Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-08-13
JACKS CHOICE.
1ChIeago TImes-Herald)

one morning Mrs. Sherwood and her
companion, Irene George, were sitting IN
the library Of the formers beautltui
home, Beechwood. The young girl had
been reading aloud, but happening 10
glance up, she had noticed that MIS-
Sherwood was paying little or no atteh-
ton to the story, but seemed occupied by
her own thoughts. Suddenly she started,
and. looking at her now silent compan-
ion, said: Did you know l had son,
Ireneg The girl became deadly pale ana
for a moment could not answer, but mai
ly she managed TO murmur that she hao
heard the servants speak Of Master JACK,
and that she had concluded he was her
son.
Yes. / have one son." continued Mrs.
Sherwood, but l fear that by my harsh
treatment OF him on one occasion ]
have separated him from me forever.
Several months ago, while visiting one
Of his college friends, he met young
girl whom he fell in love with and mar
ried without my consent When / re-
ceived his letter telling me OF his mar
rage / was so angry that l answered
him.s aying that as he cared more Tor
her than for me. henceforth he could
content himself with her AS l refused
10 have anything more TO do with nm;
How bitterly ! have repented my cruei
words will never be known 10 any one
but myself Let IL suffice 90 say that /
would give my life 10 recall them
As Mrs. Sherwood finished speaking she
buried her face in her hands, and IN that
position failed 10 notice when liehe pass
ed her and left the room. fastening W
the stairs the girl reached her room, ana,
entering, locked the door. Inen going 10
her writing desk, she wrote Few mes
which she securely sealed, and AFTER care
fully addressing the letter she went Vu1
and mailed IT. &c., ~
Farlv the following evening found Irene
al the end OF the main wax IN the beau
tiful and extensive grounds which sur
rounded the mansion. Before many Sc
conds passed a rapid step was heatu' auu
the next minute she was race 10 lace
with q young man, whose DeamlHB eyco
and glad manner bespoke the JOY he telt
at seeing her After the nfst greetings
Irene said, softly: Jack, 30 10 your
mother now. She IS all alone, ana surrey
you can have no pelter ti''e' VIII ""''
for you here"
81 win not be long. Irene" was his an an,
swer. "and when / return nay mother VIII
Saving that. he hurried toward the
| house. leaving the young girl IN an eH -
ceedlngly anxious state OF nina. Nearly
boif an hour passed ere Jack returned
accompanied by his mother, VINO loosen
fen wears younger ia the JOY OF having
her son with her.
As thew neared the spot where Irene
was standing. Mrs. Sherwood saw ner,
and a look Of surprise came over her
face. Turning to her son she exclaimed;
why, Jack, / thought thought your
your wife" She got no further Tor her
Som stopped her with a smile and said:
"Mother. dear. / told you my VIE was
waiting for US here. she -. irene Is my
wife" ,,,,,,-
how can that be p0ssible2' But by this
time they had reached Irene. who had
started forward. and going quickly to
Mrs Sherwood, said, softly: "Can you
ever forgive me for so deceiving you
Mother" this last word with such a
smile as would melt heart OF stone. Mrs.
sherwood's answer was TO clasp her In
her arms.
| ALI seated beneath large oak overlook
| ing the lake. Irene told In few sinp e
words how Jack had met and won her,
and how after his receiving the cruel
| letter she had resolved 10 be the peace
\ maker. Shortly after this she read Oh