La Junta tribune., 1906-10-13

Away Up TO Ellen Becks-such long
walk. added Josephine Il ten you | am
iazy.
A few moments later Josephine occu-
pied The piazza alone.
Her uncle appeared at the corner of
the house -Jim.' he cried and then
STOPPED abruptly. Il thought Ashdewn
was here
lie was, but he has gone He went up
to Ellen Heck's.' Josephine answered
froru brhind her look and Bennett Henry
turned and s1rode away without word
That G.ty was but the beginning With
great - frsistence. bat with eonsummata
tact ana skill, Josephine monopoiized her
nnCles time ana threw Jim Ashdo~n and
Elea Eeck together With secret exlita-
ti1n she wa ched Etien's ey4s kindle and
her cheek Hush whenever Jim approached.
With equal skIH she warded OF ali at
tempts On her uncle's paFt-dnd they were
n-ny-to approach the subject OF either
Jim or Ellen
Her task was a peculiarly calling one TO
Josephine On account Of It's publicity as
wei a. its difficulty. She was aware that
tie Alidale population was viewing her
with marked interest.
II was one afternoon when the July
heat and peoples curiosity. combined
with the fear Of ultimate failure. had got
badly ON her nerves that she met Mrs
Brown.
- has been hinted before, Josephine
was not the warm adrnIrer of Mrs. Brown
tilat htf intlEt-T WAS Ailes IEoNh GH~uHl-
ed a riaht to pgy into Josephines affairs.
which that young lady resented: hence
when they met that afternoon Mrs
Brown calmly walked in where the other
angels of AlldaIe fear, to tread. She
stopped and asked cooiy:
Well. Josie, how do you like yoIr
cie's Cfo!ce2''
Josephiaos eyes blazed Her cheeks
flushed. She spoke with peculiar ley
deliaeration which always chxraetsrized
Ia. 49,, l.st ba, - q
sion. My uEcle's choice' If he knew
her as w,n as l do he would in her
only defects to he endured where he now
virtues''
dignantIy. Shame you for speaking
like that" And she shook one Of Jo-
sephines arms vigorously.
II know" continued Josephine. with q
sneer. that she II y favorite Of yours.
but then you do not know her as well as
I do. Good afternoon"
Ten minutes later. sitting In her room
with hot cheeks and cold hands. she
would have given weeks Of her life to
unsay those hasty, biting words. They
would be repeated. II they should reach
her uncle Josephine set her teeth. II
they reached her mother The atrl save
quick gasp. That thought stunG.
Her hrrt fear was realized within few
days. She had not dreamed that her
1ovial uncle could look at her with such
angry eyes. She had not imagined that
he could intrench himself behind 80 high
a barrier that she could not scale II. and
Josephine trembled before his overw whelm-
ing flood of silent dispeasure and scorn.
Things in this unexpected state
when she received a letter from her moth
er bearing the unwelcome news of her
home coming.
when Josephine read this she went up
to her room. lay down and turned her
face to the wall.
Jane put her head In at the door. "Ei-
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 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 bet
ter go away and come some other day.
only
There was something In her manner
which startled Josephine. mo. no." she
exclaimed sharply. why should you ro
away3 My headache Is not severe. but
am coaNing II into good humor before
mamma comes tonight
''Is your mother coming tonightY'
"Yes."
Ellen looked down a moment. playing
with her handkerchief. and Josephine felt
her heart give "a leap which sent the blood
crashing through her temples. for on th.,
third hngrr Of the others lsft hand shone
a diamond held by slender .irclet Of
gold
Suddenly EIlcn looked UP. She spoke In
hesltating. gentle tones. Il have come on
a most delicate mission. Josephine, but
have not come voluntarily. Mr.. Henry
requested IL as favor TO himself, and
cannot refuse his requests"
Josephn" sat motioniess. waiting. but
her heart gave another surocating leap.
"He has asked me to come to you with
what people are talking about and
what you Ellen paused confused.
Instantly Joss phins's pride was in arms.
To be hunliiatod and by Ellen Beck, was
indeed new experience. Her tone was
bitingly sarcastic she said swiftly.
my uncle could have chosen a more wei
come messenger
Elleu's face showed no resentment In
stead expression Of pity stole over IT
she glanced at her hostess. Her
cheeks were flushed; Jos.phine's were
white.
II told him the same thing she con
tinued, but he persisted In the request.
aud I came
"suppose." said Josephine Jelly. that
you leave my uurta out Of the question
and tel me the ol iect uf sour mission"
Ellen raised her head with q dignity
which became her fair, earnest face. Il
will sro replied IN spirited tone
painful necessity ~ telling you that he
considered ruur altitude toward your
mother crueIty unjust and that your ac-
rtlSltious against her are arousing great
Indignation iu the town -
My acCu-s ti0ns"' interrupted Joseph
J ius. she sat %. Easplne. Her white
face na-..d- Are you Insane. Ellen
Eelk7 I thiuk mv mother = the noble
woman in the world
50 90 we. Contirued Ellen Cuietly.
rs ben fHIN.a1L ofg-f iflF lies
] about me- d. n-ansled Iosar.hlue botly.
-So ole.T said F.licn promptly You
7 yourSaIf have said tht most coaternptlhIe
I thSz that has beer uttered. and yea said
( il plainly 90 Ms Eruwn-
Jaseuffae gave n cry and Zen back
| .--a-n ..r ILL., AL nd utfar b.