The Glenwood post., 1912-06-29
The old lady rose decisively. "I'

The old lady rose decisively. I'm
famished." she said And you have
eaten nothing for hours. Go in with
me, and be sensible, and we1l decide
what to do. We have an hours wait
i am bound for California. too.
Should be there now. but have been
on hurried business trip to Denver
for my son. Come. my dear"
The girl followed and ate what her
new friend ordered. Finally they re-
turned to their car.
You will think 1t strange that l
am alone. | have lived with a cousin.
She was to take me, but | started
week early. | could not trust myself
in the place with the right man an
other day. l should telegraph-they
will not expect me. | have never
seen Rexs mother"-they were in the
dark vestibule and the girl did not
see the older woman start at the
name. People tell me l am sure to
love her. | can't bear to have her
think i'll of me-"
She will-understand," breathed
the old lady. she will think no ILL
but are you sure. sure about the other
man?"
If 1-could have one week-one
day with him, | would die happy!"
She was taking her seat again and
her eyes shone. 81 would follow him
anywhere in the world. give up any
thing for him-oh-"
My dear. listen. We will be in
1 a 7 ly1 r1, To-, Uy1
can stop off, go to hotel and you
can decide what to do. will help
you. You must have your berth made
up now. and go to sleep. 1t will come
out right for everybody" But sudden
ty the old lady's face seemed to have
aged. "Helen-will you kiss me?"
The girl did so.
| Afterwards she remembered that
F, she had not told her name. And In
her berth she wondered dreamily
whether Rex Wharton would forgive
her. Then she forgot all about him
] and fell into dreams of Sherman
| King.
At the dirty, prosaic station at Salt
Lake, in the brightness of the May
morning, quick, strange scene oc-
Cured. The old lady and Helen Trav-
ers had just entered when the girl
gave a cry. A tall, blond young fel-
low. very pale, snatched her to him
and kissed her without word While
| the older woman was looking her as
| tonishment. another man, also young
| but graver, with a dark, fine face,
| stopped short at the door and watched
he group. His features were larger
model of the fine old lady's face. the
chin more square, the forehead high
er. He came over and took her hand.
REX" she breathed. "Oh, Rex, my
poor boy! 1t couldn't be helped-she
sn't to blame!" For still, though
standing apart from him. Helen saw
only Sherman King. and he her, and
he stood talking to her in low, eager
.one.
Rex Wharton almost crushed his
mothers hand in his. Mother!
thought would meet you here, send
Eou on-home, and then go to Den
yer for-her. What does it-mean?''
Then, as If a voice called her, Helen
.urned and saw him. She walked
straight up to him, truth and courage
n her eyes.
Rex" she said. you must forgive
ne. But | can't-I-"
You love some one else? Don't
De afraid of me! l can bear what is
coming to mel"
She gave tragic little gesture and
he other man stepped to her side
with a protective movement. Whar'
ton gave bitter little laugh, and the
girl breathed the mems names to
each other. Rex put out his hand and
gave King a hearty grasp-he was
a man.
81 suppose" he said slowly. that
don't deserve-happiness. At any
rate, you seem to be the better man
Helen. | am still in manner respon
sible for you. What do you wish tc
do Shall my mother"
The girls eyes filled with sudden
tears. "Oh," she said. "if my mother
had lived! VIII you-stay few
hours until We"
Can be married? l will make ar
rangements Immediately" King fin
ished. He turned away and Re,
went with him few steps. then re
turned.
Take taxi to the st. James," hi
said "and wait for u.s."
"Oh!" said the girl. 81 feel like
wicked-wicked-"
The old lady gave a rueful little
smile. SHERMAN King avenges ml
treatment of his-father." she sait
quietly, at comes back tony son.