The Topeka state journal., 1906-01-02

len Beck is downstairs. Miss Josephine
She wants to see you very particularly
Send her up replied Josephine duly
wondering what Ellen Beck, of all people,
should want Of her.
When her caller entered she found the
shades drawn and Josephine on the couch
with a handkerchief, wet in camphor,
held to her head. Ellen hesitated. Il am
sorry your head aches, she said, with the
uncertain air of one who does not know
quite what to do. Perhaps I'd better go
away and come some other day, only
There was something in her manner
which startled Josephine NO, no." she
exclaimed sharply. why should you go
am coaxing it into good humor before
mamma comes tonight
rs your mother coming tonightg'
Yes"
with her handkerchief. and Josephine felt
her heart give a leap which sent the blood
crashing through her temples for on the
third finger of the others left hand shone
a diamond held by slender circiet Of
gold
Suddenly Ellen looked up. She spoke in
hesitating. gentle tones. Il have come. on
a most delicate mission, Josephine, but
have not come voluntarily. Mr.. Henry
requested it as favor to himself, and
cannot refuse his requests
Josephine sat motionless, waiting, but
her heart gave another suffocating leap.
He has asked me to come to you with
what people are talking about and
what you Ellen paused confused.
Instantly Josephine's pride was in arms.
I To be Inundated, and by Ellen Beck, was
| indeed new experience Her tone was
bitingly sarcastic as she said swiftly
/ My uncle could have chosen a more vel
come messenger"
Enen's face showed no resentment. IN
stead an expression of pity stole over It
| as she glanced at her hostess. Her cheeks
1 TEnY
II told him the same thing, she con-
| tinued, but he persisted in the request,
and came
suppose said Josephine iefly. 'that
\ you leave my uncle out of the question
and tell me the object of your mission.
Ellen raised her head with a dignity
which became her fair, earnest face. L
will" she replied in a spirited tone.
! Your uncle wished to be relieved of the
/ painful necessity OF telling you that he
/ considered your attitude toward your
mother cruelty unjust and that your ac-
cusations against her are arousing great
indignation in the town
/ My accuSationsi' interrupted Joseph
/ inc. She sat up. gasping- Her white
face famed. Are you insane, Ellen
Beck? L think my mother is the noblest
woman in the worldi'
so do We, continued Ellen quietly.
"Who has been telling contemplate lies
about me?" demanded Josephine hotly.
no one said Ellen promptly. You
I yourself have said the most contemplate
thing that has been uttered, and you said
( it plainly to Mrs. Brown
Josephine gave a cry and fell back
among her pillows. Anger and utter be-
wilderment played over her face. Finally
she burst out 1.-The remarks which 1
made to Mrs. Brown were made concern
! ing-yOuH'
There was pause A light leaped into
Ellen's eyes. and her tone thrilled with
4 suppressed feeling as she said, THE re-
1 marks We're aimed at your uncles fancee.
who. the whole town knows, is your
| mother"
My mother!' The room swan before
! Josephine wide eyes. A thousand incl
dents which she had misinterpreted ad-
justed themselves now. Her uncle's re-
sentiment when he had seen Jim with
Ellen had been for his niece then not for
/ himself Aldale's curiosity. Ellcn's pity.
her own cool rejection of her uncle's con-
/ fderce- Josehpine groaned aloud and
covered her face with her hands
Ellen arose. Words seemed to strangle
her. Il understand you. Josephine Hen
ry at last. Your uncle has aided me this
/ summer in a financial matter which has
necessitated frequent calls. I understand
many things which have been puzzling to
me before. Goodby.''
Josephine glanced up. Ellen had opened
the door A gleam of sunlight from the
! hall window struck the third finger of her
/ left hand. Then the door closed and left
! Josephine alone with her thoughts.