The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1905-07-06


They are" she replied; land now
we are here, all friends, together. ]
am going to tell you the story Of my
life, which Is known to but very few.
Rose among the number My parents
are dwarfs and exhibit In q circus In
England. was sent TO this country
when | was quite a child to be edN-
Gated. was placed In charge Of Mrs.
Weston, who saw in me a resemblance
TO a child she had lost. | visit my
parents frequently, and they are de-
voted entirely to my happiness"
There was profound silence after
this astonishing revelation. which
came so suddenly that Rose with all
her tact knew not what to say. She
dared not glance at Tom, who was
not an adept at concealing his feelings,
and she feared his intense surprise
would hurt Pearl He was the hrst
to break the silence.
My dear Miss Craig" he said with
a kindly smile, ut does indeed seem
odd that one 50 tall should come OF q
dwarfed race, but | can match you In
family peculiarities. have q brother
who is his own unclel"
Tom, what are you talking about"
exclaimed Rose in relieved tones
at is true" he persisted. He mar
ried his step aunt, and of course his
aunt's husband would be his unclel"
Pearl laughed heartily. and Rose felt
that she did indeed love him for TAX
ing the astounding information 30
easily. Lionel recovered himself and
began questioning Pearl about her life
and her parents, as II 1t were a most
ordinary statement she had made.
Stephen alone was tongue-tied and Ill
at ease.
"He looks" thought Rose, "like a
man who has had a most terrible
shock"
When he finally spoke. II was to
propose departure. Lionel acquiesced
and asked Pearl IL he might escort her
home, but she explained that she was
staying with Rose. Stephen merely
bowed his adieu.
"I'll never again." reflected Rose,
Judge a man by appearances. They
both acted just the reverse of what
| expected"
In the evening Tom came again.
but this time alone.
Il thought" said Rose, that Lionel
would come up with your"
Lionel has just left the city. He
had an urgent summons away, and
sent goodbye to you both"
EFT tn. Brute" thought Rose. glanc-
ing at Pearl, who seemed in no ways
disturbed by the information.
Miss Pearl" said Tom, thinking to
break an awkward moment, Rose
says you play. Can't you give US
some music?"
Certainly; IL you and Rose will 20
In the next room 20 listen, | will play
you some dreamy, slow music"
This Vas quite satisfactory to Rose
and Tom, and they went into the IL
brary. AS Pearl sat at the piano. her
fingers wandering tremendously over
the keys, the maid announced a caller,
but Pearl was so absorbed in the mu-
sic, she did not hear the announce
ment.
Pearl" said a manly voice beside
her.
She gave a little, nervous start and
looked up from the piano to see Ste
phen standing at her side.
Pearl. am glad to find you alone.
| have loved you for a long time. as
you must know. didn't know how
much until / heard your little story
to-day. II seemed TO me ! must take
you then and there into my arms
| could not speak without telling you
l loved you. so | came now TO ask you
IL there is any hope Pearl"
81 wonder" said Rose to Tom. why
Pearl has stopped playing. We
mustn't neglect her"
She crossed the long room and part
cd the portieres. Instantly she returned
10 Tom.
WELL" he asked. why isn't she
making music?"
"Shs is," laughed Rose; but it's
aonC without v0rdo %