Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-05-14


blossoms dim the clumps of snowdrops, which
seemed the eptome of the winters dTfts-as If the
great chilly banks had concentrated themselves into
floral form, and bade good-by to shivering mortals
and Godspeed to spring.
There also promise of further glory in the gold
of daffodl buds making ready to burst their green
sheaths in the formal beds under the parlor windows
primness in the regular architecture; foolish pro-
jectons no coquettsh bay windows had been added to
one wing The holland shades were lowered to an e-
act ne the door mat was placed just SO far from the
always secretly rejoiced when the exactly in the
middle of the mat. An inch two either way would
have MAGE the lady shrug her shoulders mpatiently
Miss Beach was also foe to innovations; follies
were unknown to her; fippancy disguised her; she
s co no Gensf had no charity for those fallen
there IS right and wrong. Let people do right
Suer the % m have d no sympathy for
Stern, memorable sentiments to which she always
held firmly. She had just delivered herself of views
very like these to the visiting members of the relief
society who had approached her in behalf of an in
valid mother with two little children
"A refined cultured woman, you know, who has evil
IDENTIFY better days." the visitors who felt their
cause was righteous urged gently but persist
$50 all have was the reply, uttered in harsh
tone that seemed to make the austere figure in sober
black altogether disonant the brightness of
the sweet spring morning. discord in the vast har
mony of April Neither you nor are young and
active as were, Miss Jameson"
Miss yameson's delicate face still youthful despite
s 1 framing OF slysTy gisy flushed as she replied with
Doubtless the WOMB has wasted more money than
have saved" uncompi >qlisingy shifted Miss Beach.
Probably she is of rese weak foolish creatures
who squander their patrimo4~ trying to keep their
sleeves In fashion you have turned yours upside
down. She gave mirthless laugh
Jameson ignoring the brusque remark She has only
the necessities Of life # our errand snf fus
may as well CO. and she turned TO her companion, but
totally unresponsive to the questioning glance
Not a woman but a human shell enclosing pebble
heart commented Miss jameson to her companion. I
HOTvAF in
near such an arid presence"
Tive been without of the necessities of life all
straghtened the door-mat and fastened the door She
walked very and seated herself rigdly in wind
If rocking-chair luxurious to chime with
her mood changed to stiff, hard-backed armchair
I con1pamonship?" she fercely asked, with somber
brooding expression in her dark eyes expression not
streamed into the room, but which instead seemed to
mock her She shaded her eyes from it. resting her
In her hands just at that moment casped convulsivey
The sunshine still in, with merry disregard of
the bowed figure in the old armchair IT g1ded objects
that were unorramented before; caught the bright
ness of the androns and brass candlestcs fingered
on the silver teapot in the corner cupboard and
reflected from the polished surface of the tall mahogany
clock which held its hands trfore its face as if it were
ashamed to tick off another moment of Arda Beaohs
narrow, selfish, unforgivng life
Miss Beach moved her hand little and raw of sun
shine forced itself through her fingers 1t was golden
pathway down which memories Travelled: lust few
were ranbowclad. the rest were robed in black and
gloomy grays, but all stopped at the longclosed inn
of Miss Beach's heart knocking for adnttance She
opened the door ever little but despite her grudging
welcome, they gained entrance, by one Her
countenance changed. her lips moved ker eyes bright
ened; she finally from her chair the knitting
work she had picked up when she entered the room
dropped to the floor unheeded deep red glow came
upon her cheeks she walked slowly back and forth
TT was such beautiful starlight night I remember
IT we'll alas, wel1" she murmured "TIe said the
stars were not brighter than my eyes-he said" and
then smile the poor, bitter ghost of the smile that
must have once curved her lips changed her hard coun
tenance; she opened the drawer OF little mahogany
table taking from IT daguerrotype at which she
looked with her heart in the glance.
at have been her fault that which came after"
she whispered in low constrained voice the flush dy-
ing from her face. leaving pale and hopelesy sad
She closed the slowly one fingers for last
farewell then. she heard the sound of approaching
footsteps, hastily put the picture away.
DO You want TO buy any eggs?"
Eggs" she repeated looking sharply at the stout,
sniddle-aged woman who asked the question "Are we
out of eggs with that hen-house full of hens7"
You know better, Miss Beach" she answered. stif1y
Tn talking about different kind These children
have EN- Go in" she said holding the door open for
the two little folks who stood outside and giving them
little push.
Miss Beach waved them back Hester you know
don't like to be disturbed" she demonstrated but with