Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1900-05-19
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CHAPTER w

My mirror had told me that I had
Zrowr younger since coming to Eldon
The hollows in my cheeks had rounded
out, could no longer say that | was
TOO white for beauty, and the anxious
and harrassed expression which the
unsatisfactory and unsettled conditions
OF my life prior to my departure from
New York had craven on my features
had wholly given place to the natural
serenity and animation of my age. /
was somewhat Modified by his explain
suon, Keeling hattering to my present
appearance. l smiled.
YES" replied, lit was 1, and was
stranded, that is a fact But for your
chivalrous assistance I shudder TO
think what might have become of me-"
He laughed, and at that moment his
mother re-entered the room, bearing on
small tray cup of steaming tea,
the mere sight of which seemed to
1nfuse new strength into my veins.
was not disappointed in its effect up-
on me, for after drinking it felt like
a new creature.
Il am very sorry TO have given you
so much trouble" said to Mrs Spen-
Ger, as she took the empty cup from my
hand. 81 must introduce myself to YOU
IN proper form. 1 am Miss Lothrop,
companion to Mrs Eldredge of The
Ivies"
eyes, 1 thought So" returned the
good woman, with evident pleasure In
her own perspicacity. You. are not
wholly unknown to us, my dear young
lady. My son has heard you CRATE
fully spoken of by many of his poor
patients. besides which. Mr.. Booth
has mentioned you to us. l hope your
interest in charitable work is not prov
ing too great tax upon your
strength.
Not at all" I replied with decision.
This attack is merely the result of
confinement. 1t is q great pleasure to
do some good in the world. even IL IL
be only to administer another's boun-
sy."
She looked at me approvingly. and
the doctor even turned n kindly glance
upon me.
'fBut you have an excellent home
mission" Mrs. Spencer remarked. not
without emotion. Even without ven
turing beyond the doors of The Ivies
you have ample opportunity for good
work in ministering to the broken and
bruised spirit of that noble woman who
is its mistress. do not know whether
you are acquainted with the sad cir
ycumstances of -"
"Motherp'
welcomed the warning exclamation
that served as an interruption. Idivin-
ed that my hostess was one OF those SIM
pie, garruluous, kindly souls that dear
ay love bit of gossip, and the express
sion OF the sons face assured me that
this weakness OF his mothers was in
tolerable to him. 1 had no wish To
hear from strange lips details which
dear Madam had chosen to withhold
from me. To listen to the sad story
that had wrecked her life, without
her permission, seemed to me treason
able intrusion upon sacred ground.
Mrs. Spencer's round, rosy face flush
ed n deep crimson.
"Oh, David, my dear. pardon me:
quite forgot" she said hurriedly, and
with more embarrassment it seemed
TO me, than the occasion warranted.
Both mother and son were so evil
IDENTIFY discomposed by her untoward
allusion that it appeared wisdom on
my part to create a diversion by rising
20 depart. This action restored the at
mosphere to its normal serenity, and
drew forth strong expressions OF re-.
monstrance from my hosts. Neither
considered me fit for the long walk
back, and DIR. Spencer urged that
should allow him to drive me home In
his dog-cart.
thanked him cordially, but declined
his offer, saying that ] feared the adj
vent of stranger might disturb Mrs
EIdredge, who often took her exercise
on the wide veranda at this hour. But
Mrs. Spencer insisted.
"You are not fit TO walk; is she,
David? Physicians orders, you know,
my dear! Do let my son drive you
He is no stranger TO madam. Why"
Again the warning 'Motherr' check
ed the voluble utterance. She broke
abruptly off again and turned aside TO
hide her confusion. Then the doctor
took mp the argun ent.
You are quite T; ;ht, Miss Lothrop, -
he said, lin Think: that my preserce
might distress Mrs. Eldra5ge, but I
am equally reas- able in asserting
Sb"S VIZ are "a no II condition to walk
hcl:1e. Let us compromise. If you will
permit me to drive you to the gates
OF The lvies l will allow you to walk
Shence to the house Is it a bargain 90
was glad to fall in with this propo-
siuon, and while DIR. Spencer was gone
Tor the trap l had a nice little chat
with his mother. ! had much Ado