The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1905-02-24

SSM NSS< OloSlHS nef Satchel, Sh,
SS5iSAeTSEASs turned to leave. when th,
sound of mufiled sobbinl
came to her ears. She listened intent
y, then impulsiyely crossed the wild,
nan, and raped at the opposite door
In answer to low Come" she en-
tered, and was surprised to find, on
couch before the doing fire, the woman
VINO, SIX months before, had become
her fathers wife, From the frs
chiffon had been determined not tc
like her, but the older woman's gentle
ness and sweetness We're beginning tc
make an impression.
Il am not dressing for dinner to
night, Jane. l shall not go down; an
sad and my head aches,'' came il
mufi1ed tones from the pillows.
Deft fingers loosened the heavy
masses of hair. and gentle penetrat.
ing massage followed. The surprised
sufferer raised her eyes, catching hel
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, l want to make you more
comfortable, answered a soothing
voice. Il cannot bear that any one
should suffer. Why are you Sc miser.
able, Mrs. Carol? Is your son worse
to-day?"
Mrs. Carol! Is that the only name
you can find in your heart to call me,
dear? l wonder if you will ever call
me mother? l have always longed
Tor a daughter; your own dear mother
could be no more tender than l would
be if you would only open your heart
to me-"
Il really care for you," answered
the girl, kissing her warmly. won't
> you call me Chiffon? Those I love call
me by that name"
"Such dainty pet name! 1 have
not dared 10 use it. Do you think,
Chiffon, that your fathers heart is
not big enough for us both? 1 would
not take one iota OF his love from you"
The proud head was gently lowered
ms Chiffon's arm crept around the 9TH
ers neck, and as their tears mingled
the barrier was gone forever.
Mother, why do you not bring your
Eboy here? Surely your home should be
his. Let him have my rooms, they are
the sunniest. I shall be gone month;
by that time he may be able to move
TO the suite above. How long is it
since he was injured?"
a He has been in the hospital nine
months; his horse fell on him and his
spine was hurt. The surgeons promise
complete cure, but the waiting is
so tedious, and the suspense almost
nnbearable."
e. will 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."
t,.e'What a sensitive boy" exclaimed
Chiffon. "Give him my warmest sym
pathy and tell him l feel that we shall
be warm friends. l will help to amuse
him when l come back; does he care
to be read to?'
Gle is very fond of company" an
syered his mother, "but is very sensi-
five about the clutches he is obliged
to use"
Chiffon had anticipated no end of
good time Although she was enter
famed continually her heart yearned
for home. and ut the end Of three
weeks she surprised them by return
ing unannounced.
"How is our invalid?" was her first
question, after affectionately greeting
her father and mother.
Improving every day, answered her
mother; "you must see him after din
nor He is anxious to thank you, al
tbouoh he said it would be rank pre-
sumption to accept the use of your
rooms. and occupies those over yours"
"Nhat an unusually thoughtful boz"
laughed Chiffon.
Immediately liter dinner she ran
cvar tbe stairs to the inyalid's apart
,oants armed with two OF Henry S
newest books for boys. which she had
brought home from the city; also, a
bound volume of st. Nicholas Maya
,,;,as AS she entered the room, IN
answer to deep Come in" scarlet
fame rushed from the proud CHM
losing itself in The fluffy pompadour.
For the first time since she could nc,
mombpr Chiffon Carol was not equa
70 fine emergency, ard stood staring