The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1913-01-16
with stolen money in her hands.

ton OF the envelope. There seemed
to be no writing upon which
to hang an Identification clew.
Yes! Drrcilla was guilty of suddeI
irritation. There was writing on the
flap of the envelope.
Property OF c. Drayton, O09 Clair
mont avenue" Drucilla read. She
sighed, but smiled whimsically again
my dreams were short lived, and be
cause they were so vivid / had better
go Immediately to Clairmont avenue
before they become realities"
She donned her coat without stop
ping to make a much needed cup OF
tea.
Drucilla's heart was lighted as she
made her way to the heights by the
Hudson. Her dreams had been pleas
ant while they lasted.
Upon arriving at No. 009, Drucilla
inquired of the elevator boy and
learned that G. Drayton was on the
ninth floor. She sent up word over
the phone that she was in possession
of package, and was shown up.
A maid ushered her into the draw.
ing room, and the girl was obliged to
sit and gaze at the luxurious sur.
roundings until Mrs. Drayton made
her appearance.
Drucilla arose when a sweet, moth.
erly looking woman entered
Have you found that foolish en-.
velope?' she asked kindly, and Dru
ella liked her the moment she spoke
Her startled eyes, however, made the
older woman continue in a depreca.
ting voice: THE dropping of that
money in the subway was the result
of wager made between my hus-
band and my son. My son, Carroll,
made the statement that he would
like to see the person who would re-
turn money that had been found, and
my husband took him up on $25
wager that nine persons out of ten
would return It." Mrs. Drayton
turned toward the door. Here Is my
foolish boy now" she said fondly, anc
rose to greet tall, laughing mar
whose look betokened frank admira
ton for his mothers guest.
"Oh see!" he laughed, "some one
has found"
And returned" supplemented Mrs
Drayton. "Miss-Verney-I think
caught the name-my son."
Oddly enough, both Drayton and
Drucills were conscious of being hap
py when their hands clasped Neither
was embarrassed.
Then you made me lose my wag
err" Drayton chided her.
Il came very MISUNDERSTANDING so,
Drucilla laughed. You have no idea
what dreadful temptations l threw
off"
rrayton and his mother exchanged
glances, and for the first time each
noticed the shabby little brown suit
and the brave but rather wan smile
that struggled behind the fine eyes.
And because they seemed to want
it, the girl told them her story OF
study and ambitions and of the strug-
gies. Her smile was wistful when she
finished
Gould you sing us one little song?'
Mrs. Drayton asked, and in her ques-
ton voiced her sons desire.
Drucilla cast a startled glance at
the grand piano and its distance from
her chair She felt strangely weak
about the knees. If only she had
taken time to have her tea she could
have sung for these two friendly PEG
pie. AS it was, she only gazed hest.
tatingly at the piano.
That blessed sixth sense-intuition
gave Carroll his words.
Mother, perhaps If we had tea
first Miss Verney could give us more
voice"
Drucilla's heavy eyelids lifted and
she gave Drayton one fleeing, CRATE
ful glance.
81 have to fess up" she laughed a
trifie unsteadily, that foolishly went
without my lunch for the joy Of a
new opera score
Ominous shadows darkened in Car
roll Drayton's eyes, and Mrs. Drayton
swept a hand across ner own as she
rang the bell for tea.
Miss Verney," she said, as she re-
turned to the girls side, IF you will
let me | will take pleasure in intro
ducing you to the musical coterie that
we have gathered about us. 1t may
perhaps help you in your work"
A sunny smile that eclipsed all 9TH
err light, to at least one pair OF eyes,
swept Drucillas face.
"You are very, very kind-to an abb
solute stranger. IL" She broke of
because she felt suddenly like run
ming over to Mrs. Drayton and having
a good cry in those motherly arms.
She felt little and crumpled up and
very tired, but happier than she could
remember having been. In one blind
ing moment she knew that her strug-
giles We're over; she would no longer
have to battle lone-handed in a world
where no one cared or watched FOR
her coming. Here were two persons
who would herald her approach into
a world where she knew she could
play vital part-the world of music.
but it is strange" Mrs. Drayton
was saying, while she busted herself
with tea, how our friends are given
to us-sometimes through trivial lit
tie happening" She glanced up at
her big son who stood waiting for a
cup for Druciila II seem to feel that
Miss Verney has walked into our lives
to stay"
Carroll took a cup of tea and some
sandwiches to Drucilla.
"The whole thing Is very sudden,
he said half to himself then an