Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-08-11

lmpenetraDle; but by ana by the COM
motion subsidies, and the water clears.
SO it is with the human soul. There
had been doubt hitherto in this girls
eyes; now, the doubt was gone.
To him, soberly watchful, her smile
meant much; it was the patent of her
innocence of any wrong thought. All
night he had tossed on his cot, think
ing, thinking! What should he do?
Whatever should he do? That some
wrong was on the way he hadn't the
least doubt. Should he confront the
colonel and demand an explanation,
demand he knew be had perfect
right to make? If this should be evil,
and the shame of 1t fall on this lovely
being? No, no! He must
stand aside, he must turn deaf ear
to duty, the voice Of love spoke too
loud His own assurance of her .inno-
cence made him desire to fall at her
feet and worship. After all, 1t was
none Of his affair. Had he not played
at this comedy, this thing would have
gone on and he would have been in ig-
norance of its very existence. So, why
should he NEEDLE? Yet that monot-
onous query kept beating on his brain:
What was this thing?
He saw that he must wait. Yester-
day he had feared nothing save his
own exposure. Comedy had frolicked
in her grinning mask. And here was
Tragedy stalking in upon the scene.
The girl named dozen shops which
she desired to honor with her custom
and presence, and stepped into the
coupe. William closed the door, and
James touched up the pair and drove
off toward the city. He was perfectly
Indifferent to any possible exposure. In
truth he forgot everything. absolutely
and positively everything, but the girl
and the fertilization plans she had
been drawing.
Scarce half dozen bundles we're
the result of the tour among the shops.
"Mrs. Chadwick's, James"
The call lasted half an hour.
AS the story-teller I am supposed to
be everywhere, to follow the foot
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 l 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: am going to estab-
fish precedent, then. l am 40 or
at least, am on the verge of it.
The Girl (warningly): Take care! If
we should ever become enemies! If
should ever become treacherous!
The Woman: The world very we'll
knows that l am older than l look.
That is why it takes such interest in
my age.
The Girl: The question is, how do
you preserve it?
The Woman: We'll, then, am 40,
while you stand on the threshold OF
the adorable EOS. walks over to pic
tnre taken Is gears before and con-
templates it, All, to be 20 again; to
start anew, possessing my present
learning and wisdom, and knowledge
of the world; to avoid the pits into
which I 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 so
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. am without a
child. (Sits down beside the girl and
takes her hand in hers.) Will you let
me be mother to you for just this
morning? How can any man help
loving you! (impulsively)
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
it you have to say to me? (jestingly.)
The Woman do not know just
how to begin. Listen. If ever trouble
should befall you, If ever misfortune
should entangle you, you will promise
to come to me?
The Girl: Misfortune? What is on
your mind, Grace?
The Woman: Promise!
The Girl / promise. Uaughs.)