Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-12-27
A subtle SPECULATION.

a HlffON CAhhOL ioOhVu
Il carefully about the room-noth-
y ing had been forgotten. Clos
iup her satchel, she turned to leave,
when the sound of mufied sobbing
came to her ears. She listened intent
". then impulsively crossed the wide
hall, and raped at the opposite door.
In answer to a low come" she en-
tered, and was surprised to find, on
couch before the doing fire, the wo-
man who, six months before, had be-
come her fathers wife. From the first
lChiffon had been determined not to
bike her, but the older woman's gen
4 tleness and sweetness of disposition
were beginning to make an impression.
II am not dressing for dinner to-
night, Jane. l shall not go down; l
am too sad and my head aches" came
in mufied tones from the pillows.
Deft fingers loosened the heavy
masses Of hair, and a gentle, pene-
trating massage followed. The sur
nrised sufferer raised her eyes, catch
ing her breath with a little half-sob
as she saw It was not her maid, but
the one whose love she despaired OF
gaining.
..This is very sweet Of you, Rose,
dear" she said gently.
Indeed. 1 want to make you more
comfortable" answered soothing
voice. Il cannot bear that any one
should suffer. Why are you so mis-
cradle. Mrs. Carol? Is your son worse
today"
Mrs. Carol! Is that the only name
Won can find In your heart TO call me,
dear? 1 wonder if you will ever call
me mother? l have always longed for
daughter; your own dear mother
could be no more tender than | would
be II you would only open your heart
to me-"
II really care for you" answered the
cir, kissing her warmly. Wont you
call me Chiffon? Those l love call me
by that name"
sSuch a dainty pet namel / have
NOT dared to use 1t. Do you think,
Chiffon. that your fathers heart is not
li, enough for us both? l would not
take one iota of his love from YOU
The proud head was gently lowered
ss Chiffon's arm crept around the
others neck. and as their tears min
Cled the barrier was gone forever.
mother. why do you not bring your
how here? Surely your home should
IA his. Let him have my rooms, they
are tne sunriest : shall be gone a
month; hy that time he may be able
20 move 10 the suite above, How long
IA 1. since he was injuredT
"He has been in the hospital nine
morths. his horse fell on him and his
SHINE was hurt The surgeons prom
,se a complete cure. but the waiting
GO so tedious, and the suspense almost
unbearable.
.Wn you accept my offer?" asked
Chiffon. MY visit will be happier If
you do"
II gladly accept. dear. Philip never
would have come without your invi-
tation."
what a sensitive boy" exclaimed
Chiffon. Give him my warmest syn
patty and tell him feel that we shall
be Wa friends. l will help to amuSe
him when come back; does ne care
10 be read to?"
de is very fond of company" an
swered his mother, but is very sensi-
tive about the crutches be is Obliged
TO use"
Chiffon had anticipated no END Of a
good tine Although she was enter
tanned continually her heart yearned
for home. and at the end OF three
weeks she surprised them by returning
unannounced.
How is our invahdf" was her first
question. after affectionateiy greeting
her father and mother.
"Improving every day" answered
her mother; you must see him after
dinner. He is anxious 10 thank you,
although he said it would be rank
presumption TO accept the use of your
rooms. and occupies those over yours. =
What an unusually thoughtful
boy laughed Chiffon.
Immediately after dinner she ran
over the stairs 10 the invalid's apart
ments. armed with Two Of Henty's
newest books for boys. which she had
brought home from the city; also. a
bound volume OF St Nicholas Maya