Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1905-06-22

ed as she heard her new acquaintance
cautioning the man. BE CAREFUL,
young fellow, with that bascet. It's
full Of home cookies and preserves for
my boy, John Pierce. lie he here?"
Eve turned and watched her. John
Pierce her son! SGrthis was the little
mother ne had told her or-the mother
who had effaced herself that her son
might have his wishl & .2.gr. ~,
After dinner Eye Bat on tie porch
alone .-con She became conscious Of
couple pausing near. With a throb-
hing heart she recognized Pierce's
voice.
"Hilda." he was saying. surely, l
misunderstood youi lou are angry
angry, indeedy The answering
voice was well modulated, but there
was hardness that robbed ii Of pleas
ing. II persuaded mother to come
here in order to be with you. l sacri-
feed a week at Newport, and for
whatf To be shamed by that wom-
an
"Hilda" Pierce's voice range with
new quality that compelled Miss
Chauncey to pause. Eve longed to slip
away, but 1t was impossible without
disclosing her presence. Besides, the
others would no doubt resume their
walk. Pierce continued:
when you wrote me of your coming
did not expect my mother. Her APP
pearance was surprise. I've tried at
times to persuade her to visit me, but
hitherto she has seemed rooted to the
soil. Now that she is here | purpose
giving her the holiday Of her life"
what about me?'
"You? Dear girl, when you know my
mother you will forget her rough man
ner, as you forgave mine, and remem-
Der only her true heart. ! made no Sc
cret of my life or antecedents. / told
you all. BE kind! She will not trouble
years that she has left the farm. But
on such occasions my wife must re-
member that she is my mother"
"Absurd, John. / marry you, not your
family. You have ability, ambitions; I,
position and money. can help you. I
have aided you already" Eve shrank
farther into the shadow Of her chair
and thrust her fingers to her ears. II
they would only go! Pierce's voice
came to her as from distance. LET us
end this unworthy discussion! / offer
you the service and the devotion Of my
IN oh 80
my wife?"
"No, no, IL 1t means lowering myself
to the association Of your family-no."
There is my mother-no one else"
'You have my answer" Miss Chaun-
cey thrust chair aside. and the swish
Of her silken skirts trailed over the
porch. There was silence. broken
presently by mans sigh Of infinite re-
lief Then came the sharp striking Of q
match, and by its light John Pierce and
Eve looked into each others face.
Pierce threw away his unlighted cigar
and blocked her path. you heard
Yes: am sorry-she is angry now
tomorrow
Eve, tomorrow holds always the
promise Of something new. There Is
no going back-I would not II could.
must speak
''Not now-not herew Eve shrank a
little from him. 'It is late. I am leav-
Ing in the morning.
you are right-not now. am
brute to have thought of 1t. II won't
be the same when you are gone, but II
Is only for week. Eve. shall come
to you at your home. Give me word
that may hope
Eve raised her head, and her eyes
shone.
when you come, say what you will"
And she was gone.
Say what I willv' repeated Pierce
beneath bis breath. "And to think I
had so nearly thrown away the right"