Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1912-06-26

+ - -.
! "oh!" painted Elnora. as that ms?"
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 ip what
she had done, but she could not.
When at last the exercises were over
she climbed into the carriage and .ede
home without word. She did not
hear what Margaret and Billy were
! saying. She scarcely heard sinton,
who drove behind. wnen ne toiu ner
that Elnora would not be home unit!
wednesday. Early the next morning
Mrs. Conlstock was on her way to
Onabasha. She was whiting when the
Brownlee store opened. She examined
ready made white dresses. but they had
only one Of the right size. and 1t was
marked $40 Mrs. Comstoek did not
hesitate over 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
rand Knocked
I .eIs Elnorx Comstoek here?? she ask
ed the maid. -.
I Eyes, but she is still In bed was
told to let her sleep US long as she
would"
Maybe l could sit, here ,aad wait, "
said Mrs Comstock ~ sWant to see
about getting her, dress for tomor'
row. l am her mother
you don't sneea Wait or wor-
sry, said the girl cheerfnlly. There
are two women up in the sewing room
mt .Morkson Il dress for her right now.
It Willie done in time, and 1t will be
beauty" c.
Mrs Comstock turned and trudged
back to the Limberlost. The bitter
ness in her soul became physical ac-
tuality and water would not wash the
taste Of wormwood from her lips. She
was too late. She3was not needed. An
pther woman was mothering her girl.
Another woman would prepare a beau
tifal dress. such as Eln0ra had worn
mt night The. girls love and graft
eEtude wonld 60 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 tho long days,of the girls absence.
Among ElnoIa's graduation gifts was
10 queerly shaped package brought to
the Bird Woman's by Billy. The Bird
woman bent over her as she opened 1t
and tested the fabric with her fingers.
"Why, bless my soulv' 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 was small. Look at the exQui-
site work.
Where could 1t have come from?"
cried Elnora.
She, shook out petticoat with a
hand wrought rufile a foot deep, then
an old fashioned chemise the neck aud
sleeve work OF which was elaborate
ana perfectly wrought. On the breast
was pinned q note that she hastily
opened.
.l was married In these" It read.
"and had intended to be buried in
them. but perhaps it would be more
sensible for you. to graduate and get
married III them yourself IL you would
like. Your mother"
E.Erom my mother!" Wide eyed, FL
nora looked at the Bird Woman. do
you suppose she can be insane7"
.Yes,D said the Bird Woman. stark.
staring mad-wildly insane IL she does
not love you and care what becomes
OF yon."
Elnora arose and held the petticoat
to her. 'eWill you look at IT." she
cried. ..Only imagine her not getting
my dress ready and then turning
around and sending me such a petit
coat he this! Ellen would pay 500
for It and never blink. suppose
mother has had It all my life, and
never saw It before
: .Co. take. your bath and put on those
things,'' said the Bird Woman. ''For-
get everything and be happy She Is
not insane: she Is embittered.
4, Soon Elnctn was ready for her
dress. She never had looked 80 welt
as when she again headed the process
sion acrpss the flower and palm deck
ed stage OF I6S nigh school and,to.
rum {. !, When she looked INTO the eyes
OF i white faced woman next to Wes-
aley and.,Marsarst she slipped - hand
80 gttis her side and raised her-sklrt the
fraction Of an. inch. just enough to let
thu embroidered edge Of petticoat
Low i tribe. When she saw the look