Mary Stewart Cutting

“ The moon is always so uncertain in the country. The city is so cheerful with all the electric lights. Will insisted on putting back the screens so there isn't a breath of air. Mother! Don't you move—stay where you are. I think she looks very bad—she can't hear what I say. Now if we were in town the janitor could go out and get her some ice-cream—that always does her good; but the country is so inconvenient! I hope she isn't going to have one of her turns."
"Oh, I hope not," responded Mrs. Laurence anxiously. ”

“ Even the janitor said to her: 'Mrs. Higbee, up here in this nice cool flat with the wind blowing in from the river, you don't realize what it is down on the pavements, let alone the hot country, all cooped up in trees!' But you know what Mother is; nobody can stop her when she makes up her mind. ”

“ She bent over the bed where the old lady lay, helpless, but bright-eyed still.
"Can't I do anything for you, dear Aunt Neely?"
"I'll be all right, dear" whispered the invalid.
"I hope Will will get here soon—she misses the janitor," said the daughter feelingly. "Mother likes to have a man around; we depend on the janitor for so many things. And this is the hour when the janitor's children all come in to see Mother, and get their nickel—there are five of them, like little steps—five now, but we think, Mother and I——" Corny paused significantly.
"Oh, yes," said Mrs. Laurence hastily. ”

“ She'll be here herself later. Sains and I will get our breakfast in town. I'll be out before noon; I've got to stock up with the food. I'll cook you a steak in the open to-morrow night that is a steak."
"But, Will—I wouldn't take a steak! That's so troublesome. Don't you think canned pork and beans would be handier for you, dear? Don't you think——"
She stopped short. Mr. Laurence transfixed her with his irate eye.
"See here, Nan! Who's doing this? I may not always know what you want, but I know what I want when I go on a fishing trip, and I don't need any one to tell me! Remember that. ”

“ There seemed to be a tremendous amount of heavy running up and down stairs, and footsteps tramping unaccustomedly around, and the telephone bell ringing, and a jumble of voices, now raised loudly, now whispering in consultation, and more tramping of feet—noises that persisted endlessly ”

“ She would have willingly sat up all night with a sick neighbour, but there are times when to borrow milk oversteps the mark.
"We have only a very small quantity ourselves—after making ice-cream. I was saving what we have for the creamed potatoes for dinner—pahpa is so fond of them—but I suppose I can spare you a small cupful." She was going into the house as she spoke, Mrs. Laurence herself following.
"No, no; don't give it to me!"
"Oh, yes; take it," said Mrs. Stone dispassionately, pouring a small quantity of the fluid into the pitcher. "Pahpa'll have to get along with boiled potatoes. ”

“ Sains. He and Mr. Roofer assisted her in, one on either side, affectionately. Her shaking fingers poured out a glass of the fluid while she hurriedly explained the state of things.
"Corny is frightfully worried—she's afraid Aunt Neely is starting in for a long illness."
Mr. Laurence looked at her frowningly. "Well, I don't know what you're going to do—really! I'll take this up, and see about things."
"Very well," said his wife. He grew dim before her eyes. "Did you—did you only bring one bottle of milk?" ”

“ Why did a man always have to be told so particularly? Why couldn't he ever use his judgment? Why must you always have to explain everything?
"I tell you, it's the hottest night I've ever known," said Mr. ”