Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-07-28

! 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 a sigh of regret fold.
ed away the orange silk which had
caused such a 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 I'm a 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 haItingIy, that 1t is the old life
calling her back?"
His mother hesitated a moment.
David" she said presently, did it
have Iover?"
His face turned strangely white
you mean he asked abruptly.
"a letter came for her this morning
with the name Of a 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 no
explanation" The old lady paused
again.
Mrs. Thayer saw her coming from
the stage entrance of a vaudeville the
alter after a matinee performance few
days ago." she added impressiVely.
"She is not acting fair" he ex-
claimed passionately. III she has
grown tired of our quiet ways why
doesn't she say so? We would not
force her to stay. 1 am going to find
Maisie now he cried, land make her
own the truth"
His mother followed him to the door,
and her voice trembIed. "Oh, David"
she said, 1T viii be hard indeed to
let her CO."
He was just in time, no more. The
great crowd came fiocking through the
dOorways Of the theater, and the
young minister grimly stood waiting
beneath a 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 hammered painfully as he saw
her. She carried a sheath of crimson
roses in her arms, and a distinguished
looking man accompanied her. She
stopped IN astonishment at sight Of
David.
Your she breathed
Yes, 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 obedientiy at Da- 4
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 Ionged 10 /
60 back TO the stage-that you were (
tired Of our simple home HfeT'
She looked up at him with tear bright