The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1901-10-25

ping into twilight and, after poiing
up a more comfortable blaze on the
altar. which now once more resolved
itself :nto a common everyday CRATE,
she took some cushions from the
couch. and throwing herself down on
the hearth rug gave up to the good
cry that the occasion seemed TO de-
mand. Thus her sacrifices were wa
tered with a quantity Of tears, one last
good-by said TO that career and she
had just grasped the future firmly
by the horns when her mother en-
tered the room.
Poor little visionary mother! Her
mistake, were many, but her inton-
tions were Of the best and she had al
ways economical that her daughter
should have money 10 prepare her
self for a variety Of careers ranging
from Journalism" to domestic econ
omy.' which had been the last n
tried and which, while Helen had not
carried it far enough to have ii bring
her in anything-none of the careers
had ever been carried far enough for
that-scomed to be the one best suit
ed to those elusive talents Of hers.
Perhaps after all they were not tai
ents. Perhap. "knack." tina, indefn-
able New England name for an idea
which mean making everyone about
YOU comfortable and happy, was what
she really possessed. That was what
Tom thought and Tom. although he
showed lone Of the earmafks of true
greatness and whose conversation did
not consist Of a meteoric display Of
bon mots, still had a way, now and
then, Of coming out with the right
name for things and driving straight
to the point.
My dear" said the plaintive voice
OF her doting parent, what is the
matter! Thomas Mason is down
stair. and wants to see YOU
"Oh. mamma. ! can't see Tom or
anyone else tonight. just look at
me- And indeed this universal
genius did not appear just as one
might wish, when the eyes Of the
world are upon one Her hair, from
having buried her head in the pillows
wherein many tears were shed, was
somewhat out Of curl; in fact, il was
in stringlets. Her eyes were red and
her face wore that swollen and ban
daged-up appearance, consequent
upon the enjoyment ofthc luxury and
woe.
swell. Helen, what am / to tell
him: said you we're at home, you
know"
"Oh, III 90 down. It's only Tom"
And she got herself up from the rug
with a sigh, bathed her red eyes and
smoothing the touseled head a little
and went down to the parlor.
"Icame to say good-by, Hally," said
he, looking down at her with the
faithful, loving eyes Of a big New
foundland dog. 81 can't stand it, you
see, to hang around here and 90 on
loving you like | do, when you merely
think Of me as a brother, and I've
made up my mind TO 90 west and try
to get interested in something-not
TO forget you, however, for | never
can do that-but II isn't good for me
to remain here just to pick up what
crumbs Of affection you can spare for
me. I've got to be somebody, you
know. and while III never be as great
as you will be. I'm going to do the
best ! can: and when you are a noted
woman aud parties and receptions are
made for you and the people crowd
around TO meet You and 90 away feel
ing elated-that is if the celebrated
authoress. or whatever you are to be-
cone, takes any particular notice Of
them, | want you to remember that
not II Of them loves you as Tom
does
The candidate for the worlds bau-
bic of praise and hollow homage was
: nervously tracing the pattern Of the
carpet with the toe Of her little red
slipper. "Just you yourself, Hally,
without any press notices or recep-
tions. that is all ! have cared for or do
/, care for"
That career! lie, too. had been
taking resolutions on April lst!
, The lady who was destined to be
lionized at future functions and to
roar mildly for the ediiication Of the
same, sank weakly down and melted
= .at, t,o.a aa.,t,, a a..t