Middletown transcript., 1904-01-16
impetuously laid his hand on her shoul-

impetuously laid his hand on her shoul-
der.
That is ii, Miss Madison! he replied.
/, If you look after my mother, and make
her affliction lighter to her, you will put
the obligation on my side. She is my
first care, and I am already grateful to
you for the way in which she tells me
you have devoted yourself to her.
That isn't any credit to me, returned
Custance. Amy one would do so-they
couldn't help it.
The smile in the mans eyes was almost
/ tender as he looked down at the speaker.
As long as you think that Of my mother
we shall be firm friends, he said. Then
he paused rather suddenly, as he looked
at the earnest face raised to his-the vel
vety flushed cheeks, the pretty red mouth,
the purple dark eyes, and the crown of
golden-red hair-and it occurred to him
that it would not be long before some
other fellow would steal this beauty and
freshness for his home, and that the
treasure which he had CHANGED upon for
his mother would be hers no longer.
Well, We cant help it, he thought. But
suppose some King of Cophetua will
steal my begger-maid in short time. /
never saw prettier girl. Then he said
aloud, My mother will think we are lost.
Come along! Why, my dear child, this
grass has heavy dew upon it, and your
shoes must be soaked. Run away and
change them at once.
But, Mr.. Standard, the soles are quite
thick-really! Custance replied, laughing
and blushing.
She could not resent being called "My
dear child" when it was said in such a
kindly tone, although as a rule she was
| rigidly naughty in checking familiarity.
The thought and care for her too touched
her the more in that she had never been
looked after like more fortunate girls.
When she came downstairs again from
doing as he told her, the gong had sound
ed, and Mrs. Standard and her son were
both seated at the table.
Well, have you got rid of those very
damp slippers? Godfrey asked, with
smile, ignoring her murmured apology.
Miss Madison was doing her best to catch
her death of cold, mother. was obliged
to insist on her changing her shoes.
My dear, l hope that you have not
taken a chill, Mrs. Standard said anx-
iously. See that she has some wine, God
frey-James, give Miss Madison glass OF
port at once.
Mr.. Standards laughing eyes met Gus
tance's dismayed glance as the butler
solemnly filled her glass.
You are bound to drink it, he said mis-
chievously, although I see that you are
horribly afraid of being intoxicated. See
what comes of wandering in the night
air, Miss Madison!
Have you had busy week, Godfrey
LIS AAoehCA lu4ulICu.
Rather busy, he answered carelessly.
Poor Richards is being worried out Of his
life by widow with nine children and a
husband who contradicts all she says.
They come to the Office alternately, and
force their way into his room. Hitherto
they have not met each other there, but
/ am looking forward to the encounter
when it does take place.
But, my dear Godfrey, said his mother
laughing, how can she be widow if her
husband is alive?
Their accounts differ. The only point
on which they are at one is the matter of
the nine children, for whom neither will
be responsible.
Poor things! Custance uttered involun-
tarily.
The philantIropist glanced towards her
quickly with shadow on his face.
Yes-that is the pitiful part, he said,
with half sigh. If we had to deal with |
only the idle beggars who won't work it |
would be easy enough, to dispose of them;
but there is generally some hapless factor
in the case who suffers for their sins, and |
out of whom they make capital. Rich
ards sent you his kind regards, Miss Mad
ison, he added, in lighter tone.
Thank you'll hope he is well, and his
wife and baby.
Custance thinks much OF the little one,
Mrs. Standasd informed her son. By
the way, Custance, Mrs. Hobbs at the
lodge has quite number Of small child