Evening star., 1914-07-13

had one one great charm 1t was per-
fectly clean. In all the town there was
no house with criSper curtains, cleaner
carpets and brighter stoves than hers.
She lived alone and had been widow
for years VIII was her only son.
1t was more than a year since Will
gave up his job and went to the city TO
take better one He was a good boy;
pleased his mother in everything he did.
Therefore she felt more sorrow than
anger at his marrying Mary Clancy's s
daughter. She had lost track of Mary
Clancy for years. All the time it seemed
she had been lying in wait for VIII.
Poor boy. poor boy!
Mrs Sabin read the letter three times
and then tried to think of something to
do. Noon came and passed while she
sat with her troubles. She had had her
customary early breakfast. but she felt
no hunger. There was only one thing in
the world for her that day. and that was
the fact that her son was going to mar
ry Mary Clancys daughter.
The sunlight streamed in through the
clean window over her small bent figure
and white, ruffied hair. 1t was very still
in the house. She did not see the girl
who entered the street from the direction
of the railroad
She was big girl, with that kind of
bigness which means health and energy.
Yet she walked quietly with sure. even
steps. She swung a meshbaS from her
hand. Her clothes were blue stylish, yet
sensible Her face was full Of color.
As she came down the street she looked
uncertainty from left to right Before
the Saoin house she paused and studied
the front door minute Then she went
round to the side door. The knock
aroused Mrs. Sabin.
She rose pushed back her hair and
went. expecting to find neighbor. She
round instead a young person she had
never seen before in her life, and whom
she took to be an agent She nodded
coldly and said before the girl could
speak: There's nothing l want today"
Then she began gently. but firmly to
close the door. She served all agents
in the same way.
The astonishment in the girls face
was replaced by quick. humorous smile.
Wait. I'm not an agent she cried.
Mrs. Sab;n pulled back the door. Who
ure you. them" she asked with asperity.
I'm company" said the girl. Won't
you let me come imp
why. 1 guess So consented Mrs.
sabin. grudgingly; but 1 wasn't expect
Il know that" said the girl. still smil-
ing. I'm a surprise. Do you like sur
prises. Mrs SABINE
"That depends. Mrs. sabin was
cautious. And yet she liked the girls
looks wonderfully well. She looked
such q nice girl
I've come a good ways to see you.
said the girl. land to give you this"
She kissed Mrs. Sabin frankly. Then.
looking straight INTO the old woman s
eyes, she added: will sent it,
Then Mrs. Sabin knew. She turned
pale. You're Wills girl"' she ex-
claimed.
The girl nodded. beginning to pull of
her gloves. On her left hand was a
small ring. Mrs. Sabin. with a pang.
realized what it meant.
I've had quite Il time getting here"
the girl went on: .Th not used to
travelling" She smoothed her gloves
out carefully and laid them down. She
took off her coat and hung it over a
chairbacl< and began to take off her
hat. You see. I'm making myself at
home" she said, snilingly.
Mrs. Sabin watched her with fas-
cinated eyes. She had q wish to open
the door and tell her to go. And yet
she could not. This girl probably did
not know. And she was going to
marry Will!
She took the coat of the chair and
put 1t in the parlor. "Sit down." she
saio. II presume you haven't had your
dinner"
No" replied the girl. But never
Il haven't had my dinner. either
said Mrs. Sabin. She turned toward
| the kitchen.
The girl sprang up and followed her
You must let me help you"
| Mrs. Sabin did not speak In the
| kitchen all her movements showed she
| ignored the girl. who stood watching
her. The very Jerk Of her sharp ell