The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-01-18

sound OF mufiled sobbing
came TO her ears. She listened intent
W, 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 a
,Ouch before the doing fire, the woman
who, six months before, had become
her fathers wife. From the first
Chiffon had been determined not to
like her but the older womans gentle
ness aud sweetness were beginning to
make an impression.
Il am not dressing for dinner to-
night, Jane. l shall not 20 down am
sad and my head aches came In
mufiied tones from the pillows.
Deft fingers loosened .he heavy
masses Of hair, and a gentle, penetrat-
ing massage followed. The surprised
sufferer raised her eyes, catching her
breath with little half-sob as she
saw ii was not her maid, but the one
whose love she despalred Of gaining.
"This is very sweet OF you, Rose,
DEAR she said gently.
Indeed, ! want 10 make you more
comfortable answered soothing
voice. Il cannot bear that any one
should suffer. Why are you so mlser-
able, Mrs. Carroll Is your son worse
to-dayT'
Mrs. Carol. Is that the only name
you can find in your heart to call me.
dearg I wonder if you will ever call
me mother? have always longed
for a daughter; your own dear mother
could be no more tender than | would
be II you would only open your heart
to me-"
Il really care for you" answered
the girl. kissing her warmly. won't
you call me Chiffonl Those love call
me by that name.'
"Such a dainty pet name. I have
not dared 10 use It, Do you think.
Chiffon, that your fathers heart is
not big enough for us both? | would
not take one iota OF bis love from you"
The proud head was gently lowered
as Chlffon's arm crept around the 9th
er's neck. and as their tears mingled
the barrier was gone forever.
Mother, why do you not bring your
BOY here? Surely your home should be
his. Let him have my rooms, they are
The sunnIest ! shall be gone a month;
by that time he may be able to move
TO the suite above. How long is it
since he was injured?"
HE has been in the hospital nine
months: his horse fell on him and his
spine was hurt. The surgeons promise
a complete cure. but the waiting is
50 tedious. and the suspense almost
1nbearable."
"win you accept my offers" asked
Chiffon. "Aly visit viii be happier il
you do"
II gladly accept, dear. Philip never
would have come without your invi-
tation."
what sensitive boyw exclaimed
Chiffon. "Glve him my warmest sym
pathy and tell him I feel that we shall
be warm friends. / will help to amnse
him when come back; does he care
to be read tor
"He is very fond OF company" an
swered his mother, "but is very sensi-
live about the crutches he is obliged
10 use"
Chiffon had anticipated no end Of a
good time. Although she was enter
tanned continually her heart yearned
for home, and at the end OF three
weeks she surprised them by return
ing unannounced.
How is our invalidT' was her first
question, after affectionately greeting
her father and mother.
Improving every day, answered her
mother; ''you must see him after din.
ner. He is anxious to thank you, al.
though he said it would be rank pre-.
sumption to accept the use Of your
rooms, and occupies those over yours.
what an unusually thoughtful boyr
laughed Chiffon.
Immediately after dinner she ran
over the stairs to the invalids apart
ments, armed with two Of Henrys
newest books for boys, which she had
brought home from the city; also, q
bound volume Of st. Nicholas Maga.
zines. As she entered the room, in
answer to a deep Come in" a scarlet
fame rushed from the proud chin
losing itself in the fluffy pompadour.
For the first time since she could re
member Chiffon Carol was not equa
to the emergency. and stood staring
blankly into the eyes Of young mar
Of twenty-slx years, who arose to NEE
her. She had expected to find herself
in the presence of a fourteen-year-olt
boy
Where are your cruiches:T sh,
gasped.
Thrown away foreves, hope
Aren't you going to congratulate m,
and tell me that you are gladT'
but you are so tall and SO old, sh'
faltered.
"a verltable Methusalehi A moderl
GoliatbY' he responded smilingly.