Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1909-05-11
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A Subtle EIp|0n0iOl
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Chiffon Carroll looked carefully
about the recommending had been for
gotten Closing her satchel, she turn
ed to leave, when the sound of muf-
fed sobbing came to her ears She
listened intently, then impulsively
crossed the wide hall, and raped at
the opposite door. In answer to q
low come she entered, and was sur
prised to find, on a couch before the
doing fire, the woman who, six
months before, had become her faith
er's wife. From the first Chiffon had
been determined not to like her, but
the older woman's gentleness and
sweetness of disposition were begin
ming to make an impression
Il am not dressing for dhrner to-
night, Jane. I shall not go down; /
am too sad and my head aches" came
In muff1ed tones from the pillows.
Deft fingers loosened the heavy
masses Of hair, and a gentle, penetrat-
ing massage followed The surprised
sufferer raised her eyes, catching her
breath with a little half-sob as she
saw it was not her maid, but the one
whose love she despaired of gaining
This is very sweet OF you, Rose,
dear she said gently.
Indeed, l want to make you more
comfortable answered a soothing
voice. II cannot bear that any one
should suffer. Why are you SO miser-
able. Mrs. Carol? Is your son worse
to-dayT
Mrs. CARROLL Is that the only
name you can find in your heart to
call me. dear? l wonder If you will
ever call me mother? / have always
longed for a daughter; your own dear
mother could be no more tender than
would be If you would only open your
heart TO me-"
II really care for you," answered
the girl, kissing her warmly. won't
you call me Chiffon2 Those l love call
me by that name"
"Such a dainty pet name! 1 have
not dared to use it. Do you think,
Chiffon, that your fathers heart is
uOI DlB cuuuBu LUZ US DOtuE NOulu
not take one iota Of his love from
you"
The proud head was gently lowered
as Chiffon's arm crept around the 9TH
er's neck, and as their tears mingled
the barrier was gone forever.
Mother, why do you not bring your
boy here? Surely your home should
be his. Let him have my rooms, they
are the sunniest. / shall be gone a
month; by that time he may be able
to move to the suite above. How long
is 1t since he was injured?"
HE has been In the hospital nine
months, his horse fell on him and
his spine was hut. The surgeons
promise complete cure, but the wait
ing Is so tedious, and the suspense al
most unbearable.'"
Evil you accept my offer?" asked
Chiffon MY visit will be happier If
you do"
"I gladly accept. dear. Philip never
would have come without your invita-
ton"
what sensitive boy!' exclaimed
Chiffon. "Give him my warmest sym
patty and tell him | feel that we
shall be warm frien Is. 1 win help to
amuse him when 1 come back; does he
care to be read to?"
''He is very fond of company" an
swered his mother, 'but Is very sensi-
tive about the clutches he is obliged
to USE
Chiffon had anticipated no end of
good time. Although she was enter
tanned continually her heart yearned
for home. and at the end of three
weeks she surprised them by returning
nannounced.
"How is our invalid?" was her first
question. after affectionately greeting
her father and mother.
'Improving every day." answered her
mother; "you must see him after din
ner He is anxious to thank you. al
though he said it would be rank pre-
sumption to accept the use OF your
rooms. and occupies those above
yours
what an unusually thoughtful
boy - laughed Chiffon.
Immediately after dinner she ran
over the stairs TO the invalids apart
ments. armed with two of Henry's
newest books for boys, which she had
brought home from the city: also a
bound volume OF ST. Nicholas Maya
zines. AS she entered the room. In
answer to deep come in." a scarlet
fame rushed from the proud chin. los
ing itself in the fluffy pompadour.
For the first time since she could
remember, Chiffon Carol was not
equal to the emergency. and stood star
ing into the eyes Of young man
of twenty-six years, who srose to meet
her. She had expected TO find herself
In the presence Of a fourteen-year-cid
boy.
where are your crutchesg she
gasped.
Thrown away forever. 1 hope
Aren't you going TO congratulate me
and tell me that you are glad?"
"But you are so tall and 50 Old"
she faltered.
Il verltanie MethuSaleh! a mod
ern Goliath" he responded smilingly.
II thought to find little boy" she
hesitated.
And are, you very sorryT'
mot exactly sorry, but awfully en-
harrassed and ashamed" she laughed:
and I had no reason in the world for
my snpposiTion excepting that your
mother is so young and beautiful
.The matter Is all OF that" be ac-
guessed tenderly. Il believe she mar
ried at seventeen.
al have brought you some solid
mental food" said Chiffon. demurely.
handing him the books If we had
been properly introduced might Of
fer to assist you TO assimilate them
Philip Calvert threw back his hand