Putnam patriot., 1911-08-11

'- Hliiti>teF gFlmiy stood waiting .eheath a sign which informed him Aal this was the stage entrance He FaS conscious of many questioning dances from various members of tbo ompany who passed laughinglv on neif way Maisie came last and his ieart hammered painfully as he saw ler She carried a sheath of crimson .oses in her arms. and a distinguished ooking man accompanied her. She stopped in astonishment at sight of David.
 Your she breathed.
 Yes, Maisie." he answered quietly. have come to take you home"
 She held out her hand to the man at 1nce "Goodby. Tom" she said gently. len turned to walk obediently at Da- 'ids side In silence they traversed ne streets and boarded a waiting rain; then he leaned toward her.
 Oh. little girl" he said earnestly, why did you not tell us you longed to D back to the stage-that you were fred of our simple home life?"
 She looked Hp at him with tear bright yes. Because she answered dis inetly T have never been on the stage; because the hours spent in your 'ome have been the happiest ones of ny fife
 My dear n.ece," he was beginning when she interrupted him wildly.
 That k also untrue, she said; "I nm not your niece Oh. let me tell ny disgraceful story quickly, and when if k over and you have bidden me goodbY believe that your kindness has not been wasted. even upon an impostor Can you think what fl means 10 he homeless. utterly friendless2 ? Fhat was my condition. My father. poor professor of music, left mother and me years ago to struggle on alone; She sewed day and night 10 earn our bread, while l attended school When she died a year ago I suddenly realized my own helplessneSs. A modiSte for whom mother had sewed finally agreed 10 give me small parts to em- broider. and it was q 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 l 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 talk 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 ful home.
 "Oh. how desperately I wished that the offer had been made to me!
 If we might only change places, Marion. l said regretfully. And in a moment she was urging, suggesting delightful possibilities. Why notY 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 go.'
 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.
 q have been happy, happy, until my numbed conscience awoke to reproacb me continually. When the Golden But terflies came to New York l sought ont Marion, telling her that must confess, and she sent a note saying that if I was determined In my pur- nose she would be waiting, ready to take me away with her The man whom you saw me with short time ago is Marions husband"
 The faltering voice broke into little sob.
 "Please." the girl begged. do not tell your mother all until l have gone away"
 She followed the young minister hlindly down the aisle, and when the train rushed panting on again he turn ed to her eagerly.
 "Oh. Maisie, dear" he said. "Do you think we could let you go|
 But I have deceived you she re neated wonderingly. T am not your niece. Do you not understandF
 "I understand many things now he rAnlied. Man can get along without q niece. little girl What he really needs is a wife"
 And a little old lady sitting alone II tho freuebt looked up as the two hg ures appeared in the doorway sorl of subdued happiness seeming to 1nfolo them both The girls eyes shone star like above an armful of strangeiS crushed and dropping roses.
 "Maisie," the mother cried you have come homer
 .eyes." her son answered joyousiy .NIaisie has come home to stay
 Giibertian Wit.
 o,cs Sir W. s. Gilbert was standing ,o front of his club discriminatory staring out at the line of vehicles D9 the sidewalk. when pompous mem ber stroIed out and, without gianclng at Gilbert. said to him;
 "A cab. my good man; call me sab" ..oa solemnly. -.
 "The austered member looked abou'