The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1901-04-05

The loss Of her only son was source
of great grief to Mrs Mansfield, but all
her tears. plcadiugS and rcproaches could
not prevail on her husband 10 relent, and
rs time rolled on her opportunities ceased
Having dressed himself to his satisfac-
ton, Mr. Mansfield left the room.
suddenly his progress was checked 10y
the sight of wide open door. What
tempting fend could have lcrt the door
of Miss Au>om's room SO inytiugly open,
displaying, as it did, the very drawer in
which the much discussed photograph
was supposed To lie:
Mrs. Mansfield had. us She well knew,
struck her husbands weak spot when she
mentioned curiosity.
1T would hc the work of moment"
he reflected, TO take just one glance into
that drawer TO satisfy myself of the truth
of James story"
With cautious look round he noise
lesSly entered the room, partially closing
the door behind him. lie opened the
drawer boldly, nnd-yes there it was
the very first thing that caught his eye
his own photograph,
1t was rs his wife had stated. one of
the few re had taken about two years
ago.
Horror, Somebody was coming.
\ light step on the stairs and a sweet
voice hummnS the refrain of song her
aided the approach of Miss Ansom her
self.
What was to be done? Could he allow
her to find him in her room. prying about
like a curious houscmaid? lie, Alder
man Mansfield, mayor of Pimpcrnc.
There was only one thing to be done. He
hid under the bed.
Miss Ansom entered and closed the
door behind her. Mr.. Mansfield could
hear her moving about the room, still
singing lightly to herself
she is taking off her hat and jacket"
he thought In few minutes she will
leave the room. Then | can slip out I'M
observed"
Everything, no doubt would have hap
pened just as he wished had Tiny, Mrs.
Manshclds darling pug not followed
Miss Ausom into the room.
The spirit of investigation was strong
in Tiny. In the course of his present cX-
plorations he naturally looked under the
bed. lie Immediately sent up an ear
splitting series Of banks and yclps. at the
same time dancing about with every ca
nine token of delight
Mr.. Mansfield responded to Tiny's joy
full recognition with silent curses, and.
hearing Miss Ansom's expressions Of sur
prise and that she was approaching the
bed to learn the cause Of Tiny's excite
ment, he slowly emerged with very red
face and very ruliled appearance gener-
ally.
Don't be alarmed, Miss Ansom | beg"
he cried, seeing that that lady looked
dangerously like shricking "Er-my
unexpected appearance fills you with
amazement no doubt"
MIR. Mansfield" she calculated in
tones of incredulous establishment.
Ell must of course explain and
humbly apologize for my despicable con
duct"
His worship then proceeded with abrupt
and jerky sentences, quite devoid of their
usual tlowery trimmings. to explain his
| presence in her room.
Greatly to his relief she did not look
very angry when he had finished She
said nothing ut first but, opening the fu-
! tai drawer produced somewhere from its
! depths two more photographs, which she
put into his hands, saying:
you see, have photographs of other
members of the family rs we'll"
Mr. Mansfield gazcd at them in aston
ishment They were pictures of his wife
and son!
why, who gave you these, Miss An
SOM
Jack" she replied simply. with low.
cred eyclids and Il pretty flush on her
face.
Jack" he cried. My sou!'
Yes" she whispered
But II don't understand! was
not aware that you had ever met him.
He is in South Ma"
1T was for my Sake he went there"
she replied softly.
There was silence for few minutes.
Then you are the young-er-lady
whom my son wished to marry in oppo-
sition to my wishes?" said Mr.. Mansfield
severely.
YES" she murmured.
Mr., Mansfield thought deeply for the
next few minutes. After all he liked
Miss Ansom immensely, and if he still
/ proved obstinate she would of course
leave the house and perhaps this morn
ing'S ridiculous adventure might be men
toned, and-ycs he would bc mcrciful
"Well, Miss Ansom. | need hardly say
that your story has aStonishcd me be
yond measure. but | will not disguise
from you the fact that during the time
you have been with us you have won my
highest esteem, and, in fact, | regard you
with feelings of paternal affection. We
must write to that young scamp and
have him home. Meanwhilc'-
With cry of JOY Miss Ansom flung
her arms around his neck and imprinted
n kiss on his nose
AT that moment the door opened, and
Mrs. Mansfield stood on the threshold
with hands uplrtcd in horror She could
not have timed her entrance with greater
precision had she been waiting with eye
at the kcyholc.
".John. Miss Ansom!' she gaspcd.
Mr. Mansfield looked frightened.
"Nly dear" he cried ncrvously, Il am
going to write aud tell Jack to come
home This young woman has promised
TO be his wife. She is in fact, the young
lady about whom we had that foolish
quarrel.
1t took Mr.. Mansfield quite quarter
of an hour to make his wife understand
clearly the facts of the case, but when
she did understand she burst into tears
and raptrously embraced Miss Arson,
assuring her of her uudyng affection.
Mr.. Mansfield ut length managed to
slip away, congratuIating himself on the
success with which he had eXtrcatcd
himself from an unpleasant position
After ALL he was glad of an excuse to
welcome his boy home again.
But perhaps If ne had heard what pass
ed between his wife and future daughter.
in-law when they heard the han door