The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1900-06-01

ca water-colors and charcoal sketches
were pinned upon the walls; the cot
was covered with a ragged paisley
shawl and behind a figured curtain
were the evidences of poor old Anne's
circumsoribed housekeeping. Her face
was paler by far than when she left
the home, and it was evident that art
had not condescended to feed her
infirm votary. On the contrary. she
had pinched still more those wrinkled
cheeks, put into the patient eyes a
look OF yet deeper loneliness.
you must have a studio back at
the home, Anne" suggested Mrs. Ap-
pleby, gently, after she made one or
two purchases of the artist Il am
| going out TO call a carriage for you,
and an expressman shall bring your
things afterward"
But old Anne was not to be so
easily cajoled. 1t was only after the
perplexed young lady resorted to
threats that the artist consented to
resign her Independent career.
But Mrs. Appleby had yet further
difficulties to encounter The Presi-
dent of the board and all the members
refused to take the poor old creature
back.
She has proved herself migrate.
full" said they. she does not de.
/ serve to enjoy the privileges of the
home"
1t was only the liberty of the spirit
taking its last gasping breath" plead
ed Mrs Appleby with some lurking
scorn of rules and regulations. 81
don't think she will ever try to be
free again. She knows now that for
such as she 1t IS useless. She has no
friends to care for her Let her come
back to her c0rner-she has been
naughty old child. but she will be
good now and perhaps love us all the
better Please,"
But the board was obdurate for
long time. and finally consented TO
permit Anne's return only on con
ditiOn that she would make an
apology This Anne fatty and per-
sistontly refused to do.
what have | to apologize fore" she
inquired rs the home a prison and
are the members of the board my
jailers? Who are they. pray that
Anne Lee should apologize to them?'
But after these brave words she
broke down and sobbed piteously on
Mrs Applehy's neck.
It was Mrs. Appleby who wrote out
the apology-and it was a self re-
speeding one-and got Anne Lee to
sign it,
Il will present this to the board, if
it is so required said Anne. but
viii say nothing morc-not though I
am turned ont upon the street,
The board sat in session. 1t was
an important looking body of ladies.
It sat in session and waited for old
Anne Lee. Mrs Apploby heard her
coming and arose and opened the
door for her She came In slowly ana
walked like one who was afflicted
with grief. Her white hair chung in
damp strands to her delicate sunken
temples, her lips were tremulous and
every line Of the sensitive, proud Old
face made its mute protest against
her situation She fairly staggered
as she entered the room, and Mrs.
Appleby slipped one strong young
arm around her.
Present your apology to the secre-
tarN, she whispered. IL VIII not ne
necessary to do anything more"
Anne Lee made a great effort, half
extended the paper, and then drew it
back with an involuntary gesture of
true pride The truth was she had
not yet discovered why she should
apologize She looked with appealing
eyes at the woman about her.
you go and come when you
! please she cried "and you ask no
one what you shall do But 1"
Words failed her. and her breath
struggled convulsively in her throat.
/ The president was a stern woman
and one who set much store by the
/ written law, but at sight of this droop-
I ing figure with its pitiful and puerile
/ plea for liberty. her sense of justice
i consented to leave its high place. A
more generous impulse mastered her.
She arose, holding out her arms.
Anne Lee, comprehend as a child
comprehends, that forgiveness had
come-the forgiveness which seemed
unattainable, and fell sobbing with
them And Mrs. Appleby gently ex-
tracted the apology from the color
less old fingers and tossed it in the
open fire.-Chicago Tribune.