Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1908-11-12
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 coy 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.
Mrs. Harmon entered, a stately,
whtte-haired IN 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
e you! Oh, but you're changed"
She looked him over critically, yet in
a breath. you have acquired tan, a
few-just a few-lines, and a business
face. 1t is all becoming, though, the
tan, the lines, and-and the business
face" she added hesitatingly. You're
a tri1e %stouter, aren't you?"
yes, l am"
That's good. You were too thin.
How sorry I am to have been away
when you arrived! 1t was so inhos-
pitable."
TITS very good to be here, to see
you after this long time. And don't
trouble a minute about not being here
to receive me. Toy is a whole do
nestle retinue. He took me to my
old chamber and fused about delight
fully"
Eyes, Toy is my right-hand man, half
my housekeeping brain"
ut 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 a pedestal beside
the memory of his mother.
"Flattering Of Toy" Mrs. Harmon
replied to his last remark: "you we're
a favorite of his. I can't claim credit
for any such definite memory of your
tastes. I'm afraid I've forgotten even
the songs you liked me to sing; but
l shall never forget some Of u
j 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"
Il thought he had then; I know bet
ter now"
Because you have gained it since?'
Eyes, and lost it again. I think I
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. 1t
must have been dreadful"
The kidnapping? oh, yes, that was
pretty bad; and the long illness after
but there! What a silly / am to un-
load my troubles before I've given you
a 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
she said softly.
He lifted her hand from his arm and
1t reverently.
ALFRED, dear, / understand. Be-
cause you've been so long from things
you need, have missed things, perhaps,
that 7 don't know Of, my sympathy has
undone you. Some other time, when
guests are coming, forget that I'm
your W mother and tell me all
your heart. 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 a beauti-
woman, a heroine, too-Miss An.
Alfred started, and his lips straight
ened instantly. Stella Anthony he
asked thickly.
mo, Esther Anthony" Mrs. Harmon
answered, noting his agitation. She's
not one you'd take the liberty OF nick
naming. Sit down, Alfred, and let me
-ell you Of her.
rs she large, rosy, with red-gold
crown hair, very light, q dozen-all
he colors Of the sunset in it?' In
spite Of attempted control, his words
.remb1ed with eagerness as he pushed
Onward a chair for Mrs. Harmon, and
seated himself opposite her. u