Devils Lake weekly world. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1911-1914, 1911-08-25

He was just in time, no more. The
great crowd came focking 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 laughingly on
their way. Maisie came last, and his
heart Via mmefed 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.
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-
vid's side. In silence they traversed
the streets and boarded a waiting
train; then he leaned toward her.
ooh, 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 life?'
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." -a
"N1y dear niece" he was beginning
when she interrupted him wildly.
"That is also untrue" she said; II
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 he homeless, utterly friendless
That was my condition. Ny 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 I suddenly realized
my own helplessness. A modiste for
whom mother had sewed finally
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
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.
ooh, how desperately wished that
the offer had been made to me!
"'If we might only change places
Mar1on,' said regretfully. And in 6
moment she was urging, suggesting
delightful possibilities. why not?' she
insisted. You will suit them much
better than me. Tommie can provid,
all the home want. Go for time
anyway, and when they have learned
the truth, Maisie, they will love 70,
too well to let you co.
"Marion can persuade, indeed, wher
she tries, and, carried away by her en-
thusiasm, recklessly entered into thu
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 reproacl
me continually. When the Golden But
terflies came to New York I sough'
out Marion, telling her that I mus
confess, and she sent note saying
that If was determined in my pur
pose she would be waiting, ready tt
take me away with her. The mar
whom you saw me with short tim,
ago is Marion's husband"
The faltering voice broke into a littl,
sob.
"Please," the girl begged, do no
tell your mother all until I have gon,
away"
She followed the young minister
blindly down the aisle, and when thu
train rushed painting on again he turn
ed to her eagerly.
"Oh, Maisie, DEAR" he said. "Dt
you think we could let you go?"
But I have deceived you," she re
peated wonderingly. II am not you
niece. Do you not understand"
II understand many things now" hi
replied. MAN can get along without
niece, little girl. What he really
needs is a wife"
And little old lady sitting alone il
the freight looked up as the two fig
ures appeared in the doorway, a sort
Of subdued happiness seeming to infolG
them both. The girls eyes shone star
like above an armful Of strangely
crushed and dropping roses.
'Maisie," the mother cried, "yor
have come homer"
eyes," her son answered joyously
"Maisie has come home to stay"
The Kings Way.
1t was characteristic Of the late King
Edward VII. that he never showed toe
much or too little courtesy, but JUS
enough to maintain his reputation Of
being the most gracious gentleman o.
4! Europe Some wears ago, according tf