Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1906-08-29

steps OF each and all of my characters.
and with fidelity and perspicacity
nothing short Of the marvellous. So
take the liberty of imagining the pith
OF the conversation between the woman
and the girl
The Woman: How long, dear, have
we known each other?
The Girl Since | left school, be-
lieve. Where did you get that stun
ming morning gown?
The Woman (smiling in spite OF the
serious purpose she has in view:
Never mind the gown my child;
have something of greater importance
to talk about.
The Girl: Is there anything more
important to talk about among women?
The Woman: Yes. There is age.
The Girl: But. mercy, we do not
talk about that!
The Woman: I am going to estab-
lish precedent, then. | am 40 or
at least, | am on the verge of It.
The Girl (warningly: Take care! If
we should ever become enemies, II I
should ever become treacheroNs,
knows that | am older than look.
That is why it takes such interest in
my age
The Girl; The question is, how do
you preserve it?
The Woman: Well. then. I am 40,
while you stand on the threshold OF
the adorable EOS. (Walks over to pic
ture taken is years before and con-
templates it, All, to be 90 again; to
start anew, possessing my present
learning and wisdom, and knowledge
OF the world; to avoid the pits into
which | so carelessly stumbled, But
no,
The Girl: Mercy. what have you
to wish for? Are not princes and am
bassadors your friends; have you not
health and wealth and beauty? You
wish for something, you who are 30
handsome and brilliant!
The Woman: Blinds, my dear Betty.
only blinds; for that is all beauty and
wealth and wit are. Who sees behind
sees scars of many wounds. You are
without mother, I am without
child. tSitS down beside the girl and
takes her hand in hers) VIII you let
me be mother TO you for just this
morning? How can any man help
loving you! Gmpulsively)
The Girl: How foolish you are.
Grace,
The Woman: All. to blush like that!
The Girl: You are very embarrass-
ing this morning. l believe you are
very sentimental. Well, my handsome
mother for just this morning, what is
1t you have to say to me? Oestingly)
The Woman: | do not know Just
how to begin. Listen. II ever trouble
should befall you. If ever misfortune
should entangle you, you will promise
to come to me7
The Girl: Misfortune? What is on
your mind, Grace?
The Woman: PROMISE,
The Girl I promise Uaughs)
The Woman: | am rich. Promise
that il poverty should ever come to
you you will come to me-
The Girl (puzzled): | do not under
stand you at all!
The Woman: Promise!
The Girl l promise; but
The Woman: Thank you. Betty.
The Girl growing serious): What
is all this about. Grace? You look so
earnest
The Woman: Some day you will
understand. Will you answer me one
question as a daughter would answer
her mother?
The Girl (srayely): Yes.
The Woman: Would you marry n
title for the titles sake?
The Girl Indignantly: I?
The Woman: Yes; would you?
The Girl: | shall marry the man
love, and If not him. nobody. | mean,
of course, when love.
The Woman: Blushing again? My
dear. is Karloff anything 20 you?
The Girl: KarIoh? Mercy. no. He
is handsome and fascinating and rich
but could not love him. 1t would be
easier to loye-to love my groom out.
side
(They both smileD
The Woman grave once moreN:
L.
Karloh is not worthy Of you
The Girl (siiting very erecO: do
not understand. Is ne not honorable?
The Woman (hesitatingly): | have
known him for seven years; have
always found him honorable.
The Girl Why. then should he not
be worthy OF me-
The Woman OightlD: Is any man?
The Girl You are parrying my
question. If I am to be your daughter.
there must be no fencing
The Woman( rising and going over
10 the portrait again: There are some
things that a mother may not tell
even TO her daughter
The Girl (determinedly): Grace
you have said too much or too little
/ do not love Karlof / never could