Waterbury Democrat., 1902-12-09
A WOMAN WHO WAS FREE
By FLoY CAMPBELL.

VI
 Its getting pretty late, Anne; hadn't we better start for home Mother is always worried about me if I'm out as late as this::' Anne shrugged her shoulders impa- tiently, as she turned the horses about.
 T wouldn't be the bond slave you are for worlds she said; fits bad enough to be tied down to that poky old schoolroom full of stupid children for six hours day, but you tie your self to the whims and notions of all your family, in addition; it is simply , enslaving yourself, as said, and call it silly"
 Maybe it is," responded the slave, cheerfully, "hut if you have family and conscience-you must sacrifice a few of your own whims and notions to the family's, you see.''
 Then I'm glad I have no family; I'm free at least"
 The word "free'' is a seductive one The lips of the bond-slave took on a momentary wistful curve She thought of the other woman's easy life; clear income, no daily grind of work, the ownership of this pretty cart and team, the wearing of dainty and rich garments, no routine family hours that must be kept-and-no home, but the fashionable boarding house, no mother, no sister, no father, no brother to bear with, love and help her. and to be in turn, borne with, loved and helped.
 1'I'd rather be a bond-slave,' she said, decidedly.
 Anne lifted her eyebrows. "Each to his own taste," she replied, "I'll drive fast for you, then, Slavey." But in spite of the fast driving, it was quite dark when the cart reached the home of the bond-slave, and the free woman, declining an invitation to scome in,'' drove on.
 The door was flung open, letting a food of light stream on the walk, and an anxious voice called: "ls that you, Madge? Where in the world have you been? I was scared to death about you, child.'' "Oh, Anne came with her new dog cart and took me driving after school; and it was lovely, mother, so lovely that l forgot the time until it was al- ready twilight
 We'll, dearie, I'm glad you could have the pleasure. Anne's very good. to you. But I wish you would be little more considerate about staying out so late, when you know how it worries me. Why, anything dreadful might be happening to you, and not know it. And we're all through dinner, too. Yours is hot in the oven, but it's nev- CT so good when it waits.''
 Its all right. mother. Now, don't scold and I'll never do it again until the next time" said Madge, giving her hasty hug and kiss as she ran in.
 But her mother did scold little, for mothers can never realize that their golden haired lasses and lads have become men and women, and no longer need the anxious mother-care. And that very troublesome over-anx- iety is one of the greatest safeguards a motlier can use. But while she scold- ed, sLe hustled about, with her young CT daughter Sarah, bringing the hot tea and pofatoes; and reioiced over the keen appetite with which Madge demolished the simple fare; and while the three ssdid up' the dishes, they told each other all the days news.
 And I've got new duet, Madge; come and play it with me when we re through here," coaxed Sarah.
 sAnd ] have new book, Sally Ann, that want to read" teased Madge.
 But Sarah dragged her to the piano by main force and promised not to in terrupt her once again that evening if c1 < 1o $, So Madge played and admired it duly before she took up the book.
 She was deep in the first chapter when walnut-stained hand pulled it down, and pair of boyish eyes laughed audaciously over it.
 'Oh, say, sis, think you're the incest sister in the world! Honest h. jun, now; I was tellin' Jim and Walter this afternoon"
 ssNow, Ted, is it quarter you want. to treat the boys, or cover for your book, or a candy pull next week, or a lesson you can't get yet?" Madgc symptoms of old.
 You've hit it. It's that bea stly alge- bra" he groaned; T can't make head or tall or II.
 Madge put down her book with re- gretful sigh, and last glance at the interesting page.
 Bring on your bars, she quoted "I'm ready. We'll see if we can't find heal and tail both.'
 For the next half an hour algebra held the floor. Ted gradually ceased the desperate pulling at his hair, and smoothed out his brows.
 That's better" he said at last "Ruess can get it now. Much obliged sis. You're cherub.' And he gave her back hair an affeetionate rumple by way of thanks.
 Then mother, coming in for mo ment's chat, must be told all about the day at school must give her counsel as to the management of this or that refractory pupil, her sympathy with each trial of patience or temper, he1 hint of the way to strengthen weak places in the armor of the girls self control. And when mother went away ooiv, f o cal +Lo hraad and MaGOa ssrf-