The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-02-27
THE MlSER'S BROOD

that something must be done to bring
happiness to her mother.
"And thank goodness, mother isn't
going to be at the dinner" said Clio
ria.
There was much rnmmagfng the
next day in the attic. There was
some giggiing, too but when Mrs.
Iverson asked the cause OF the halari-
~. Gloria answered: We are trying
to find something to wear, dear moth
err
Mrs. Isersen thought 1t little
strange hat her daughters were cloak
ed and wrapped up that night when
they babe her bood-bye
I'm sorry you couldn't have the
pretty things" she said. but the boys
will like you just as well. I'm sure
Beverly's lover was as young and
ardent as herself. You're n beauty"
he whispered. as Beverly threw of
her cloak in the room downstairs and
displayed her costume. You're got
a sort Of driven from home look
that's wonderful"
Beverly in an old gray gown OF her
grandmother's made with skinny
skirt and fiat sleeves, with prim
little collar and her fair curls falling
over her neck. was perfect--Beth
wore u big green silk poke bonnet, a
crepe shawl and a wide skirt over a.
hoop. Her hands were incased In
mittts. and her hair was looped over
her ears. Gloria was in a brown stun
gown. too big for her, and made on
Quakerish lines.
Mr.. Iverton watched the advancing
figures with smiling federation. but
as they came closer. his jaw dropped
What did It mean? Why were his
girls making such a show Of them
selves?
In moment the three stood be-
fore him.
Father said Gloria, nervousiy.
take us home. People are staring at
u.s."
"Wh,t does this mean" Mr.. liver.
son demanded, why have you made
such frights of yourseiyes?-
Then, right before the phiIanthro-
pist. Gloria made her little speech.
You told us you were too poor to
give us new gowns You told US to
dress as mother did-and we have
done it-what should you find In that
to criticise?''
Then suddenly It seemed TO Mr..
Iverson that he saw written across
the face Of the philanthropist, In
flaming words. 'You--miser--:"
He saw 1t on the faces OF all the
people.
Come away" ne said hoarsely,
and went out. followed by the trem-
bling girls, who. now that they had
punished him. were In tears Of re-
i,f0rst and ffumifia%ion.
who would have dreamed II would
have been so AWFUL whimpered Beth
IN hnV Artr
her out Of the shadows.
When they reached the house,
Gloria dismissed her lover. as did
Beverly and Beth. Wen let you
In" they said. when It is all over"
Once in the house. Mr.. lverson
went straight up to his wife's room.
Martha" he said. did you know
what those girls were going to do!"
She looked her surprise. No
what Is it. Stephen?"
He kissed her. Nothing" he said,
and went downstairs.
Was 1t necessary" he asked the
girls, who stood waiting.
IT seemed the only way" said
Gloria. People were calling US The
miser's brood We are going ~ mar
ry honorable men. We love our
mother How could We 20 on and on.
letting you grow harder and colder
we wanted to bring you back to us
TO let You see yourself as others
saw YOU"
And now" he asked.
Now, oh, father Gloria waa
weeping. now we know how dread
full 1t was for you and for us all. We
are sorry--we are soFry.'
He dropped into q chair. and hid
his face In his hand. II deserved It."
he said, and for moment there was
silence. Then Beth went ard knelt
beside him.
IL YOU knew how we Iowa vou,'' she
said. and how-mother loves YOU
His hand went out to her. ~ know
Presently, he raised his head. and
softer light shone In his eyes.
"Gfrls." he said. II want you TO -
to town tomorrow mornine and buy
ycur mother now go~n--snmethinx
soft and silky and beautifiil--and
want you to buy her Z boz u the best
candy, ana I'll 20 M TO tho city and
ret her some roses she used to love
roses. And wen make her happy
hrst-after that No can think about