Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1905-02-15

:
were having a game OF hide and seek
low or loud as they were hot oil
cold" Ard they were going to have a
party one of these days. with luncheon
! served under the biggest oak.
"But who is this lady who is so kind
to you?"
shes just Florence" they answered
in chorus. She's good as real mann
ma, only she plays like she was just a
| little girl"
Always he heard these tales. and al
ways. it seemed. tie playmate. Flor
euce was TIE center and source of
their joy. Later in the season an i'm
portant business summons made it i'm
/ perative that II lie were 10 see the chill
dren before his trip west he must run
down at once
Walking up the avenue. he stopped
short IT the bend of tic path. for on
the velvet sward a game OF tag was in
progress. \ sim. graceful Young girl
in Pink lawn gown was the pursued
You're Il. Florence" cried Eustace
triunphantly rs lie succeeded in touch
ing tie fleeing figure. And just then. as
the victim paused. flushed. breathless.
her copper gold hair loosenel from its
pins and falling in bright shower be
low her waist. Dorothy caught sight of
the newcomer and set up q Mailing
shout Its papa! Here's papaw she
cried.
The captive made one wild movement
toward fight. but tile victor manfully
held on TO her. And. after q laughing
protest. she came over to Carruthers,
where he stood bareheaded. Lis eyes
cleaning with admiration. and held
out her hand.
I've been doubly caught, I'm afraid.
Mr.. Carruthers, l did not dream you
were coming today or should not
have been found engaged in such an
undigniled pastime. Ny name is Flor
ence Vari2e"
He leaned forward. Mrs. varine's
daughter"
No" SIZE colored deliciously. 81 am
Mrs. Varine," she explained.
''ImpossibIer exclaimed Carruthers.
He looked ~ her. amazed. mystilied
Why. size could not be much over TWEEN
ty! And Claridge had said that she
w2s q widow,
Il was very distant relative Of Mr..
variEe's." ste explained. He wished
to leave me his property. but there
would have been contention and litiga-
ton on the part of others more nearly
related were lie to CO 50. But when he
knew lie was dying lie asked me to
marry him that lie might legally will
re all he possessed. lie died an hour
after the ceremony was performed.
Mr.. Claridge was present"
But" stammerel Carruthers, why
didn't Claridge tell me? Why was
not to see you?"
"0h, was afraid If you knew how
young and irresponsible l was you
would not let me have the children to
take care of. Mrs CIaridge had told
me what Gariinss they were, and was
SO lonely down Eere. We've had such
good times together" She paused,
gathering up her shining hair. She
looked at him with luminous gray eyes
grown suddenly apprehensive. You
won't take them away, now that you
know size entreated.
'Assuredly not.' he made quick re-
ply. They are the most fortunate
children in the world. For tie first
tine since the death Of their mother
have felt quite happy about them"
1t was astonishing how easily the i'm
port2nt business matters of Mr.. Car
ruthers could be set aside. He grasped
at the invitation to stay to dinner as
though that meal were in truth to save
him from starvation. And when lie
finally did discover that If he would
catch his train back to the city he
must exercise all haste 1t was with pos
tive dismay that he left tie three who
stood on tie terrace, waving him fare
well.
TIE next morning he walked into
Claridge's Office.
You'll have to take a run out anG
attend to that Montana matter, Clar
idge" lie said. II can't go"
Cant. Ell? What's up? Somethin.
more important?"
VERY much more important" He
was smiling like q boy. and his eyes
were shining. Fact is, I've not been
seeing enough of Eustace and Dorothy.
I'm going to take room at the hotel
down tLere-they tell NE there's good
fishing to be had-and I'll see more of
! tie children"
Claridge stared at him. Then he nod
ded and lau4ied.
You've seen that willful little widow
| down at Cedarville."
| Carruthers went or laughing.
When he came in few weeks later
the tan of country wind and sun was
on his cheek. He walked like a con-
queror. with his head up. and his voice
: had ring good to lear.
I Congratulate me-" he commanded.
THE children are going to have tic
loveliest mother in all the worldr'
Claridge gripped the others hand
warmly. You're a lucky dog. Car.
ruthersr'