Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1895-04-26

.Ao considered undignifcd She had
10 rdlv ovcr. at least since they had out
srtwn the nursery, bestowed q caress
Sudn Them. But Ralph regarded her
with d fervid, chivalrous attachment IN
conformity with his ardent generous
An" Md this same adored mother was
8vcrwhelmed with grief, struck to the
very heart by an act OF his.
Ralnh was miserable Yet what was
left for him to do? How could he COM
blv with her wishes? II would be like
ppiyinq uD his own SELF. The situation
was terrible. He felt that it would be
msoless TO try whether she could be won
over tH his view Of the matter. There was
no romantic vein in his mothers compo-
sition. The sentiments of lover, VINO
deems the prejudices of reality as un'
worthy of consideration, would seem
to her the rank delusions OF madman'
There was another long pause, inter
rupted only by the sobS OF Mrs war
ringham.
Much of that lady's emotion was gen-
nine. Yet there was q trace of purpose
In her vehement manifestation OF -;
She knew that it was the most powerful
weapon In her arsenal
Notwithstanding her pride, there was
In Mrs. Warringham's nature not lackln8
that cunning hypocrisy which women
know so well how to employ. che Kne"
that woman can easiest overcome the
masculine heart by show of weakness
co far she had succeeded very we'll
But now she made mistake.
In her eagerness to follow up the al
vantage she had gained, she resumed:
"Think of the life this woman has been
Icadlngl Think of her associations!
How can you think of making her your
wife!" A.
At these words the chivary OF the
lover fired up again. lie rose 10 NE
feet and, in the most determined 'oneS
at his command, exclaimed:
"Mamma, will not allow even you to
speak slightingly of my future wife"
"Your wifel"
"My wife,"
Mrs. Warringham was almost de
srondent. But she determined to maE'
one more effort.
"Well. sir" she said, resnming hel
GOODNESS and dignity; "you will have u
choose between that woman and you
mother"
"Mother."
The word was spoken with such {
depth of grief, there was tone oi Saci
extreme m sery in 1t that it touched ln'
heart even of this cold woman Dut Sh'
resisted the impulse to throw her alra
around her sons neck and bid him hl
low the voice of his heart. with tooe
cier than before she said:
"There is no other possibility. Choos'
between me and her,"
Ip vain Ralph tried to reason with III
mother. in vain he pleaded that, what
ever might be true Of other actresses
Miss Lyon had passed undefled through
all the foundations that surrounded her
She would surely learn to love her, n
said. if she would only permit him I
introduce her.
What answer could there be to sucl
nrotestations but skeptical, half-con
temptuous smile?
His vain endeavors ceased at last TO
soTe minutes he stood motion!cSS benin
his mothers chair, gazing at a pictur
on the wall without knowing what
represented. Mrs. Warringham watche
him through the mirror in front OF hei
Int 'nse anxiety was depicted on her race
During these moments of fierce men'i
struggle the thought never entere
Ralph's mind what the financial const
ouenccs of bro1k with his mothe
would be to him. 1t was only the strus
gle between his love and fl ial aHectlo
that caused him indescribablc agony
Love conquered at last, as it always VII
But was the victory worth the price?
With an expreSsOl of utter hopeless
ness he turned at last and walked acres
the room where he could see his mother
face. It's rigidity inspired him with lltt
encouragement. Not trace OF II.
former emotion could be seen in 1t
as that your last word, mamma?"
"Ny last word. Choose"
The words came hesitatingly from u
young mans lips, and his breath was j
bored as he answered.
81 have no choice. Mother. tareWell
lie rushed from the room.
He did not hear the wall that bur
from the bosom Of the mother who hi
.aertliccd her child to her pride.
ITJ BE CONTINUED.