Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-12-11


chair with q suppressed scream, hastily
undressed herself, got into bed, and
pulled the clothes over her head like
frightened child.
"
What was the cause of Miss Goggles
agitation The spinster had nerved her
self to see and hear strange goings on in
the Claypole sitting room. Something out
of the ordinary run Of scandalous proceed
ings must have occurred to make her dive
deep under the bed clothes as if she
wanted to shut out the remembrance of .
horrible sight.
When the expected visitor was admit
ted. Mrs Claypole was seated at the piano
warbling plaintive love songs. She rose
and received him cordially, called him
dear Herman. and allowed him to press
his lips to her cheek.
The boarders were right as to the age
of this youthful admirer He was about
II years old. He had bright, sunny
face, with laughing blue eyes, and faxen,
curly hair. brushed from q square, intelli
gent forehead. adorned by heavy bushy
eyebrows. which were arched like bow
At full tension
He was dressed with great neatness
His black cutaway coat was OF the new
est pattern, the vest cut low. showing q
wide expanse OF shirt bosom. He wore a
gold watch chain of excellent make, and
on the little finger OF his right hand was
a solitaire diamond ring
The boy looked like a well to do bro
kers clerk. He carried himself easily and
gracefully. as though accustomed to so
ciety
He was evidently welcome guest, for
H. i. l..
handsome face, and beamed with pleasure
as he asked her to resume her seat at the
piano.
What shall play. Hermann" she
asked, smiling
replied Sing, You'll Remember Me"
Mrs. Claypole complied, and the boy
hung on the tones of her low. rich voice
with rapt attention. His eyes followed
her every movement; his face flushed
with delight when she turned to him dur
ing the tender passages of the song and
accented them by glances which sent
thrill through his frame.
There could be no doubt as to the feel.
ings with which the lad regarded her; he
was desperately in love with this fair en-
chantress.
And Mrs Claypolc? 1t would be diff
cult to probe her feelings Practiced in all
the arts of coquetry, she could play with
hearts at will and yet remain serene and
cold beneath the surface
The conversation with her husband de
noted that the lad was kept under the
spell for purpose What was the
purpose which could induce a woman of
mature age to enthrall boy and keep his
heart jumping in response to her seduc-
tive wilesy
Just as Miss Goggles was gently open
ing the transom Mrs. Claypole again left
the piano and seated herself by the side of
the boy, who, with trace of old time
gallantry. raised her jeweled fingers to his
lips and kissed them. The action sent q
thrill through the bosom of the antique
eavesdropper. which was intensified when
the blonde run her fingers lovingly through
his fiaxen curls and fondly patted his rosy
cheeks
Now. that is enough nonsense for to
night, she said, with a winning smile
Tell me what you have been doing lately,
Herman"
You ought to know. Ally, Unanswered
laughingly; ''Or doesn t the governor make
daily reportsf'
Il am afraid he does not tell me every
always like TO hear the exploits of the
boys from the captains own lips.
The lad was evidently pleased He
said frankly: To tell you the truth. Ally.
have been a little suspicious of the gov
ernor Of late He doesn't seem to be
toting fair He said he onl, got 81 900
for that last bundle. while | have it on
the best authority that the stuff brought
Sl.7O0. The gang are mad about il, and
You better give him gentle hint that we
will stand anything but swindling on his
part We run all the risk, and he ought
surely to be satisfied with q square dizzy.
A shadow crossed the woman face. but
it was gone in moment
"Yon are right. my boy" she said. in
caressing tone Henry should be more
careful Of your ntercsts-indeed. Of all
our interests, since VIC are all in the same
swim. But you know what he Is "
Yes. responded the boy modify. II
know what he is, and he better be little
more careful Had il not been for you.
Ally we would have broken with him
long ago and given him push toward the
pen. II you say the word now I'll risk
everything to settle him. and weu 60
south together
No. no Herman" cried the woman. in
a tone of alarm: that would never do.
you foolish boy l must still be your
mother, and you must be kind and con
siderate to Henry"
The boy pouted. but returned the kiss
with which this declaration terminated.
II am getting tired of this mother
business" he said, testify A fellow
don't want two mothers"