Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-16

knew that kind nature was gently letting
down the bars so that a waiting spirit
might easily pass-well. he was doctor.
not minister His business was with
the body, and he ordered repairs
She was only thirty-seven and we'll
when she passed painlessly out of life.
1t seemed to be simply a case of going.
There were several friends at her bed
side the night she went and to them
she turned, feeling the time come:
Il just wanted TO give out that
the first thing / intend to do when
I'm relieved is to call by there for Nor
ris'-she lifted her weary eyes to the pic,
ture as she spoke-'for Morris-and r
want 1t understood that ii II be a va
cant house from the minute I depart.
So. IL there's any other women that's
from, them windows-why, she'll be dis
appointed-she or they. The one OBJ
noxious person i thought was in II
wasn't. My Imagination was tempted OF
sold for just what it is-just a photo
grapher's photograph II its a picture
with a past why. everybody knows
what that past Is, and will
myself enough to bequeath it to the
young lady 1 suspicioned. but human
nature is frail. an I can't quite do it,
although doubtless she would like II as
a souvenir. Maybe she'd ind 1t little
too souvenirish to suit my wifely taste,
and yet-if a person is going to die
II suppose / might legate Ii to her,
partly to recompense her for her dis
erection in leaving that hotel when she
did--an' partly for undue suspicion
There's a few debts to be paid. but
there's eggs an things that ii pay
hen sittin In the window showcase
any. longer. 1t was a good advertise
ment, but I've often thought il might
be embarrassin to her" She was grow
ing weaker, but sire reused herself to
amend.
Better rattle the picture for a dollar
a chance an let the proceeds go to
my funeral-an' l want to be buried
in the hotel fire general grave, COM
mingled with him-an' what's left over
after the debts are paid, bequeath to
her-to make amends-an' il she don't
care to come for 1T, let every widow
Most any woman IL take any trip. il
it's paid for-But lookt" she raised her
eyes excitedly toward the mantel,
look. What's that he's wavin'? 1t
looks-oh yes it is-Vits our wings
two pairs-mine a little smaller. l.
s'pose it IL be the same old story-IU
never be able to keep up-to keep up
Yes. Morris-I'm comm"
And she was gone-into peaceful
sleep from which she easily passed
just before dawn.
When all was well over. the sitting
women rose with one accord and went
to the mantel. where one even lighted
an extra candle more clearly to scan
the mysterious picture.
Finally one said:
You may think I'm queer, but 1t
does look different to me already"
$50 it does" said another, taking the
candle. Like a house for rent. I de-
clare. it gives me the cold shivers."
I'll pay my dollar gladly. and take a
chance for it," whispered a third. but
wouldn't let such a thing as that
enter my happy home"
Neither would L."
Nor me, neither. I've had trouble
My husbands first wffe's por-
trait has brought me discord enough
an 1t was straight likeness. I don't
want any more pictures to put in the
henhouse loft"
So the feeling ran among the wives
Well" said she who was blowing
,ut the candle, I'll draw for it-an'
sort of inheritance. I never inherited
anything but indigestion"
The last speaker was q maiden lady.
md so was she who answered. chuck.
That's what I say! Anything for
.hange. There'd be some excitement
n q picture where q man was liable
o show up. It's more than I've got
low. I do declare it's just scandalous
,oul hardly out O hearin' She had !.
lind heart, Mis- Morris had. an she
made herself happy with mighty slim
YES. she did-and only wish
er in that hotel"
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