The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1911-07-25
The Truth
About MaiSie
She Proved That Sometimes
the End Jusd6es the
Means"
BY AGNES C. BRoGAN
Copyright by American Press Assoc
citation, 1911

The boyish looking young pastor Of
Trinity church frowned darkly and
removed footstool which stood In his
way in very uncierical manner.
while the sweet faced old lady who sat
near by folded letter which she had
been reading aloud
well, David" she asked, "what
shall we do about itT'
There is just one thing to be done,
of course" her son answered promptly;
I'VE must send for my brothers child
and ask her to make this her home"
The old lady readjusted her specta-
cles and referred again to tho letter.
Richard was ambitious to be great
artist" she said slowly, land I can
picture the lifelong struggle which
ended only in defeat. But at the last
he remembered his mother.
Take care of my little GIRL he
| writes. She is an irresponsible,
thoughtless creature, sound and good
at heart. Watch over her, l entreat
you. and use your influence, If posi-
BILE, in persuading her to leave the
stage. A letter addressed to her prop
er name, Miss M. &. Randolph, Gold
en- Butterfly company, New York," Will
be forwarded wherever she may be-"
And so it happened that Miss RAN
dolph. sitting in her dressing room at
the theater few days later, was hand
ed letter. and her large dark eyes
grew wider and brighter still an she
read this kindly invitation to become
member Of the parsonage household.
"Your grandmother and will do all
in our power to make you happy" the
note read, and the girl smiled at the
superscription-"Da Paul Randolph,
pastor of Trinity church, Nashville.
N. Y"
She leaned forward and made little
face in the glass, then turned to get a
better view Of the golden wings sus-
pended from her shoulders. MY dear
uncle-minister," she con6ded to her
charming reflection, II don't really be
lieve you could make me happy-in
Eastville."
kilograms in Eastville were usually
associated with death or disaster, so
when David Randolph received yell
low envelope his mother waited in
suspense as he read the brief message.
what is it?" she asked impatiently,
while his puzzled expression changed,
to one of amusement.
THE Golden Butterflies have arrived
in New York." he answered dryly, land
am to meet 'Maisie at Eastville sta
tion at 8 O'Clock tonight"
"Maisie," the old lady repeated
doubtfully.
Rain came pelting against the study
windows, and the wind, screening
down the garden path. threw wide the
door. A girl stood there in the apeI.-
ture. wearing fur trimmed scarlet
cloak. whose hue rivaled the freight;
she tilted back her head in order to
glance from beneath the huge brim OF
plume decked hat
you did not hear me knock" sha
announced "I'm Maisie."
The young pastor came forward
quickly. your telegram has just
reached u.s." he explained IL ex-
pected to meet you on the 0 o'clock
train"
Maisie laughed IT intended to leave
New York later" she said. when
you know me better you win learn that
the unexpected usually happens where
am concerned"
With a sudden impulse the elder wo-
man took the other, scarlet cloak and
all, into her embrace.
Granddaughter. don't go back to
that life she said. "Stay and take
your fathers place in our home"
The girl drew in her breath sharply.
IT will stay as long as you WISH" she
replied, 'if you will like me for my
own sake"
So the Golden Butterflies packed up
and left New York, while Maisie re-
manned at the quiet parsonage The
hitherto silent house now rang with
her gay songs and laughter, and the
creases and lines which dull care"
had traced upon the tired pastors
face vanished Maisie laid aside the
scarlet cloak and monstrous hat at his
bidding, and with sigh of regret fold
ed away the orange silk which had
caused such a tumult of criticism
among his congregation. She even
endeayored to smooth back the riotous
curls which had been her pride and
appeared at church one day with neat
Iy banded hair and attired In a gray
gown of severe simplicity It was
pleasant to remember, as the pastor
went about bis duties that Maisie
would be there to welcome him when
he returned, and he would hasten his
steps In anticipation 1t was pleasant
also for the old lady to sit resting in
the twilight as Maisie sang the half
forgotten songs-ending up, perhaps,
with a very modern burst Of ragtime.
But gradually a cloud appeared upon
this happy horizon; the girl herself
grew restless and dissatisfied; she
spent afternoons in the city, returning
at evening silent and depressed.
do you think" the young minister
asked haltingly, ''that it is the old life
calling her back?
His mother hesitated a moment.
"David." she said presently, ibid It
ever occur to you that Maisie may
have a loverT
His face turned strangely white.
you mean he asked abruptly.
"a letter came for her this morning
with the name Of theater stamped
upon the envelope" the old lady re-
piled .Maisie gave glad cry when
brought it and ran up to her room
Later she came down and. bidding me
goodby, left for the city, making no
explanation" The old lady paused
again
Mrs. Thayer saw her coming from
the stage entrance of vaudeville the |
alter after matinee performance few
days ago." she added impressively.
"She Is not acting fair" he ex-
claimed passionately. IF she has
grown tired Of our quiet ways why |
doesn't she say so7 We would not !
force her to stay. am going to find
Maisie now" he cried. ''and make her
own the truth"
His mother followed him to the door,
and her voice trembled. "Oh, David"
she said, sit win be hard indeed to |
let her CO."
He was Just in time. no more. The
great crowd came docking through the |
doorways Of the theater, and the !
young minister grimly stood waiting |
beneath a sign which informed him
that this was the stage entrance. he
was conscious of many questioning
gIances from various members OF the
company who passed laughingly on
their way. Maisie came last. and his
heart hammered painfully as be saw
her. She carried a sheath Of crimson
roses in her arms, and distinguished
looking man accompanied her. She
stopped In establishment at sight OF
David.
Your" she breathed.
ayes MafsioD he answered nuinflv