Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1912-08-22

garet and Wesley got faint signs Of
recognition in turn, but there was no
softening of the girls face and no
hint of a smile when she saw her
mother.
Heartsick, Katharine Comstock grip
ped her seat and tried to prove to her
self that she was justified in what
she had done, but she could not.
When at last the exercises were over
she climbed into the carriage and rode
home without a word. She did not
hear what Margaret and Billy were
saying. She scarcely heard Sinton,
who drove behind, when he told her
that Elnora would not be home until
Wednesday. Early the next morning
Mrs. ComStock was on her way to
Onabasha. She was waiting when the
Brownlee store opened. She examined
ready made white dresses, but they had
only one of the right size, and it was
marked $40. Mrs. Comstock did not
hesitate owe the price, but whether
the dress would be suitable. She would
have to ask Elnora. She inquired her
way to the home of the Bird Woman
and knocked.
SIS Elnora Comstock here?" she ask
ed the maid.
Eyes, but she is still in bed. I was
told to let her sleep as long as she
would"
maybe 1 could sit here and watt"
said Mrs. Comstock. 81 want to see
about getting her a dress for tomor-
row. I am her mother"
"Then you don't need wait or wor-
ry," said the girl cheerfully. There
are two women up in the sewing room
at work on a dress for her right now.
It will be done in time, and it will be
a beauty"
back to the Limberlost. The bitter
ness in her soul became a physical &C.
tuality and water would not wash the
taste Of NORWOOD from her lips. She
was too late. She was not needed. An
other woman was mothering her girl.
Another woman would prepare a beau
tiful dress such as Elnora had worn
last night. The girls love and graft
tude would go to her. Mrs. Com
stock tried the old process Of blaming
someone else, but she felt no better.
She nursed her grief as closely as ever
in the long days Of the girls absence.
Among Elnora's graduation gifts was
a queerly shaped package brought to
the Bird Woman's by Billy. The Bird
Woman bent owe her as she opened it
and tested the fabric with her fingers.
"Why, bless my SOUL" she cried.
Hand woven, hand embroidered linen,
fine as silk. It's priceless! I haven't
seen such things in years. My mother
had garments like those when I was a
child, but my sisters had them cut up
for collars, belts and fancy waists
while I was small. Look at the exqui-
ute work"
Where could it have come from?"
cried Elnora.
She shook out a petticoat with a
hand wrought ruf1e a foot deep, then
an old fashioned chemise the neck and
sleeve work Of which was elaborate
and perfectly wrought. On the breast
was pinned a note that she hastily
opened.
IT was married in these it read
land I had Intended to be buried il
them, but perhaps it would be more
sensible for you to graduate and gel
married in them yourself if you would
like. Your mother"
From my mother!!" Wide eyed, Ell
nora looked at the Bird Woman. "Dt
you suppose she can be insane?"
EYES," said the Bird Woman, "stark
staring mad-wildly, insane if she does
not love you and care what becomes
Of you"
Elnora arose and held the petticoa'
to her. will you look at 1t" she
cried. "Only imagine her not getting
my dress ready and then turning
around and sending ME such a~petti
coat as this! ELLEN would pay $1Ol
for it and newer blink. 1 suppos,
mother has had it all my life, and
never saw 1t before"
go take your bath and put oathost
things" said the Bird sSNoman. For
get everything and be happy. She Il
not insane: She is embittesed."