Mower County transcript., 1908-05-13
CHAPTER XIII.
The Promise Kept.

Alfred came downstairs to Mrs. Har-
mons spacious parlor. 1t lacked some
minutes of the dinner hour, and he
hoped for a cozy chat before the Judge
came in. At least, he felt sure of the
few minutes it took the judge to
scramble, grumbling, into his detested
evening clothes. 4
white-haired woman in creamy, SHIN
mering satin, whose merry eyes be-
lied the somewhat stern mouth.
"Alfred!" She was beside him in
front of the fire before he was aware
of her presence. "How good it is to
see you! Oh, but you're changed!"
She looked him over critically, yet in
a breath. "You have acquired tan, a
few-just few-lines, and business
face. It is all becoming, though, the
tan, the lines, and-and the business
face" she added hesitatingly. You're
a trifle stouter, aren't you?"
"Yes, am ~.
''That's good. You were too thin.
How sorry i am have been away
when you arrived! 1t was so inhos-
pitable.''
"It's very good to be here, to see
you after this long time. And don't
trouble minute about not being here
to receive me. Toy is whole do
nestle retinue. He took me to my
old chamber and fused about delight
fully" a.
Eyes, Toy is my right-hand man, half
my housekeeping BRAIN" -
1T is like home, even to the hello
trope on the stand. How good of you
to remember my favorite flower
He glanced swiftly around the quiet
room, bringing his eyes again to her
calm face. He felt welcomed, warmed,
his heart lighter. This beautiful home
was like his own, ample, refined; and
its genius stood on pedestal beside
the memory of his mother.
"Flattering OF Tey," Mrs. Harmon
replied to his last remark; you were
favorite of Ms. can't claim credit
for any such definite memory Of your
tastes. I'm afraid we forgotten even
the songs you liked me to sing; but
I shall never forget some of yours.
can hear you now as On that first
night when you sang Down Upon the
Swanee River" as If God had turned
you out of heaven" r
Il thought hs had then; know bet
tor now."
Because you have gained it since?"
"Yes, and lost it again. I think l
know-a little about-hades." He was
looking down, and quite unaware Of
the detection in his voice.
You poor boy!" She stepped closer
and put her hand on his arm. You
must tell me when you're in the
mood of that trying experience. It
must have been dreadful"
The kidnapping? Oh, yes, that was
pretty bad; and the long illness after
but there! What silly am to un-
load my troubles before I've given you
decent how-do-you-do! That's what
used to do to my mother at home IN
- He trusted his voice no farther.
I'm your mother in California. you
know" she said softly.
He lifted her hand from his arm and
kissed it reyerently.
Alfred, dear, / understand: Be-
cause you've been so long from things
you need. have missed things, perhaps,
that II don't know of, my sympathy has
undone you. Some other. time when
no guests are coming, forget that I'm
not your own mother and tell nae all
your @ heart. a Meantime, brighten up:
The very dearest of my many girls is
to be here tonight. I've been wishing
you might meet her. She's beauti.
ful woman, a heroine, too Miss An.
thony." 4. I'll. 4 .5sfs
Alfred sta started, and his lips straight.
en- ened 'd instantly Stella Anthony Y be
asked th:cck1silssf 3 q.
"a