The Washington times., 1894-05-20
Good Resolution
of Blonde Liz

Il took reform wave Of large dimensions
to do 1t, but by and by big religious billow
came along and swept Blonde LIZ into q
Salvation Army prayer meeting. When the
wave receded, bearing away her sins, she
felt so strange and lonely that she almost
wanted them back again. She wasn't her
self. Pulling her sins up by the roots didn't
agree with her at ALL She missed the old
time mirth, the smiles and compliments, the
winesHnd suppers. In fact, she no sooner
resolved to drop the old life and "'bout face"
as one Of the Salvation corporals advised,
than she became sick and was whirled away
to n Hospital, for two months continuous
performance with typhoid fever for every
turn. While getting well she would have
horrible dreams, and seemed TO feel rough
hands gripping her-felt liquored lips against
her own, tie breath OF passion. maudlin
promises, caresses which burned her soul
blows. curses. darkness,
When at last she was discharged, well and
fairly strong, the world was several shades
brighter to her than it used to be. The old
life" suggested nn acquaintance. No."
said Elizabeth Nelson, the color mounting to
her pale check. .'I'il make a try for some
thing better. and II don't make It go-well,
then
Mrs. Anderson lives third floor. front. n
be careful y don't iall over no washtubs or
coal barrels, cause the halls full OF en-"
said the frowsy-headed tenant on the first
floor 10 a stylishly dressed man who had
asked for Mrs. Anderson.
wonder will she greet me with that tender
warmth so characteristic of her in times
past?" chuckled the handsome stranger, as
with a twiri at his mustache he knocked at
the door OF third floor front
''Ah. Mrs. Anderson, greet you," said he,
smflingly, as the door opeced Oh q scantily
furnished room.
"Oh! Mr. De Forest I'm sure I'm glad to
see you again" said Elizabeth Nelson, color
ing.
"Yes IT'S me, and I've come to take you
away from here. Had deuce OF a time find
ing you. Traced you to the hospital and
then to the cheap restaurant, where, like a
goddess Of industry, you washed dishes.
Then heard of your marriage 10 Swede
truck driver, and al last I've found you, and
say, Liz" said he. coming nearer, you're US
beautiful as ever
Liz" he went on in n low tone. I've got
plenty OF dust now and you can wear better
dress than that IL you'll shake our mutual
friend, Mr.. Anderson, who, while he may be a
gem Of the purest water in getting q loaded
truck through a Broadway jam. doesn't know
enough to appreciate woman like you You
won't have any pleasure in his society. He's
rough and dull, while Tm-well. you know
how pleasantly We were situated until blew
in all my velvet and Lit out to repair my i'm
poverished exchequer. l didn't forget you.
either, darling. See what I've brought yonr'
and taking her limp hand elegant Mr. De
Forest forced q magnificent diamond ring on
the third finger and then fastened jeweled
brooch deftly over a bosom in which the fires
Of hell were reaching out long tongues of
flame toward a newly-founded citadel OF viz
the and peace.
And besides," said he, gently caressing
her hair an clasping her to his breast. "be-
sides, old sweetheart, you know I'm the only
one who ever honestly cared for you. let
other ladies-othe- ladies alone while had
you. and now I've come back for you and
cannot take no for an answer You can
have an allowance OF fly q week. and more,
too. il thar ism, enough: and-hold ou-why,
curse you. Liz, wha. do you mean Dy striking
an old friend ike me? r
Il mean for you TO take your hands or me
and leave ny house al once. Go, There are
your jewels. Yes, I remember the old times,
and you were kiGder. perhaps. than the rest,
but know that at best I was only-only
prey to you. Others viii do as well. Go, I
say, from my housei There il my marriage
certificate and there my husbands picture. II
you don't 90 III call polieeman.
When Tracknsn August Anderson rose
next morning before daylight and lit the gas
his wife was sleeping peaeefniy. and elasped
asains. her bosom was the;- marriage ces.in-
cate. Her yellow hrlr made ram" o: gold
FOR her beautiful face and neck. He looked
at her ald his honest heart beat with love
and pride in the possession Of Il true-hearted
wife. As he raked down the kitchen stove
he said:
"Gettin' married to good woman is the
maxim of a man. I've led good life since
got Elizabeth"
And Blonde LIZ" waking. kissed the pa
per in her hand and was also happy.
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