha, your health is involved! Your we'll being! To say nothing of"
 My health is perfectly all rightl" she snapped. q think you're the one who's ridiculous"
 JuSt then the door burst open. Genie rushed in. His face was sticky. his sweater flew open, and he was screaming, Isis upset the babyl Sis upset the baby!'
 Martha ran out. The baby car- riage was askew against the steps. A very astonished, fat baby sat on the pavement, while a frightened little girl tried to drag him to his feet. T didn't mean to s-spill him ." Sis sobbed T was j-just ... "
 Martha scooped him up. Never mind, Sis" The baby caught his breath and now that he was safe, let out proteStaing howl. His aunt said, 'Hush!" and carried him in- to the house. She sat down on the sofa beside Paul. She undid his cap and sweater with newly y-deft fingers. She could sense Paul staring at the baby; she could feel the way his eyes took in the pie ture she made, bending theer over the child.
 Isn't he lovely?" she asked tri- tlnphantly. Did you ever see a handsomer child?S She fiuffed up a silky yellow ringlet on top of the baby's head. "Drudgery, huh?"
 Genie, still in the hall, sidled inside. That your car outside, mister? On I mind it?" His eyes were uncertain, but his dirty little face yearned. Sometimes kids slide on the lenders I wouldn't let 'em. I'd fight 'em."
 Paul grinned, despite himself. s'Mind it, son." he said. And you may take few slides, if you like"
 Genies eyes shone. Gee, mis- teri" He was gone, like shot. The door which swallowed him up served also to permit his sister to slide in.
 'D-did he g-get s-scratched, Aunt Martha?"
 No, Sis. Come in and sit down. This is MT. Elliott" Martha smiled slyly. Hes my boss, Sis"
 Gravely, quite like a grown-up, Sister settled herself on the other side of the baby. Martha realized 2 iesh how lovely the child was. The large brown eyes, with their soft little amber lights and the Snort reddish hair, were much like 1Zartha's own. But the small pink mouth, the little snub nose, were Helen's. There was a daintiness about Sister, even when her hands were grubby.
 Paul said. I'm glad to know you, Sister. You look like your Aunt Martha, did you know that?"