Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-07-28

eyes. Because" she answered dis
tfnctly. Il have never been on the
stage: because the hours spent in your
home have been the happiest ones Of
my life"
MY dear niece" he was beginning
when she interrupted him wildly.
THAT is also untrue" she said; Il
am not your niece. Oh. let me tell
NV disgracefuI story quickly, and
when it is over and you have hidden
me goodby believe that your kindness
has not been wasted, even upon an
fmpostor Can you think what IL means
TO he homeless, utterly friendless?
That was my condition. My father.
poor professor of music, left mother
and me years ago TO struggle on alone;
she sewed day and night to earn our
bread. while l attended school. When
she died q year ago 1 suddenly realized
nv own helplessness. A modiste for
whom mother had sewed finally
agreed to give me small parts TO en-
broider. and it was a happy chance
which led me thus to meet that little
theatrical favorite, that warm hearted
girl, your niece. Marion Randolph.
She kept me busily employed, paying
generously for my work and later de-
clared that we had become too neces-
sary to each other TO be parted, so
we Travelled on together, while made
myself useful TO her in various ways.
Marion had q faithful lover, manager
of the company. and when her father
died in Chicago he insisted upon tax
ing care of her at once, and they were
married. with myself the only attend
ant. Soon after came your letter Of
fering this greatly admired and pet
ted little actress the shelter of n peace
full home.
'Oh. how desperately wished that
the offer had been made to me!
IF we might only change places,
Marion 1 said regretfully. And IN a
moment she was urging, suggesting
delightful possibilities. Why notT she
insisted. You will suit them much
better than me. Tommie can provide
all the home 1 want. Go for a time,
anyway. and when they have learned
the truth, Maisie. they will love you
too well to let you go
Marion can persuade. indeed, when
she tries, and, carried away by her en-
thusiasm, l recklessly entered into the
plot and followed the telegram she
had sent. even wearing the clothes she
had provided"
Maisie's voice faltered.
Il have been happy. happy. until my
numbed conscience awoke to reproach
me continually. When the Golden But
terfies came to New York l sought
out Marion, telling her that l must
confess, and she sent a note saying
that if 1 was determined in my pur-
pose she would be waiting, ready 10
take me away with her. The man
whom you saw me with a short time
ago is Marion's husband"
The faltering voice broke into a littls
sob.
Please" the girl begged, "do not
tell your mother all until have gone
away"
She followed the young minister
blindly down the aisle, and when the
train rushed painting on again he turn
ed to her eagerly.
"Oh, Maisie. dear" he said. do
you think we could let you goF"
But I have deceived you" she re
peaLeu WohCellnSiy. L am not your
niece. Do you not understands"
Il understand many things now" he
replied Man can get along without
a niece, little girl. What he really
needs is a wife"
And 4 little old lady sitting alone in
the freight looked up as the two fig
ures appeared in the doorway, sort
Of subducd happiness seeming to Unfold
them both The girls eyes shone star
like above an armful OF strangely |
crushed and dropping roses.
"Maisie," the mother cried, you
have come homer"
Yes" her son answered toyOusIy. |
''Maisie has come home to stay"