Mary Marie by Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
page 43 of 253 (16%)
page 43 of 253 (16%)
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I don't know what he does do; but he's married. I know that. He never
brings his wife, though; but Mother's always asking for her, clear and distinct, and she always smiles, and her voice kind of tinkles like little silver bells. But just the same he never brings her. He never takes her anywhere. I heard Aunt Hattie tell Mother so at the very first, when he came. She said they weren't a bit happy together, and that there'd probably be a divorce before long. But Mother asked for her just the same the very next time. And she's done it ever since. I think I know now why she does. I found out, and I was simply thrilled. It was so exciting! You see, they were lovers once themselves--Mother and this Mr. Harlow. Then something happened and they quarreled. That was just before Father came. Of course Mother didn't tell me this, nor Aunt Hattie. It was two ladies. I heard them talking at a tea one day. I was right behind them, and I couldn't get away, so I just couldn't help hearing what they said. They were looking across the room at Mother. Mr. Harlow was talking to her. He was leaning forward in his chair and talking so earnestly to Mother; and he looked just as if he thought there wasn't another soul in the room but just they two. But Mother--Mother was just listening to be polite to company. Anybody could see that. And the very first chance she got she turned and began to talk to a lady who was standing near. And she never so much as looked toward Mr. Harlow again. The ladies in front of me laughed then, and one of them said, with a |
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