The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1911-07-25

then turned to walk obediently at Da-
vid's side. In silence they traversed
the streets and boarded a waiting
train; then ne 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 lifeT'
She looked up at him with tear bright
eyes. Because" she answered dis
tinctly. 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
my disgraceful story quickly, and
when it is over and you have hidden
me goodby believe that your kindness
has not been wasted, even upon an
impostor. Can you think what it means
to be homeless. utterly friendless3
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 modiste for
whom mother had sewed finally
agreed to give me small parts to en-
broider, and 1t was happy chance
which led me thus to meet that little
theatrical eavorite, 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 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 peace
full home.
"Oh, how desperately l wished that
the offer had been made to mel
If we might only change places,
Marion I said regretfully. And In a
moment she was urging. suggesting
delightful possibilities. Why notr she
insisted. You VIII suit them much
better than me. Tommie can provide
all the home / want Go for a time,
anyway. and when they have learned
the truth, Maisie, they will love you
too well to let you co.
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 / must
confess, and she sent note saying
that II | was determined in my pur-
pose she would be waiting. ready to
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 little
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 goY'
but have deceived you" she re-
peated wonderingly. 81 am not your
niece. Do you not understand
Il understand many things now" he
replied Man can get along without
niece, little girl What he really
needs is wife"
And little old lady sitting alone In
the freight looked up as the two flg-
ures appeared in the doorway, a sort
Of subdued happiness seeming to infold
them both. The girls eyes shone star
like above an armful CT strangely
crushed and dropping roses
''Maisie." the mother cried. syou
have come homer
Eyes," her son answered joyously.
"Maisie has come home to stay"