Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-11-06

Mrs. Smith (ngitated)--I--o-I don't
know-yes, rather, my dear. IL once
knew some one who used TO wear flow
ers there.
Violet (clapping her hands) How
funnyl SO did daddy.
Mrs. Smith-But the-the lady knew
used to wear them with peculiar mean
ing.
Violet-So did my dear mamma. But
she died ever so long ago. don't think
I remember her properly.
Mrs. Smith--Your mother?
Violet-Yes. You know daddy wasn't
always rich; and mammals people
wouldn't let her marry him at first,
or talk to him, or anything. But when
he was likely to see her, she used to
wear some white flowers just here for
signal, to tell him
Mrs. Smith (wildly)-That she re-
membered-and would never forget!
Violet (delighted) 10, you clever Mrs.
Smith to guess! That's just what it
was.
Mrs. Smith (trembling)-what is
your fathers name-your name, of
course, l mean-miss?
Vioet-Charles Thornton is daddy's
name, and mine
Mrs. Smith falling back in her chair
and holding her side)-My God! (Her
assistant runs forward and supports
herr Dear, dear me; it's the-the
weather-or something. Gradually re-
covers.)
Assistant (bustlng about noiseless-
ly)-She's had trouble. miss, and it
always eXcites her to talk about such
things. Don't say no more'an you can
help.
Violet (remorsefully)-I am so sorry,
Mrs. Smith. Shall 1 ask daddy to send
you a doctor? He would, am sure.
Mrs. Smith gathering herself to-
gether)-No, no, dearie, thank you. 1t
was only a spasm, You must tell me
the end of your pretty little tale, which
L was rude enough to interrupt.
Niolet-O, daddy didn't tell me any
more of it; except, of course. that he
married mamma. And then she went |
away.
Mrs. Smith-Went away?
Violet-Died, of course, he meant. |
People say went away" because it
doesn't sound $3.50 uncomfortable.
you know.
Mrs. Smith (absently)-I see, 1 see.
CTies up large bundle of f1owers.) |
There! Now let me fasten them as YOU
wanted. (Brokenly) In memory Of
Violet (reverently) dear mother
in Heaven. (Suddenly catching sight
of a gentleman in the distance) Why,
there's daddy. Goodbye, Mrs. Smith;
hope you'll soon feel better. puts
down her money and rushes to meet
him.)
Mrs. Smith (swaying on her chair)-
1t is-the-the heat-I-
Assistant-I'll get you some fresh
water. brushes off to the fountain.)
Mrs. Smith (talking to herself)-In
memory of-will never forget
(Unsteadily fastens some white flow
ers in left side of belt and sinks back
unconscious. Crowd of boys gather
round, and policeman comes up. as
assistant returns with water.)
Niolet-O, daddy, there's something
wrong with my nice old flower woman.
IAN you DO anything?
(Her father makes his way through
the crowd as the flower seller opens her
eyes. They look gravely at each other1
He-Call a cab, policeman. No, no;
nsist-to take this woman home. Ell?
her stall? That will be all right. II
lave some friends who are interestd in
Ter case, and wish to provide for her.
Tips policeman and cabby. Has
ew words with assistant. Then walks
If with Violet.)
Violet (admiringly)-How kind and
7ood you are, daddy. Why, it's made
.ou look quite I'LL
lie (wiping his forehead)-No, no,
ny dear. It's merely-excitement. It's
"a very strange coincidence-but nv
awyer has been looking for your flower
eiler. She was not brought up like
his, and some friends wish to make
er an allowance.
Violet-How lovely!
He-And-and-I shall perhaps add
to it-for your sake, dear.
Violet (gently)-No, daddy, dear.
Points to her fiowers) In memory of
(He bows his head.)-Black and
White.