The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-08-10

|
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 a vaudeville the
alter after a matinee performance q few
days ago." she added impresslveiy.
"She Ii not acting fair he ex-
claimed passionately. eff she has
grown tired OF our quiet ways why
doesn't she say sof We would not
force her to stay. l am going to find
Maisie now" be cried. -and make her
own the truth"
His mother followed him to the door.
and her voice trembled '-Oh. David"
she said. at will be hard indeed to
let her CO."
He was Just In time. no more. The
great crowd came fiocking through the
doorways Of the theater. and the
young minister grimly stood waiting
beneath sign which informed him
that this was the stage entrance He
was conscious of many questioning
glances from various members of the
company who passed laughingiy 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
Eyes. Maisie." he answered quietly.
II have come to take you home"
She held out her hand to the man at
once. "Goodby. Tom" she said gently.
then turned to walk obediently at Da-
Wd's side. In silence they traversed
the streets and boarded q waiting
train: then he leaned toward her.
"Oh. little girl" he said earnestly.
why did you not tell us you longed to
go back to the stage-that you were
tired Of our simple home lifer'
She looked up at him with tear bright
eyes. Because" she answered dis
tnctly, 81 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
my disgraceful story quickly, and
when 1t is over and you have hidden
me goodby believe that your kindness
has not been wasted. even upon an
impostor. Can you think what 1t means
to he homeless, utterly friendless2
That was my condition. My father, a
poor professor Of music, left mother
and me years ago to struggle on alone;
she sewed day and night to earn our
bread. while attended school. When
she died year ago suddenly realized
my own helplessness. A modlste for
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
clared that we had become too neces-
sary to each other to be parted, 80
we Travelled on together. while made
myself useful to her In various ways.
Marion had a 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 a peace
full home
ooh. how desperately wished that
the offer had been made to mel
LII we might only change places,
Marion l 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 l want Go for a time
anyway, and when they have learned
the truth, Maisie, they will love you
too well to let you 60
Marion can persuade, indeed, when
she tries. and. carried away by her en-
thusiasm. recklessly entered into the
plot and followed the telegram she
had sent. even wearing the clothes she
had provided"
Maisie's voice faltered.
'1 have been happy. happy, until my
numbed conscience awoke to reproact
me continually. When the Golden But
terfiies came to New York l sought
out Marion. telling her that l must
confess, and she sent a note saying
that If I was determined In my pur
pose she would be waiting. ready t.
take me away with her. The mar
whom you saw me with a short tins
ago Is Marion's husband"
The faitering voice broke into littk
sob.
please" the girl begged. do no
tell your mother all until have gon'
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. "DC
you think we could let you goT'
but l have deceived you" she re
peated wonderingly. II am not you
niece. Do you not understand"
az understand many things now" b.
replied MAN can get along withou
niece, little girl What he really