The broad ax., 1908-12-05

visions Of bearded cheek and chin and
! perhaps glasses. Horrorss Had n
really come % thatf well, she would
I've IN the old days and pay no atteD-
tion 70 extefnals.
When az last Lois announced that
M. Ainsworth was IN the drawing
room she swept to her mirror and sur
Feyed the graceful 6gura reflected
there. Her gown Of sea green fen IN
shimmering folds. Her hair was done
beautifully, and some OF the vioIets
were clasped IN The silver girdle at her
waist She could not fan to be satis-
ned.
This consciousness helped her 70 en-
ter the drawing room With the perfect
self possession Of a woman OF the
world. With outstretched hand she
greeted him as n they had parted but
yesterday.
Jack! How good OF you to some to
see me on my birthday and to send
me these lovely howersF turning to a
center table where the vioIets we're
displayed.
Jack Ainsworth gasped. Could this
elegant woman, with her perfect hair
and sivery voice. be his old friendP
Lillian" he said. stin grasping her
hand, lis It really your
She smiled. and It was her old smile.
Yes, Jack. 1t is I. You see, am
going the way Of the world"
'NonsenseI You are perfectF" be
cried vehemently.
She was no less charmed. There was
no evidence OF beard or glasses, though
the boy had grown into the man-taIl,
athletic, clean shaver, with strong jaw
and deep voice. His honest gray eyes
Toasted on her beauty. She flushed.
Tell me what you have been doing
all these years, Jack" she said finally.
"oh, working hard and following
your careerF'
yes" she said, you have done well
for yourself and am proud Of you.
As for my career. It has not amounted
to much"
Lillian" Ainsworth said, leaning
forward eagerly, do you know that
you have not written a line have not
readl You ceased to write TO me, but
I did not forget. dear"
Miss Treadwen had forgotten the
rain and the unfeeling publisher.
Tell me, Jack, what brings you to
New York; she asked.
Il have been elected vice president
OF the road and must live here" he re-
piled
Then suppose you VIII marry and
keep up an establishments with a
pretense Of lightness.
Il don't know" he said obviously.
There never was but one girl for me,
and she-she has achieved fame. She
would not think Of giving up glory to
become the wife Of q railroad man"
A feeling long dead woke In the wo-
man. But she might be willing, Jack,
Il you asked her." she said almost
wistfully. -She might gladly give up
an her false glory to find real hAppi-
ness"
eff thought that" said Ainsworth
breathlessly, I'D ask her In a minute"
She thought Of the novel, Of the
hack work, Of the loneliness Of her
life which this friend Of the past
brought sharply before her.
sack" she said, tive decided
she paused, then went on rapidly. |
lingering the violets In her belt-~to
give up literature for good"
Ainsworth started forward. do you
really mean It, LIllianT'
yes. do" she replied bravely.
~But whyT be inquired, doubling,
puzzled
She looked up ct him. and be read IL |
IN her shining eyes.
he leaped forward and folded her In !
HIS arms, crushing the violets in his
eagerness. MY darlingF was all be
could say In trembling tones.
As for Miss Treadwell, with that |
embrace came the realization that wo-
man was not made to live on mind
alone.
Lois" she called after a little,
bring me the manuscript Of my 1
novelP' She took IT from the wonder
ing maid and turned to Jack, with a
radiant smile. Come" she cried gay
ly--eome to my study IRE and help
me make dust and ashes Of my lit
erary pretensions"