The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1908-05-01

this remote New England sitting room. 1t
was a comedy to which the eager, pride
flushed face Of the middle-aged woman in
the rocking chair lent nevertheless an ele-
ment OF the tragic.
Outside the steady impact of rain on the
porch roof had decreased in volume. Miss
Conyers looked from the book in her hand
to the simple. expectant face turned 10
her from the chintz pillow. She cleared
her throat.
your daughter seems to have been very
successful, she said at last, smiling. u
don't wonder you are SO proud of her"
She's a good girl, said lda's mother.
She works real hard, or ! wouldn't say
so. Whatever praise she's had she's de-
served Il every bit"
As she spoke there was a sound of foot
steps along the uncarpeted entry, and a
girl came in. She had reddish brown hair,
parted above a pretty, commo little face.
She wore q dark blue cotton blouse with
some cheap lace at the throat, caught with
a paste brooch.
The woman in the rocking chair straight
!ened herself with a little conscious pride.
Her angular shoulders became all at once
impressive. She might nave been a red
and gold usher at some grand
Here is my daughter now" she said.
Ida, this lady jest come in fur a little
visit TIL the rain was over"
At the first moment OF her entrance the
S34 . SSS ilAA ASNiS SN1lAiJ " tllt
tail. fashionable figure to The s%crap-book
in the visitors hand She turned white,
then red, and her mouth set def1antly.
Miss Conyers smiled. She was seeing. in
stead Of the simple cotton blouse, an ultra
stylish tan Jacket. and a hat with ostrich
tips, an endless gigg1e, and feet in pointed
patent leather shoes.
How do you do?" she said. 1T think
we have met before. We travelled together
two years ago, IN the Fred Romney COM
pany.''
"l-how do you do?" the girl returned,
without moving forward. She simply stood
there. leaning against the doorway. She
was intently watching the visitors face.
The woman in the rocking chair smiled,
locking from one to the Other.
II was jest shown your press-cuttin'
book, Ida she said. In her address to this
wonderful daughter there was a note ap-
preaching apology, a clumsy, loving defer
ence. You didn't mind? This lady was
real interested. She says she wasn't sure
whether she'd seen you act or no. but !
tell her I guess she'd a remembered eff
she he'd"
TIL girl bit her lip. Under her mothers
frank chances of pride her slim figure all
hut finched. Her eyes were at once
shame-faced and defiant. Miss Conyers
laid the book down quietly on the table.
II think the rain has stopped now" she
said. Pm very glad I happened in, and
I'm very much Obltge to you for giving
me shelter this way
I'm real glad to hev he'd you" answered
the woman In the chair. II don't get to
see any too many strangers. settin here
all the time. I guess that muslin won't
| hurt any, eff it's Jest ironed out again,
fore 1t gifts time to crease"
The girl followed Miss Conyers out on to
the porch. They ak down to the gate
side by side, over the wet boardwalk. The
svringa bushes smelled fresh after the
rain.
AT The gate Miss Conyers turned.
why did you do that?" she asked.
The girl set her teeth.
Il suppose you're going to tell every one
The TRUTH"
Miss Conyers looked at her quietly.
Come and walk a little way up the
road with me- she said. You won't want
a hat"
The rain had laid the dust along the
! quiet country road. Late afternoon sun
light struggled through the clouds, and
cleaned on the drenched weeds and
grasses where crickets rasped. The wet
earth gave out a pleasant, cooling smell.
The two walked slowly. holding up their
skirts from the path.
II suppose you can't ever understand
my doing such a thing?" said the girl.
You've always been successful, RICH,
along. You nave talent. l thought l had
when joined. ! always used to recite
at the academy. here. Every one said
was real clever. / was crazy to 60 on