The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1910-06-21

overwhelming desire to hear her
voice, perhaps now in commentator.
and at length he determined to visit
upon the following day the crowded
street near the factory. 1t was really
necessary. he told himself, that he
should learn what effect the settlement
Of the strike had upon the lives Of the
people, and Nickola could tell him
where to find-her.
This particular evening he had
agreed to accompany Freddie White
to the opera. 1t was very high class
opera, and Vaughn was exceedingly
bored until his rowing eyes. glancing
into an opposite box. rested unbelieV-
ingly upon the piquant. glowing face
of Antona Clad In white silken
gown, with sparkling jewels at her
throat, she leaned forward, listening
with rapt expression to the music.
Vaughn caught his friends hand in
crushing grasp. "Who is that?' he
demanded.
Freddie WINGED; then his gaze fol-
lowed Vaughn's. "By Jovew he said
pityingly. I'VE all succumb sooner or
later to Miss Norton's undisputed
charm, but to be bowled over at the
first glance, old man, is unusual"
''Who is she?" Vaughn insisted, and
Freddie drew long breath.
''Well. to be exact" he answered,
''her mother is the acknowledged So
ciety leader. her father an inexhaust-
ible bank. while Miss Antoinette her
self despises us and our superficial
pleasures. We merely have rare
glimpses of her. She Is interested in
settlement work-noble purposes and
all that sort of thing. The poor and
miserable of a certain section regard
her as an angel upon earth. and good
reason they have to do so. Pretty
names they have for her. Little
Mother is one. and she seems to I'M
derstand the queer beggars and to like
them too. Hang 1t all, Vaughn. I'd
be an Italian laborer myself to gain
that girls APPROVAL"
But his friend did not smile. "Will
you present me after the perform
anceY' he asked eagerly, and Freddie
willingly complied.
Prepare to be snubbed, agreeable as
you may consider yourself" he said
by way of friendly warning. But Miss
Norton was very gracious to Vaughn.
and the astonished Freddie. after
standing unnoticed for some time in
the rear of the box. presently with
drew. Vaughn looked admiringly down
into the girls dark eyes.
II have been trying to decide" he
said, whether | most admire white
satin gown or one blue WOODEN dress
which has scarlet tie.''
at all depends" she replied. "wheth-
er you prefer the beautiful things Of
life to the useful ones"
"A combination Of the two" he said
seriously. lis good indeed to see."
She smiled and turned to seek the
members of her party, who, seeing her
evidently engaged, had drifted away.
Vaughn laid the dainty opera cloak
across her shoulders.
"The wheels of a great factory are
moving again. he said slowly. Hun
dreds of men leave its doors each night
to go home to happier families. There
is no more discomfort. and 1t Is all be-
cause Of you"
The girl looked out and far beyond
the moving throng. 81 am SO glad"
she said joyously. 80 glad, though un-
til you spoke had not thought of all
that it means to so many. for seemed
only to see Andrea coming home with
his great arms filed with packages.
Little Nickola would meet him at the
head Of the stairs; then never to be
forgotten supper would be served upon
the wooden table near the window.
and" she added softly. ''it is all be-
cause of you"
"Antona.' the man whispered ten
derby, "Antona!'
She laughed a little unsteadily.
eyes," she said. .'you may call me by
Nicholas translation of my name. 1t
is a privilege which only you may
share with him.
you were kind enough to act as my
escort upon one memorable occasion"
Vaughn reminded her. MAY l now
return the favor?"
Miss Norton looked in the direction
Of her waiting friends and nodded to
them with conciliating smile. then
placed her hand upon his arm. You
may If you please" she said.