Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1901-07-02
HALF ASLEEP"

DIR. Martin" was her unexpected
question after a long pause, do you
know what became of my hair"
Why" l asked, looking at her fin
gers running through the short curlS We
had left her.
Because that ought to be sold for
something" she said. Il am almost glad
you had it cut off. My hairdresser told
me once he would give five guineas for
head of hair like mine. it was SO long,
and the color was uncommon. Five
guineas would not be half enough to pay
you, though, ! know"
She spoke so simply and quietly that l
did not attempt TO demonstrate with her
about her anxiety to pay me.
"Tardif has it, 1 said; but of course
he will give it you back again. Shall l
sell it for you, mam'Zelle"
.Oh, that is just what l could not ask
you!' she exclaimed. You see there is
no one to buy it hese, and / hope it may
be long time before go away. don't
know, though; that depends upon wheth-
er l can dispose of my things. There is
my sealskin, it cost twenty-five guineas
last year, and it ought to be worth some
thing. And my watch-see what nice
one it is. should like to sell them all.
every one. Then | could stay here as
long as the money lasted"
How much do you pay here?' l inQuir-
ed. for she had taken me so far into
counsel that l felt justified in asking
that question.
a pound a week" she answered.
a pound a week. l repeated, in
amazement. Does Tardif know thatY
Il don't think he does" she said
when l had been here week | gave
Mrs. Tardif sovereign, thinking per-
haps she woulg give me a little out of it.
I am not used to being poor, and l did
not know how much l ought to pay. But
she kept it all. and came to me every
week for more. Was it too much to
pay?"
Too muchy' said. You should have
spoken to Tardif about it, my poor child"
Il could not talk 70 Tardif about his
mother" she answered. Besides, it
would not have been too much, if had
only had plenty. But it has made me so
anxious. l did not know whatever |
should do when it was all gone. do not
know now"
Here was a capital opening for qHes-
ton about her friends.
You will be compelled TO communi-
cate with your family" l said. You
have told me how poot you are; cannot
you trust me about your friends!"
Il have no friends" she answered sor-
rowfully. IF had any, do you suppose
l should be here:'
Il am one" l said. 'and Tardif is an
other"
All, new friends" she replied; but |
mean real old friends who have known
You all your life, like your mother, DR..
Martin. or your cousin Julia. | want
somebody to go to who knows all about
me, and say 10 them. after telling them
everything, keeping nothing back IT all,
Have l done right? What else ought
10 have doneE No new friend could an
swer questions like those"
Was there any reason l could bring
forward to increase her confidence in
me? l thought there was. and her friend
leSSness and helplessneSS touched me 10
the core Of my heart. Yet it was with an
iadehnable reluctance that brought for
ward my alignment
Miss Olivier | said. Il have no
claim Of old acquaintance o. friendship,
yet it is possible l nigh, answer those
questions, II you could prevail upon your
SELF 10 tell me the circumstances Of your
former life. In 4 few weeks / shall be in
position 70 show you more friendship
than can 10 now. | shall have 4 home
Of my own, and 4 wife. who VIII be your
friend more t1tinsly, perhaps, than my
self"
Il knew t." she answered, half shyly.
-'-Tariif told me you were going 70 mar
~ your cousin julia"
Just then we heard the foldyard gate
Swins % behind some one who was CON-
ia- 20 the house.
Il WAS an immense relief 10 see on,y
Tariffs tai figure eroSSin. the yard
slowly. hailed him. and he quickeRed
his paSe. his honest features lighting up
- the sight Of me.
How 10 yoa End msm'zeile. doctor:"
were his dTSs eager words
AL right. said; going on fam0asly.
SarS i enough TO cure any enc ana any
thing Of itself. Tariif. There Is no air
Iike l. l should not mind beieg q little
ii here myself
Captain Carey IS impatient 10 be
sone," be continued. HE sent word By