The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1911-01-18
nHER SECOND
WIND
By w. c. SCOTT

Out Of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole.
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable SOUL
She stood at the window and
looked out into the street, her form
displayed to advantage in a clOse-fit-
ting suit cher last; all the others had
been sold) Of stylish cut, against the
daylight glare.
"Wait for my second wind?" she
scornfully cried; "Td starve!"
There's Van Court; but not that"
She gazed into the mirror at a white,
haggard face, Illuminated by two wild
eyes. The reflection startled her She
impulsively pressed her fingers to her
eyes and shuddered. Then she
clenched her white hands-fear
should not shake her resolve. Death
must be welcome; the uncertainty of
the nature of the hereafter could not
alter her intention The frowns of
Fortune had driven her on. Surely it
was not her fault if she was not SUI
perior to the ills of life that menaced
her. Her life was her own; she had
no further use for it, and would end
it ALL With a steady hand she opened
the dresser drawer (empty) and took
out small bottle. Fascinated, she
gazed at the label, and with a strange
exultation she read: "Carbolic acid"
1T was the cheapest-and it is GER
tain" She put the bottle down and
her eyes fell upon her check book.
She smiled bitterly. ooh, I'm so
hungry, but of what use are you to
me?" She picked the book up aim
lessly, and at the contact hot
thought Kissed into her bewildered
brain. Her eyes glared and her
cheeks flared dull red. why not?
Why not?" she painted. Now her
limbs were trembling, and she sat
down abruptly. But in an instant she
stood up rigid, the thought still hiss
ing in her brain.
I'll do t!-it-is-my-second-
wind"
And then hopeless expression
clouded the glitter in her eyes and she
sank Imply back into the chair
moaning: mo, no! Let me think"
Suddenly harsh exclamation
leaped from her dry lips. She leaped
to her feet and ran across the room
to the dresser.
I'm getting tiny second wind"
the woman painted.
She looked at the face in the mir.
| ror with new interest. 1t was pale,
but calm, determined; and the large
| eyes were steady, resolute and fear
less. Deity she rearranged her hair;
put on her hat and veil, and taking
the check book went out into the hall.
She tapped on a door to the left. A
Eiddle-aged lady opened it.
"Oh, Mrs. Warner, I wonder il you
would allow me to wear your furs
downtown. I have some good news
You know where my own are"
Why my dear girl, of course you
can. l hope it will be your second
wind, as you call it. And, now, when
you come back l want you to stay for
supper, Miss Roberts, invited Mrs
Warner, as she brought the furs.
Thank you; oh, thank you so
much! I know this will turn out all
right 1t has got to- she whispered
to herself as she ran down to the
| street. She looked very stylish, and
as she turned into Macbeth Wards
piano store, the manager himself
sprang forward to open the door,
"A piano? Aim, yes. Please step
this, way, lady. Here is an elegant up.
right, mahogany, for $500, five pei
cent. off for cash"
Yes, lady, the first tuning is free
Of charge. You would like to hear its
tone? Simpson; here. please
Il would like higher tone,' de-
clared Miss Roberts
I'VE will change it," said the man
ager.
Thank you. Then, I'll take this
instrument. You will deliver it to-
morrow? Oh. the next day; very we'll
The address-Miss Mamie Roberts,
1928 Fairview place. You said five
per cent. off for cash? I'll pay you
now: the amount is, let me see-$760
Isn't that right?" she asked as she
produced the check book. The man.
aSef bowed ana handed her an ele
CANT fountain pen. She smiled de.
preciatingly, and pushed the check
book over to him.
Would you mind filling it out? I'm
not familiar with the-the-thank you
so much" He wrote the check and
she signed it. Then. smiling, he bowed
her out with an elaborate flourish.
Il don't know her, and she was
easy, so l just raised it hundred"
laughed the manager to his assistant.
Good instrument, though"
At four o'clock the next day there
was hurried rap on Miss Roberts
door. She drew a quick breath,
opened it and confronted a small boy
who thrust an envelope into her hand. |