Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1909-10-21

only ANXIOUS TO Know now things are
going with you. If you are beginning
return little Of"
"A little of the money you have ex-
pended upon me!" Edra finished the
sentence with an angry drawl ''It is
the old story. What thing it is to
have a mother for ones creditor!
When will you pay back the money
when will you pay back the money! 1t
Is the question which is always being
dinned into my ears!"
Two bitter tears crept into the elder
woman's eyes. Dear did not know
that had asked you so often" she
said gently The time seems SO much
longer to us than 1t does to you. But
ing well with you. We see your name
In so many places-and you know we
agreed to spend all that we had on
your talent and you were to see what
you could do in six months. That was
nearly year ago"
Il did not know what l was doing
when agreed to that" said the girl
sulkily. Now. when at last am max
ing Roadway. you would hamper and
ruin me with"
"Erda!" The womans cry was the
cry of one on pain.
Janets lips We're white with anger as
she put a comforting arm around her
".
child spoke.
Mother cries so because she doesn't
have enough to eat" she said simply.
Tears crept into her own blue eyes
Erda turned roughly away Moth
err" she said. IN three months shall
be able TO repay you. perhaps, who
| knows, sooner than that. l wish I
could ask you to stay now, but, as I
| said, l am expecting vsitor-a gen
Il c,l Trr
! me. In spite of all my faults he is
| only waiting this opportunity to ask
me to be his Wife" She made an
ironical bow to her sister. Mother. he
Is rich man; shall be able to do
more than pay back this money when
! ann his Wife"
She rested one arm upon the man
tel-piece and waited. Every line OF the
graceful attitude said CO." but the
| mother. trembling. essayed one last
word. "Erda, not for our sakes. nor
for any ones. must you marry a man
whom you do not love-"
Erda did not reply.
"Do not be afraid, mother" said
Janet quietly. neither for our sakes.
nor for any one else's. but for her own.
win she do this or any other deed"
| They moved toward the door, upon
Erda's face still that smile whicl,
| meant her coolest and most unforgiv-
| ing mood, as those who knew her
we'll
| At the door the child turned. Moth
| er meant to tell you our new address,
Erda," she said; but perhaps she
didn't like tot isn't at ali nice
street. 1t Is 1rwell street just by
the prison. You can reach it In the
train II you ever want to come, but II
Is rather long way, twopenny ride"
"A twopenny ride!" The phrase
l n q Il 80.
graceful shoulders went into a shrug
| as the door closed.
| She began to walk again the length
| Of the room, from the door to the heavy
curtains which shut off the music room
end her harp. turning with proud
inperious movement which said that
| she was setting herself to conquer I'M
pleasant thoughts.
Her promenade lasted for half an
hour; then by the door she paused:
! she opened 1T, hesitated. came again
into the room. She stood motlonless
by the great glass upon the wall re-
garain2 her own proud image. but lost
In thought.
She had been standing SO for some
moments when her eyes fixed them
selves more intently upon the miro,
and into them horror leaped.
"You!" she cried involuntarily. Sht
stood as If turned to stone.
The man who was emerging from
the inner room halted for a second
Yes 1t Is l." he said quietly. a.
thought you had left the room.''
They stood facing each other in 81.
lence. Then slowly the girl spoke
You have been waiting" she said halt
lngly. how long,"
\ II have been there-I suppose that 4
what you are concerned about--all tn
time"
"You heard?" she murmured. sh
raised searching eySt. They fell speed
ily for one glance was sufficient I,
tell her that he knew all.
He. In his turn, looked around tn,
room. mo-" he said meaningly. mo
because you are poor. wish you were
For another reason III despise you
She turned u furious glance upol
nim. but he went on quietly. Tha
luiet covered the irrevocable, she Eel
with a thrill.
Let me explain my presence" n
said, and try to understand, IL 20,
will. l am not, habitually, an caves
aropper. ! called on you this mornln,
you stated correctly to your mothe
the reason why. was ushered int
this room of yours. and after few
moments waiting I grew impatient
thought l should like to look at you
lnstrument-the instrument. thought
which was the vehicle carrying tende
thoughts from tenderer heart. TIL
fancy seemed to be q harmless one;
passed through the curtains; l begal
TO uncover your harp. The occupation
engrossed me, but believed you woul
find and forgive me. Your visitors en-
tered, without my knowledge, thi
room. My attention was arrested a
length by words which made it i'm
possible for me to show myself. Whel
your mother was gone, / waited Nj,
II hot fnr ~,,I 4