The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-01

her brain There was no mistake, the
photograph was certainly hers.
Who was the author of the dastardly
piece Of imDertinence2 If it were In
deed done fer a joke, it was, as he said,
hateful, inexcusable. Perhaps it was the
work of some envious friend who wished
to humiliate the very charms she en-
wed.
Maisie thought it all over with desper-
ate excitement; it was too dreadful to
facing the most dreadful part of it all
Rob had believed it possible that She
herself could have done such a thing.
Later, when her mother, who had re-
turned from long days visit to dis
tant friends knocked anxiously at tbs.
door to inquire why dinner had been left
untasted, Maisie drew her in, and. pull
ing her down on the bed beside her.
there told her miserable story.
The next morning, by the first post.
almost before Maisie had shaken the
sleep from her eyelids. a letter was
brought in to her which sent her flying
with blazing cheeks and painting breath
into her mothers room.
Dearest Sis-What no! Have you
seen this weeks Sly-Cuts? Don't know
If you have ever heard of the paper, bur
it's we'll tfumbed periodical in these
parts-lots Of actresses photos and per-
sonal information-yOu know the kind.
They are great at competitions, and
few weeks ago there was a SIS prize
offered for the photo of the handsomest
man who sent in for it. We all sent up,
but concluded when the result was out
that the judges had no taste The other
week they raised the stakes, and offered
$25 for the photo of the best-looking
girl
"ScIne of the fellows who were in my
room at the time suggested, in joke
that I should send in the one 1 had of
you-you know, with the cut-away even-
ing dress and divOrce-court hat.
caught at the idea, and, by heavensi 1t
fetched them.
LAS it was my idea I have written for
the $25. Beside. know you are not as
stony as l am. Perhaps you had better
not tell the Mater, she might not see
the joke. Do you see? Your affection
ate brother, OSCAR"
Some months later Mrs. aud Miss
Wellard were staying a a well known
hydro in Harrogate. Maisie's health
! had been a serious worry to Mrs. Well
lard during the past summer, and the
doctor had suggested a course of treat
been here about three weeks when one
night Maisie told her mother that she
would stay there no longer.
My child, why not?''
We'll, the fact is mother, dear. it is
because of that Objectionable woman,
Mrs. Goldsworthy. She never passes me
without fixing me with an unpardonably
supercilious stare. 1t may be foolish
VI me- Oul Il JllIk-S i1lG yer IQCDnlIOrC-
able. l won't stay here to be made I'M
happyi"
But the next morning brought the
enemy most Unexpectedly to Maisie's
side. She was walking in the garden
when the supercilious lady approached
her.
Miss Wellard, I have a very strange
request to make you, and one which
WILL l fear for my part, ne cessitate
some awkward explanat tons"
Il think from my points of view you
have many things to explain" she said :
your evident anita gcnism, for instance -
Miss Wellard, I believe you know l
am here with my invalid SON." Maisie
bowed her head. He is obliged to keep
to his room. I may as we'll tell you at
once. perhaps, he is dying, SO they tell
me-"
Her voice shook a little, and Maisie
felt she was on the borders of a great
sorrow.
"Well?" she said quietly.
Some months ago, among some pa
which the result of a beauty competition
was announced"
Maisie gasped and put out her hand
entrea ting1y, the color coming and GO
ing rapidly in her cheeks. hut Mrs.
Goldsworthy continued quickly, as Il
wishing to get her disa greea BILE task
over.
And absurd strange and impossible as
it may seem, my son fell ridiculously in
love with that face-the owner of which
at once recognized when you came tc
this house.
My feelings when 1 saw you. you may
perhaps imagine; naturally, 1 found ii
hard to find any excuse for a woman who
could so dispicably lower herself. and ]