The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1911-08-04
The Truth
About Maisie
She Proved That Sometimes
the End Just6es the
Means"
BY AGNES C. BROGAN
Copyright by American Press Asso-
citation. 1911.
BY AGNES C. BRoGAN


Trinity church frowned darkly ani
removed footstool which stood in hi.
way In a very unclerical manner
while the sweet faced old lady who sal
near by folded letter which she hat
been reading aloud.
"Well. David" she asked, "whai
shall we do about itr"
There is just one thing to be done
of course" her son answered promptly
I'VE must send for my brothers child
and ask her to make this her home"
The old lady readjusted her specta.
Giles and referred again to the letter
Richard was ambitious to be a great
artist" she said slowly. "and l can
picture the lifelong struggle which
he remembered his mother.
Take care of my little girl, he
writes. She is an irresponsible,
thoughtless creature. sound and good
at heart. Watch over her. l entreat
you, and use your influence. II posi-
BILE, In persuading her to leave the
stage A letter addressed to her prop
er name, Miss Nj. E. Randolph, Gold
en- Butterfly company, New York." will
be forwarded wherever she may be-
And SO 1t happened that Miss Ran
dolph, sitting in her dressing room al
the theater few days later. was hand
ed letter, and her large dark eyes
grew wider and brighter still as she
read this kindly invitation to become a
member Of the parsonage household.
your grandmother and will do all
in our power to make you happy" the
note read, and the girl smiled at the
superscription-"Da Paul Randolph
pastor of Trinity church. Eastyllle
n. Y.n
She leaned forward and made little
face in the glass. then turned to get a
better view of the golden wings sus-
pended from her shoulders. MY dear
uncle-minister" she confided to her
charming reflection. Il don't really be-
lieye you could make me happy-in
Eastville."
kilograms In Eastville were usually
associated with death or disaster, SO
when David Randolph received a vel
low envelope his mother waited In
suspense as he read the brief message,
what is it?" she asked impatiently
while his puzzled expression changed
TO one of amusement.
"The Golden Butterflies have arrived
~, Cd Ir..fxv md
am to meet 'Maisie' at EastSille sta.
ton at o'clo, X tonight"
"Maisie." the old lady repeated
doubtfully.
Rain came pelting against the study
windows, and the wind, screeching
down the garden path, threw wide the
door A girl stood there in the aper-
ture, wearing fur trimmed scarlet
cloak, whose hue rivaled the freight;
she tilted back her head In order to
glance from beneath the huge brim of
plume decked hat.
"You did not hear me knock" she
announced. I'm Maisie."
The young pastor came forward
quickly. "Your telegram has just
reached u.s." he explained. Il ex-
pected to meet you on the 0 o'clock
train"
Maisie laughed II intended to leave
New York later" she said. when
you know me better you will learn that
the unexpected usually happens where
| am concerned"
With a sudden impulse the elder wo-
man took the other. scarlet cloak and
all, into her embrace,
Granddaughter. don't go back to
that life," she said. stay and take
your fathers place in our home"
The girl drew In her breath sharply.
Il will stay as long as you wish," she
replied, ''lf you will like me for my
own sake"
So the Golden Butterflies packed up
and left New York. while Maisie re.
manned at the quiet parsonage. The
hitherto silent house now rang with
her gay songs and laughter. and the
creases and lines which dull care
had traced upon the tired pastors
face vanished. Maisie laid aside the
scarlet cloak and monstrous hat at his
bidding. and with sigh Of regret fold.
ed away the orange silk which had
caused such tumult Of criticism
among his congregation. She even
endeavored to smooth back the riotous
curls which had been her pride and
appeared at church one day with neat
ly banded hair and attired In gray
gown of severe simplicity. 1t was
pleasant to remember. as the pastor
went about his duties. that Maisie
would be there to welcome him when
he returned, and he would hasten his
steps In anticipation. 1t was pleasant
also for the old lady to sit resting In
the twilight as Maisie sang the half
forgotten songs-ending up. perhaps,
with a very modern burst of ragtime.
But gradually a cloud appeared upon
this happy horizon; the girl herself
grew restless and dissatisfied; she
spent afternoons in the city. returning
at evening silent and depressed.
"Do you think" the young minister
asked haltingly. that 1t is the old life
calling her back?"
His mother hesitated a moment.
David" she said presently. did II
ever occur to you that Maisie may
have a loverY
His face turned strangely white.
.Yon mean he asked abruptly.
"A letter came for her this morning
with the name of theater stamped
upon the envelope" the old lady re-
piled. "Maisie gave glad cry when
| brought it and ran up to her room
Later she came down and, bidding me
goodby, left for the city, making nc
explanation" The old lady paused
again.
Mrs. Thayer saw her coming from
the stage entrance Of a vaudeville the
alter after a matinee performance o re"
days ago." she added impressiyely.
.she is not acting fair he ex
claimed passionately. IF she has
grown tired of our quiet ways why
doesn't she say SO? We would no
force her to stay. / am going TO nnt