Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1905-03-16

I'd as she heard her new acquaintance
cautioning the man BE careful,
young fellow, with that basket. It's
full of home cookies and preserves for
my boy, John Pierce. Is he here?'
Eve turned and watched her John
Pierce her SON. So this was the little
mother he had told her of the mother
who had effaccd herself that her son
might have his wish!
After dinner Eve sat on the porch
alone. Soon she became conscious of
couple pausing near. With a throb
bing heart she recognized Fierce's
voice
~Hida," he was saying, surely,
misunderstood you. You are angry
Angry indeedr' The answering
voice was well modulated, but there
was a hardness that robbed it of pleas
ing Il persuaded mother to come
here III order to be with you I sacri-
feed week at Newport, and for
what? To be shamed by that WON
an
"IIilda" Pierce's voice range with
new quality that compelled Miss
Chamcey to pause. Eve longed to slip
away, but it 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
pearancc 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 forgaye mine, and remem-
Der only her true heart. | made no Sc
cret of my life or antecedents. I told
you ALL Be kind! She viii not trouble
you often 1t is the first time in thirty
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, ambition: /,
position and money. / can help you. l
have aided you already" Eve shrank
farther into the shadow of her chair
and thrust her fingers to her ears. If
they would only go. Pieree's voice
came to her as from distance. let US
end this unworthy discussion. l offer
you the service and the devotion of my
life. Do you accept the obligations of
my wife,
NO, no, if it 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
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; l am sorry-she is angry now
tomorrow
EVE, tomorrow holds always the
promise of something new, There is
no going back-I would not If I could.
I must speak
"Not now-not herer' Eve slrank a
little from him. 1T is late. | am leav-
ing in the morning
You are right-not now. 1 am
brute to have thought Of it. It won't
be the same when you are gone, but it
is only for a week. Eve shall come
to you at your home. Give me a 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 1 WILL" repeated Pierce
beneath his breath. And to think
had so nearly thrown away the right"