The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-01-10
CHAPTER X

SAAAAA a A1As 3A
 DY the middle of July five or six ID automobiles drew up before the American House every Sunday. My father was jubilant. He was even beginning to swagger a little. Why don't you take the girls and go to Boston for a while?" he suggested to my mother.
 Her feet were still on the ground we aren't out of the woods yet" she reminded him. Besides, if there is a trip to be taken, it will be yours"
 It was his custom to get away for q week each year so that he could keep himself posted on new develop mentS in medicine. He usually spent q day watching operations in the clinic ct Bangor and another at Bowdoin College, talking to the dean of the medical college, who had been one of his teachers. Then he went on to Augusta, staying the remain der of the time at the State HoS- pital for the Insane, where he was . trustee. Coming back, he topped --reluctantly-to see Cousin Vic- toria at her home, Balmoral.
 It was out of his way, but c 1sin Victoria naturally expected aefer- ence. Moreover, she acknowledged no reserves. She got you down in a chair, grasped you firmly by the forearm, and started in asking ques- tions as though she had some God given right to know everything. "Where have you been?" :. "Whom did you see?" What did they say?" What hap pened?" Who else was there?" Did anyone ask for me?" .. My father always dreaded these visits, for he hated to give an &C., count of himself. But his stopping had one advantage. It kept her from coming to see us.
 At first he protested that he could not be spared. The weather was hot and summer complaint imminent. But when Benjamin reported that the stable needed some new equip ment. he decided to go, after all. HE left on Monday morning with H instructions that my mother was to call him in case of any crisis. On Tuesday noon a crowd was at the Post once waiting for the mail when an automobile appeared, go- ing at a conservative speed. Our ing the week automobiles were still rare.) This was a Carter Car with a buggy top. Tn back 1t had single seat that looked like an armchair, and in this seat at large woman wearing Panama hat tied on with a veil. Just as they were right in the middle of the village, a hen started indecisively across the road.
 Look outl" someone called. Those who didn't own automobiles were alway great on giving advice to those who did.
 The woman in the back seat leaned forward. Look out" she echoed.
 The driver honked his horn. The hen retreated, then started suddenly ahead again, cackling noisily.
 People on the steps began to shout, ali at the same time. .
 WEIGH 1Ls 0poPi Np~P'
 Turn out, turn out" the wo- man ghrilied, half-rising.
 The driver lost his head and made straight for the steps of the Post OfIice. People scattered left and right, all screaming. The woe ma stood up and raised her arms. Her mouth vas moving, but no sound came.
 The automobile struck the steps with a crash, throwing her over the wheels and upon . pile of mail bags.
 People closed in. silent, to see 9 she was stlll living.
 She was alive all right and groAn- ing iustily. Her weight had stood her an good stead: and if ahe had bruises. they were not in spots politely wis. ible. The driver left his name and promised to pay for all the damage. R0meone cranked the automobile for him, and he drove away with the woman in the front seat, leaning heavily against him. No one breath ed easily until they were out of sight. Then, forgetting all about the mail, people scattered to tell the news.
 TTHEnE vas q good deal of feeling N against automobiles in those dayz. especially in rural areas. Rec oRnlain8 this. the legislature had. in peos. passed the Ansamablle Exciu-