Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1899-11-22

HIS MOTHERS
COMPANION

nn RS. SHERWOOD and her com.
lM1I panion, Irene George, were sit
OoA ting in the library Of the for.
mer's beautiful home, Beechwood. The
young girl had been reading aloud, but
happening to glance up, she had noticed
that Mrs. Sherwood was paying little
or no attention to the story, but seemed
occupied by her own thoughts. Sud-
denly she started, and, looking at her
now silent companion, said: did you
know I had a son, IreneT The girl
became deadly pale and for a moment
could not answer, but finally she man
aged to murmur that she had heard the
servants speak of Master Jack, and
that she had concluded he was her son.
Eyes, have one son." continued Mrs.
Sherwood, but fear that by my harsh
treatment of him on one occasion have
separated him from me forever. Sever
al months ago, while visiting one Of his
college friends, he met young girl
whom he fell In love with and married
without my consent. When l received
the letter telling me of his marriage l
was so angry that I answered him say
for me, henceforth he could content
himself with her, as I refused to have
anything more to do with him. How
bitterly have repented my cruel words
will never be known to any one but my
self. Let 1t suffice to say that would
81 NM life 70 ranoIl than. -
As Mrs. Sherwood finished speaking
she buried her face In her hands, and
In that position failed to notice when
Irene passed her and left the room.
Fastening up the stairs, the girl
reached her room, and, entering, locked
the door. Then. going to her writing
desk, she wrote few lines which she
securely sealed. and, after carefully ad.
dressing the letter, she went out and
mailed 1t.
Early the following evening found
Irene at the end Of the main walk In
the beautiful and extensive grounds
which surrounded the mansion. Before
many seconds passed, rapid step was
heard and the next minute she was face
to face with young man whose beam
ing eyes and glad manner bespoke the
Joy he felt at seeing her. After the first
greetings Irene said, softly: "Jack, go
to your mother now. She Is all alone,
and surely you can have no better time.
will wait for you here"
~ will not be long, Irene" was his
answer, land when return my mother
will be with me-"
Saying that, he hurried towards the
house, leaving the young girl In an ex
ceedingly anxious state Of mind. Nearly
half an hour passed ere Jack returned,
accompanied by his mother, who looked
ten years younger In the Joy of having
her son with her.
As they neared the spot where Irene
was standing Mrs. Sherwood saw her,
and look of surprise came over her
face. Turning to her son, she ex-
claimed: "Why. Jack, thought
thought your-your Wife" She got
no further, for her son stopped her with
a smile and said: Mother, dear, told
you my wife was waiting for us here.
She Is. Irene is my wife,"
"Irener' exclaimed his mother. why,
how can that be possibleT But by
this time they had reached Irene, who
started forward, and, going quickly to
Mrs. Sherwood, said softly: Can you
ever forgive me for SO deceiving you
motherr' this last word with such
smile as would melt a heart Of stone.
Mrs. Sherwood's answer was to clasp
her In her arms.
A few moments later, when they were
all seated beneath a large oak over
looking the lake, Irene told In few
simple words how Jack had met and
won her. and how, after his receiving
the cruel letter, she had resolved to be
the peacemaker. Shortly after this she
read Of Mrs. Sherwood's desire for
companion, and showing 1t to her hus-
band, told him that she was resolved to
try for the position. The result was
known. Her efforts were entirely sue
cessful, and now, with Jack and his