The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1911-08-04

their way. Maisie came last, and his
heart hammered painfully as he saw
her. She carried sheath Of crimson
roses In her arms, and distinguished
looking man accompanied her. She
stopped in establishment at sight of
David.
"You" she breathed.
Yes, Maisie," he answered quietly.
L nave 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-
vid's side. In silence they traversed
the streets and boarded a 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 lifeF'
She looked up at him with tear bright
eyes. Because" she answered dis
tinctly, II 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; ~
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 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 modiste for
whom mother had sewed finally
agreed to give me small parts to en-
broider, and 1t was happy chance
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 faithful lover, manager
of the company, and when her father
died in Chicago he insisted upon taxi
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
full home.
"Oh. how desperately wished that
the offer had been made to mel
"'If we might only change places,
Marion l said regretfully. And in
moment she was urging. suggesting
delightful possibilities. Why notr she
insisted. You will suit them much
better than me. Tommie can provide
all the home | want. Go for 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. recklessly entered into the
plot and followed the telegram she
had sent, even wearing the clothes she
had provided"
Maisie's voice faltered.
II have been happy. happy, until my
numbed conscience awoke to reproach
me continually. When the Golden But
terfiies came to New York I sought
out Marion, telling her that must
confess, and she sent note saying
that IL was determined in my pur-
pose she would be waiting, ready to
take me away with her. The man
whom you saw me with short time
ago is Marion's husband"
The faltering voice broke into little
sob.
please" the girl begged, do not
tell your mother all until I 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 goT"
But / have deceived you," she re-
peated wonderingly. II am not your
niece. Do you not understand
II understand many things now" he
replied MAN can get along without
niece. little girl. What he really
needs is wife"
And a little old lady sitting alone In
the freight looked up as the two fig
ures appeared in the doorway, sort
Ct subdued happiness seeming to infold
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 joyousiy.
"Maisie has come home to stay"