Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-14
CHAPTER xxx.
A Meeting.

There's one thing" said Jack, they
went down the street in the direction of the
MeClintock boarding house. She see you
drivin' in with the Richmond Hill woman.
But don't you say word: just let her jaw,
If she wants. to. She'll set over it quicker
that way"
Mrs McCIintock opened the door 1t was
plain from the expression of her face that
Della had kept her promise of secrecy~thus
far. She ushered them into what was
known as the front ROOM, while she went
to speak to her newest boarder
Soon her returning footsteps were heard
coming down the uncaTpeted hall. There
was some one with her.
Ill get out said Jack. and made a
hasty exit.
Clement stood in the middle of the room,
his heart beating violently But the person
with Mrs. McClintoek was not Della He
heard her say goodbye and go out. The
landiady returned Mrs. Forington says
she'll be down pretty soon" she announced.
Wont You sit DOWN.? There was but little
curiosity in her manner. 1t was the most
natural thing in the world that the parson
should come calling this person who
lived where he did, at home.
Some minutes passed. Vaughan walked
up and down the room. His thoughts were
now all with the woman upstairs, and with
the child. SO that was the surprise
which Della had in store for him when he
~
Della, how indifferent how unsympatnetic
she must have thought him! He had made
almost no reply. had instead turned to the
things which interested him: his work, his
future. his plans. Much of her perry ersity
and unreasonableness had been no doubt
due to her condition. And now she had
come to him, bringing the boy. He would
be very patient with her. very gentle. One
swift. sudden thought of Katherine swept
him from head to foot. 1t was followed by
an agony of remorse. God forgive met
he murmured. God forgive me that for
got. She will forgive me, her life is so full
so rich, she Is complete in herself She
does not need me. She thought l needed
her-the noble. generous soul that she isl!
Quick steps sounded along the hall. The
door was tiung open. 4 woman with a
child entered. She carried the hoy high
on her shoulder; with one thin little hand
he cutched her yellow hair. She had
gained flesh and it became her. Her figure
always beautiful, had rounded into ma
trony curves But her large, prominent
blue eyes were hard and cold as they met
his.
"Howdydo" she said, giving him her
hand.
He stopped and kissed her on the cheek
her lips were resolutely turned away. He
tried to take the boy, but with a fretful
cry the child flung both arms around his
mother and hid his face in her neck. 1t
was the first time child had ever refused
to come to him. Clement bit his lip.
That's your father, Hugh" exclaimed
Della ironically. Haven't much use for
him. have you? Well, well.
There. theres don't make fuss: you
needn't go to him If you don't want to-"
She seated herself in large rocking chair
and drew the boy to her knee. He looked
out at Clement under heavy dard lock
which tumbled down over his full white
forehead and again hid his face.
He was very like his father. as Jack had
said. 1T was strange that Mrs. McClintock
had not noticed the resemblance. His dark
eyes were the same color and shape; the