The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-02-26

skirt and nat sleeves. with prim littl l.
collar and her fair curls falling over
her neck, was perfect-Beth was Oh
the other hand, grotesque. She wore
big green silk poke bonnet, crepe
shawl and a wide skirt over noop-
Her hands were incased in mitts, ana
her hair was looped over her ears
Gloria was in brown stun gown. TOO
big for her. and made on ouakerisn
lines.
They created a sensation as they
came into the room Idr Iverson, tar
up at the end. talking to the phiian-
thropist, saw the people craning their
necks and turned to look.
Girls dressed up queerly-fancy cos
tunes. evidently" said the phiian-
thropist.
Mr.. Iverson watched the advancing
figures with smiling liberation. but as
they came closer. his jaw dropped
What did il mean2 Why were his girls
making such show of themselves?
In moment. the three girls stood be-
fore him.
Father" said Gloria. nervously.
take us home. People are staring at
US"
What does this mean7" Mr.. Iver-
son demanded. why have you made
such frights of yourselves2"
Then. right before the philanthropist.
Gloria made her little speech. You told
US you were too poor to give us new
gowns. You told us to dress as mother
dld-and we have done it-what should
you md in that to criticise2 p"
Then suddenly it seemed TO Mr..
lVerson that he saw written across the
race of the philanthropist, in flaming
words, Y ou-miser--i" He saw IL
on the faces Of all the PEOPLE.
Come away" he said hoarseiy, and
went out, followed by the trembling
girls, who, now that they had punish
humiliation
Who would have dreamed il would
nave been so awful Whimpered Beth
TO her lover. who had drifted toward
ner out of the shadows.
When they reached the house,
Gloria dismissed her lover. as did Bcv-
erly and Beth. Wen let you in. they
said, when it is all over
once in the house, Mr. Iverson went
straight up to his wife's room.
Martha" he said. did you know
what those girls were going to dor"
enc looked her surprise. No
what is IT. Stephen
He kissed her. Nothing he said.
and went downstairs.
Was it necessary" he asked the
girls. who stood waiting.
1t seemed the only way said
Gloria. People were calling MS The
mlser's brood We are going to mar
ry honorable men. We love our
mother How could we 20 on and on.
letting Won grow harder and colder
we wanted to bring you back to us
! TO let you see yourself as others saw
you.
3 And now?" he asked.
Now, oh, father" Gloria was weep
/ ing, nov we know how dreadful il
was for you and for us all. We are
sorry-We are sorry."
He dropped into a chair. and hid his
face in his hands. Il deserve it," he
said, and for a moment there was 81
lence. Then Beth went and knelt be-
side him.
IF you knew how we love YOU" she
said. "and how-mCther loves you"
His hand went out to her. II
| know"
Presently he raised his head and a
softer light shone in his eyes.
Girls he said, II want YOU TO 20
to town tomorrow morning and buy
your mother a new gown-somethinE
soft and silky and beautiful-and
want You to buy her box of the best
candy, and I'll go up to the city and
get her some roses-she used to love
roses. And well make her happy
| first-after that we can think about
ourselves. - copyrighted. 1912, by
Associated Literary Press.)