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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1939-02-09, Page 6long -5 ADVANCE-TIMES FIRST INSTALMENT Marjorie Wetherill had always known she was an adopted child. She had been told when she was so young that it meant nothing at all to her. And as the years went by and she was surrounded by love and lux­ ury, she thought little of it. Once when she was in high school she had asked about her own people casually, more out of curiosity than because of any felt need for them, and she had been told that they were respectable people who had been un­ fortunate and couldn’t afford to bring her up as they would like to have brought her up. It had all been very vague. But Marjorie was happy, and her foster mother greatly stress­ ed the. fact1 that while Marjorie had not been born her own, she had been chosen because they loved her at first sight, and that meant more even than if she had been born theirs. Mrs. Wetherill was a devoted par­ ents and she and Marjorie were dear companions. When Mr, Wetherill died Marjorie was still in her school life, and she and the mother were brought even closer together, so that when Mrs. Wetherill was suddenly stricken with an illness that they both knew would be swift and fatal, the girl spent the last months of her foster mother’s, life in utmost devotion to her. When at was over and she was alone, she felt utterly desolate and life seemed barren indeed. There were many friends of course for the Wetherills had a large pleas­ ant social circle, and there were in­ stant invitations for prolonged visits Fere and there, but Marjorie had no heart to go. She longed for someone of her own. The world seemed empty and uninteresting. Then one morning about ten days before Christmas, because she could not settle to anything else, and be- - cause she had been almost dreading to go over her beloved foster moth­ er’s intimate papers, she went brave­ ly to Mrs. Wetherill’s desk in the liv­ ing room, unlocked it, and^began to look over the papers in the pigeon hples, As she went from drawer to draw­ er, emptying every pigeon-hole, and burning in the fireplace such things as had to be destroyed, she came fin­ ally to the little secret drawer, and there she found among several other important papers, a. thick letter for herself. “Dearest Marjorie:” it read, I have never told you much about your own people. I did not really know much myself to tell, until about two years ago. My husband arrang­ ed everything about the adoption. I never told you that you were one of twins. You were a very beautiful baby, and so was your twin sister, yet she had a frailer look than you, and we found upon questioning that she had little chance to live unless she could have an operation and special treat­ ment, which your parents were un­ able to give her. But though neither of you were candidates for adoption, yet I had set my heart upon you. After seeing you, all the other babies looked com­ mon to me. So, my husband set about it to see what he could do. He dis­ covered that your father was not strong and needed to get away to the country where he could have light work and be out of doors. .My hus- band finally put it up to your mother while she was still in the hospital, that she should give her consent to our adopting you, Mr, Wetherill ag­ reeing to finance the treatment of both your father and little sister. Once, when you were about three months old, your mother wrote me, begging that she might come and see you, but I persuaded her that it would be better for us all if she did not, But then, about a year ago, just as you were graduating from Miss Ev­ ans’ School, your mother came to see me. I really felt very sorry for her. She looked so much like you that I began to feel like a criminal. She wanted to see you. But I would not let her. I felt • it would be a catastrophe at your time of life. Your big photo­ graph taken in your graduating dress was on the desk and I showed it to her, and finally gave it to her. She went awaf sobbing and I have never forgotten it. And now that I am about to die I feel that I should leave behind me this information so that you may do what you wish in the matter. Per^. haps you will want to do something for your own mother.. You will have quite a fortune, my dear, and you are wanted her, enough to come a distance to see her! That night she could not sleep and lay staring in the darkness of her room—the room that Mrs. Wetherill had made so beautiful for her—realiz­ ing how safe and sweet and quiet it all was here, and how many compli­ cations there might be if she br&ke the long silence between herself and her own family. Yet the longing in her heart increased, to see them, even to find out the worst possible about them, just to have them for her own. Not to be alone in the great world. There was a sister, too, and how wonderful it would be to have a sis­ ter! She had always wished for a sis­ ter. Or—perhaps the sister had not lived at all, •Suddenly Marjorie buried her face in her pillow and wept. z The morning mail brought two in­ vitations to spend Christmas week with friends. Christmas was only ten days off and it loomed large and gloomy. The thought of Christmas without the on­ ly mother she had ever known seem­ ed intolerable. . ‘ • But when she reasoned that per­ haps forgetting was best for the pre­ sent, and tried to decide which invi­ tation she should accept, she realiz­ ed that she didn’t feel like going either place. Thursday, February 9, 1939* (Continued Next Week) FACTORY BOMBED * Evan!” she said. "I do appreciate it go away and let me think? My mind a lot, and some other time I’d love .is so tired and all mixed up!” to come, but just now I don’t feel I; 'Toor child!” he said gently. “I am could.” ‘ ; sorry if I have seemed to hurry you, He settled down comfortably to' I only wanted to show you that I am combat her, just as if he had expect-; your natural protector. But l am will­ ed to have1 to do so, I ing to wait, to go slow, till your sor- “You’re very kind!” said Marjorie! row is not so sharp, I only $sk one with troubled gaze, but more and i thing of you and that is that you will more certain that she wasn’t going t not make any move in this matter of to accept, Then suddenly she lifted .frank eyes to his: “You see, Evan, there’s something I have to do first before I can go anywhere and begin life again,” “Something you have to do? What do you mean?” He turned puzzled, dominating eyes upon her. “You know I’m an adopted child, don’t you? You’ve always known that, haven't you, Evan?” “Why—yes, pf course, but what has that got to do with it?” They were sitting on the deep couch, Marjorie at one end, Evan at the other, but now he leaned across with a comforting manner and looked into her eyes. “It’s my family, My own family, I mean. They are my own people, Ev­ an!” “Nonsense! Nothing of the kind!” said Evan lifting his well-modeled chin hatightily. “You are no more connected with them than I am. They gave you up! I thould think you’d never want to see or hear of them!” Something in the harshness of his tone made Marjorie give a little shiv­ er and draw her hand quietly away from under his, “I don’t feel that way, Evan!” she said gently, marveling that after her hours of doubt she suddenly felt clear in her mind about the matter. “You don’t know all about it, or you would not say that either, I’m quite sure. Mother.left a letter telling me abotit my people and suggesting that I might want to hunt them up and see if there was anything I could do for them.” “And I still say ‘Let sleeping dogs lie’,” said Evan coldly. And then he laid his hand once more on hers in a possessive way as if he owned her. | “They never cared anything for you or they wouldn’t have sold you in the first: place. And now you are a being of another world than theirs and they have no right to intrude in­ to your life and try to get your pro­ perty away from you! I insist—!” ‘ Marjorie drew her hand decidedly away from under his again and stood up, her own chin lifted defiantly, her eyes bright and. indignant. “Evan! .You must not talk that way! You simply don’t understand, at all.” “But darling, be reasonable!” said Evan, softening his voice. Marjorie didn’t even notice he had called her darling. It was such a common phrase of the day, and Evan was a very close friend. But his voice was less aggressive now, 'more gentle. He got up and stood beside her, taking her hands in his and drawing her nearer to him. ■ “Listen, little girl! If you are really serious about this thing, of course it will have to be in­ vestigated, better not, conscience me do the am a lawyer. I know how to protect yopr interests, and I will do whatev­ er you want done conscientiously. I am sure yon can trust me, Marjorie. 1 love you, don’t you know it, .little girl?” . , She looked up at him startled., It was the first time he had .ever spoken of love.t He had just.been a good friend, somewhat as she supposed a brother might be, Ohly more polite^ than some brothers. She drew back and tried gently to take^ het hands away from his clasp, but he held them firmly and drew her closer. “Dear little girl!” he said suddenly, putting his face down and laying his cheek against Ilers, seeking her lips with his own and’pressing a kiss up­ on them. For an iqstant she yielded herself to that embrace, her lips to that kiss; but only an instant- so brief that it might scarcely have been Recognized by the man as yielding. For sudden­ ly she Sprang away, and put out her hands in protest. “No, please, not now! I can’t think of such things now!” He snatched at her hands again, trying to draw her back quietly to his embrace. ‘ . “Poor child!” he said stooping and kissing her fingers gently, “Don’t you realize that this is where you be­ long, in my arms? Don’-t you love me?” “I don’t know!” said Marjorie.turn­ ing unhappy eyes away from him. “I haven’t ever thought of you in this way. And my heart is full of so many other things now.” And ho suddenly drew her close again and pressed hot kisses on her lips. Put now she sprang away again, covering her 'face with her hands. “No! No!” she cried out “I will' not let youWs we writ I am siirer and I am ^we,.woh‘’t,you your family till you have talked with me again. That you will think it ov­ er, and if anything has„to be done you will let me handle it for you. Will you promise?” Marjorie was still for several sec­ onds, looking down at her hands clasped tightly before her, then she said slowly, seriously: “I will promise to think o?er what you said. Everything that you have said,” THAT DAINTY TOUCH By BETTY BARCLAY In to REpiPES FOR 1939 f THEIR MAJESTIES WILL BRING THEIR OWN MUSIC Ontario I 1 1%' 6 24 I still think it would be but if you have set your to_it, I beg you will let investigating for you. J Wingham * 3 1 Dr. Robt. C. REDMOND M.R.C.S. (England) L.R.C.P. (London) PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON v JH. CRAWFORD Barrister, Solicitor, Notary, Etc. Bonds, Investments & Mortgages Not far from Windsor Castle, his­ toric home .of British royalty, a ser­ ies of bomb explosions rocked an airplane, factory at Slough, Police blame Irish Republican sympathizers. ) ’ Stat when they visit Can-1 cause it includes A harpist and a piano He snatched at her hands again. free to do what you wish with it, of course. So I am, giving you your mother’s name and address. Do whatever your heart dictates. Your loving Mother, May' D. Wetherill.”. Below was an address in an east­ ern city: Mrs. John Gay, 1465 Aster Street. And below that, in pencil, had been written uncertainly as if with an idea of erasing it: “The name by which they called you was Dorothy.” She bowed her head on the letter and wept. First for the only mother she had known, and then for the mo­ ther she had not known. How pitiful it all seemed! So many little babies in the world without homes and yet she should have been loved so in­ tensely by two mothers! Then suddenly a thrill came to her heart. But they were her very own, whatever they were! How wonderful that would be! And her mother had She was still in her unsettled state of mind when evening came, and Ev­ an Brower arrived to call upon her. The Browers were one of the best old families, and among the closest friends of the Wetherills. Evan was three or four years older than Mar­ jorie, and though she had known him practically all her life, it had not been until the last year , that he had paid her much attention. “You are looking tired ahd white!” he said scrutinizing her face sharply. “You need a' change, and I’ve come to offer one. Mother wants you to come over and stay a couple of weeks with her. She thought you might like to help her get ready for "the family gathering at Christmas time. It will take your mind off your loneliness,” Marjorie’s heart sank. Here was the question again! And a family ga­ thering! The hardest kind of a thing to go through, with this thought of her own family in the back of her mind. “Oh, that is dear of your mother, Marines band will ac- ada atid the United States this spring, accordionist. They are shown and Queen on (The band is unusual in England be- hearsal in Portsmouth. By Betty Barclay The housewife who has included more interesting ( menus for ' 1939 among her list of New Year’s resolu­ tions can count on Hawaiian pineap­ ple products to help her out many times during the new year. Children as well as adults will like this pineapple juice dessert and pine­ apple gem and meat combination.- Hawaiian Fruit Mold tablespoon butter ! cups canned unsweetened Hawaiian pineapple juice tablespoons cornstarch cup crushed graham crackers cup pecan nuts 1 2 3/3 1 cup finely cut coconut % cup diced bananas Add butter to pineapple juice and bring to a boil. Stir in cornstarch, which has been mixed,with 2 table­ spoons cold water. Cook until thick and clear. Remove from heat and cool, Fold in other ingredients. (A^cl sugar and a dash of salt if desired). Fill a well-buttered fancy mold or individual 'molds and chill thoroughly." Unmold on individual plates and serve as a dessert with a rosette of inunity you Who has bu tation for herself because she is al­ ways able to serve something “dif ferent”—something that will bring a gasp of surprise and delight from her guests. She may be a member of the younger set who constantly seeks advice from the woman’s pages of her newspapers and magazines or who has equipped herself with the latest books on kitchen lore, She may be an elderly matron who has learned the secret of '‘that dainty touch" through years of watchful experience. But somewhere, in your neighborhood and in mine, there is such a woman. There should be more. It is so simple to serve things differently that anyone can do it. An attractive- salad; unusual dishes; radishes with that “flower effect" caused by a lit­ tle cutting back of the skin; a sprig . of parsley on the meat; croutons in the soup; a sherbet between courses; the dessert served In an unusual container—these are but a few of hundreds of little things that make a great Impression on .guests. No. heavy outlay of money Is needed, it's the dainty touch that counts. A few of these little, things change an ordinary meal into a repastpjUBt as surely as the absence of napkins, or of Ice cubes In the water will reduce that same meal to a “handout,” ' For Instance, here is a recipe for a very simple yet popular dessert,.. served tn a way that will add much, to the appearance of your table and.?, the appreciation of your guests. Furthermore, this is Inexpensive in. spite of Its attractiveness. No eggs,., no boiling, no baking—just a little*1 time and care in the morning be­ fore the company comes, a hours to cool, and there it Is. Chocolate Rennet-Custards Orange Baskets large oranges pint milk i package chocolate rennet powder Cut oranges carefully into halve^- in the usual way, squeeze the juico- out, and remove the membranes from the shells. To make handles,, cut a strip around the top of the- shell about % inch wide, leaving: it attached for about *4 inch on op­ posite sides, Lift up the strips and tie together with a ribbon or wire. A cherry may be attached. Warm milk until lukewarm (120“ F.). Remove from stove and add rennet powder, stirring until entire­ ly dissolved, Pour into the orange* baskets and allow to stand without ’ moving for 10 minutes. Set in re­ frigerator to chill. Yield: 6 desserts.To make the dessert stiil more festive, .make little nosegays of vi­ olets or wild flowers and thrust them through the ribbon that tie* the handles of the baskets; or use tiny' sprays of apple blossoms or forsythfa. ' whipped cream. This is a delicious dessert for luncheon in a home where there are children, as well as being suitable to serve with ’ toasted/nut bread as refreshments or a bridge party. 6 servings. Pineapple Gems En. Brochette %pound calves’ liver or chicken livers > ■'■ V slices bacon canned Hawaiian pineapple gems—spoon size pieces cut ffom jusiest part of the fruit Cut calves liver and bacon in 1 inch squares. Place alternate squares of bacon, liver and pineapple gems ore. wooden skewers beginning and end­ ing with bacon. Arrange skewers ire a slanting position in the broiling pare so bacon drippings will baste meat and pineapple. Cook under a preheat­ ed broiling unit for 12 to 15 minutes. The meat and pineapple may be push­ ed from each skewer onto a piece of toast and placed on the serving plat­ ter without-changing the arrangement or, if desired, served on the skewer. 6 servings. Business and Professionial Directory • Wellington Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Established 1840. Risks taken on all classes of insur­ ance at reasonable' rates.- Head Office, Guelph, Ont. ABNER COSENS, Agent. Wingham. Dr. W. A. McKibbon, B.A. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Located at the Office of the Late Dr. H. W. Colbome. Office Phone 54. HARRY FRYFbGLE Licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director Furniture and Funeral Service Ambulance Service. | Phones: Day 109W. Night 109J. I DR. R. L. STEWART PHYSICIAN Telephone 29. J. W. BUSHFIELD Barrister, Solicitor, Notary, Etc. Money to Doan. .Office ~ Meyer Block, Wingham THOMAS FELLS AUCTIONEER REAL ESTATE SOLD A Thorough Knowledge of Farm Stock. Phone 231, Wingham. Consistent Advertising in The Advance-Times Gets Results DR. W. Mi CONNELL PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Phone IB. R. S. HETHERINGTON BARRISTER and SOLICITOR Office « Morton Block. ,' Telephone No. 66. J. ALVIN FOX Licensed Diugiess Practitioner CHIROPRACTIC - DRUGLESS THERAPY - RADIONIC EQUIPMENT ' Hours by Appointment. Phone 191. Wingham W. A. CRAWFORD, M.D. Physician arid Surgeon > Located at the office of the late Dr. J. P. Kennedy. IPhone IB*. Whigham r -■ . !.. .11 1 ■1 ■ 11 F. A. PARKER OSTEOPATH Al! Diseases Treated. Office adjoining residence next io Anglican Church on’’Centre St Sunday by appointment. Oitebpathy Electricity Phone 272. I a.tn. toB p.m. A. R. & F. E. DUVAL CHIROPRACTORS CHIROPRACTIC and ELECTRO THERAPY Mort!| Street ** Wingham Telephone BOO.