The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1911-05-04
By VIRGINIA BLAIR
100 Caa2a0a&ssa 30 DR.

49,
SELF" she asked. Her eyes were
troubled. Cont you think / ought
to go when all my life I've wished
for a chance to study more and make
my music something more than an
accomplishments"
II don't want to be mean and self
ish," he said. II think 1t is the right
thing for you to do, and I'm not going
to try to hold you back, but you
mustn't expect me to smile over it,
Serena"
The Serena who came slowly into
her mothers room was very differ.
ent girl from the radiant one who
had left.
why, what's the matter, dear:
her mother demanded.
Serena threw herself on the floor
beside the couch. Il don't want
uncle's old money" she walled. Il
wish he hadn't left 1t to me"
"Hush," her mother warned. What
makes you act this way?"
1T will take me away from Rich.
ard and he wants me to marry him,
mother only he isn't asking me now
because he thinks it is best for me
to CO."
do you love him." Mrs. Carter
asked, enough to stay here, dear?"
ooh, l don't know" Serena an.
swered. But I wish he hadn't said
anything about it. He as spoiled
my happy day."
The next morning Sere1 sailed
forth and took car to ,,e city
There she accumulated folio RS and
information with regard to sailing OF
ships, the prices at hotels and all the
details that interest travellers. She
visited dressmakers and tailors, with
view to acquiring some modish
clothes suitable for her outing, but
with 1t all she had no enthusiasm, nc
sense Of joy. In the afternoon II
rained, and she plodded along wear:
lily, wishing that the routine of her
life had not been broken into. AS
she splashed into puddle, voice at
her side said: Don't you want me to
hold your umbrella?"
In a moment her gray day had
changed to radiance. She didn't care
how hard it poured. Richard was
there smiling down at her. He took
her into cozy little shop where they
had tea together and a good long
talk. when you come back" was
the burden Of Richards remarks.
when you come back l will have
things ready for you, Serena"
Somewhat cheered, Serena came
home to find her mother sitting up
and looking over a package of old !
letters.
"They are some of your fathers"
the little mother said. "He loved
me dearly, Serena, and 1 have been
wondering if Richard loves you as
your father loved me-"
A soft light came into Serena's |
eyes. Il think he Does" she said |
He Is as true as steel, mother, and |
a year Is long time to keep him |
waiting"
She caught her breath quickly, and |
then dropped her head on her arms |
and sobbed. Il don't know what to |
do"
Her mothers eyes twinkled. II
have thought of way out of It,"
she said. She laid the letters aside, |
and pointed through the window.
Look" she said, "and behold the
fairy palace of your Dreams"
Serena stared bewildered, then she |
ooh, mother, you mean the
bungalow? Could buy it,"
"Why not? Live there with Rich.
ard, and I'll stay cozily here, so near
you can care for me and see me every
day, and If there is any money left
we will buy pretty things with lace
and embroidery and pink ribbons for
you to wear, my Serena"
"Oh, you little, lovely mother"
Serena threw her arms about her
mother and kissed her ut will be |
better than trip to Europe or any.
thing else in the whole wide world :"
The little mother clapped her hands. !!
"Of course 1t WILL" she said. land
now telephone Richard and ask him
to supper, and when he comes YOU
can take him over and show him your !
fairy palace, Serena"