Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1909-05-27
THE QUEENS
FACE
By F. J. CROSS.

tsScSScas6s56safsSft NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Mildred, you couldn't have done
it," Mildred stood speeohless, wild
eyed. fearful, her cheeks changing
from deadly pallor to flaming red,
looking miserably into her mothers
face
But" Numbered her father, "the
case is clear against her-clear as
daylight. Listen continued Mr.. Lis
ter, addressing his wife Last week
Mrs. Wallace put new half sovereign
In a box which stood on the mantel-
piece in her bedroom. Mildred was
In the room and saw her put 1t there.
On Monday morning, when Mildred
was busting the room, Mrs. Wallace
happened to be passing along the
passage and saw her pick up the half
sovereign on the floor. She thought
nothing OF 1t at the time, believing it
had dropped accidentally. On the
same day Mildred buys a pair of shoes
and straw hat for herself. You ask
her how she has got the money. She
prevaricates, tells you she has had
secret store, and you are content to
believe her and think her the best of
daughters. Well, this morning Mrs
wallace goes to the box for the half
sovereign and 1t is not there. She
makes inquiries. but no one has seen
1t. Then she asks Mildred, who de-
clsres she has not taken 1t, but looks
guilty. After that Mrs. Wallace sends
for ma, and tells me the whole story.
saying she II most unwilling to sus-
pect anyone, but sho has heard from
ELLEN, the parlor maid, that Mildred
changed half a sovereign at Mrs.
fuckers on Monday evening"
That Is quite true" said Mildred,
white to the lips.
Mrs. Lister had listened, pale-faced
and sorrowful, while her husband was
speaking. She could not believe 1t, and
yet the case seemed SO clear, and
Mildred had all the appearance of be-
Ing guilty. She was utterly bewildered
and dumfounded.
Tell me all, Milly," said her mother
brokenly.
Mother, can't" said the girl; at
least, not just now. It seems impos-
sible, only 1 didn't take 1t. Do you
believe mef"
And a light came into her mothers
face. and though her eyes swan with
tears yet there was full confidence in
her voice as she said: 81 believe you,
child, and 1 know that this heavy
cloud will pass"
Mildred, with swollen eyes and
heavy heart, wandered aimlessly
down the lane.
The first house on the village green
was the general store kept by Mrs.
Tucker. whose little son, Billy, a Grip
pie since his birth, was Mildred's firm
friend and companion.
The little humpbacked boy was sit
ting by his mothers door, busy as
usual at his basket making. His face
frightened as she approached.
"Oh. Mildred, I'm so very glad
you've come" he exclaimed; I've
been wanting to see you ever So"
and he held up his face to be kissed
Presently Billy said: Things al
ways come right in the end, don't
they, Mildred?"
Il suppose So" said Mildred in a
duh hfeless voice.
You told me they did only last
week." said the cripple in a voice
tinged with reproach, when 1 was
saying couldn't quite understand why
was born a cripple"
Mildred depressed a sob. 1t was
quite true that last week, when Billy
had been downhearted, she had told
him God loved him like all His chill
dren, and one day all would come
right and Billy would understand.
And now she had forgotten her
faith and abandoned hope In the first
hour. Shame on her!