Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-06-19

WOMAN AND THE HOME-NEW SUNNI
TIE Dailu Storu
From the Cottage Window


Gavin Cuthbert tossed feverishiy abou
his great four post bed muttering broker
sentences. His mother strained everl
nerve in an EFFORT to catch the words
Perhaps her mother love could fathon
some slight longing in her sons rawlings
AS she bent over him to smooth hl'
rumpled hair she caught the wore
music" II was repeated again ant
again with an accent OF longing.
Mrs Cuthbert stood suddenly erect
Why had she been so dense? Gavin loved
music and through his delirium his very
soul was calling for IT,
She quickly enumerated her musical
friends and realized that her task would
be dlfhcult II was August and the city't
population was scattered broadcast. She
and Mr. Cuthbert had returned from the
Isle Of Wight at the first intimation OF
their sons Illness. They were now In
"KInRscron." their country estate In
Nottingham.
To find some one who could WELD the
power OF song? Mrs. Cuthberts hand
was on the bell to order the landau for
her drive to the station when she stopped.
An idea had suddenly presented itself.
often when driving down the lane, Mrs.
Cuthbert had heard a woman's voice ema-
mating from tiny wistaria covered cot
tage that nestled Just off the road. Be
yond the fact that Mrs. Wallace and
her daughter from America occupied The
Cottage" Mrs. Cuthberts knowledge was
limited Feeling that the voice that came
from THE Cottage would appeal to
Gavin she did not hesitate In her purpose.
Ten minutes later, the heavy gate Of
"The Cottage" swung back admitting her
to the sweet-smelllng gardens. When
young girl with two thick braids OF
golden hair answered the fall OF the brass
knocter Mrs Cuthbert faced very
beautiful picture framed In the low door
way The wild-rose cheeks of the girl
deepened in color; it was seldom that
stranger from the golden world called at
"The Cottage" However, she led Mrs.
into miniature drawing room
which expressed the artistic tempera-
ment in every detail.
'T hope lntroductlons are unnecessary
In so small n community" began the
elder woman with n smile.
II have come on peculiar mission"
she continued, but many things are per-
misslble where Illness calls-I am going
to ask a very great favor of you, Miss
Wallace"
81 hope Mr.. Gavin is no"
'No-he Is no worse, but--he calls for
music incessantly, and l was at a loss
what to do when l remembered having
heard a glorious voice creeping through
.hese little easement windows" Mrs.
Cuthbert turned with a charming gesture
10 indicate the windows, around which
'ose buds were peeplng.
viii you come and sing to my SOM"
,he asked.
The wlstful appeal in the mothers eyes
vent straight to the girls heart
II shall come with YOU as soon as I
,an wind UP my hair"
ut looks so pretty as 1t is," coaxed
javln's mother, running hand down two
silky braids, "and-it can't have been up
'ery long"
She had her way, and few moments
ater Ruby Wallace was sitting at Ca
'in's plano, which was visible through
he doorway Of his private sitting room
Gavin's eyes opened slowly; then rested
IN the profile of girl who seemed to be
Ill delft blue and gold; an aureola of sun
hone on her head and trailed down her
,ack. where 1t ended in two silky tassels
iavIn raised himself on one arm and
ried to see II the eyes of this picture
Matched the gown. His concentrated
;aze drew her attention and she turned
o meet his eyes.
Yes. they are blue-a tone darker
han-come here!" he called. Then,
When she stood beside him, Are you
eal?' With n whimsical smile he
Ruby smiled. "Oh, yes; very. very |
eal."
You know" he continued, holding fast
o her hand, II imagined that 1 was en-
ering another world and that you were
here to welcome me with your music,
'ut"-his voice became softer-"you have
rought me to life in our own world"
lie raised her hands to his lips before
citing them CO. Where is mother?"
His mother had risen at sound of her
anne and dropped on her knees beside
he bed. MY SON."
Little mother-it is good-to be back |
With you." he said.
The girl went quietly out.
The following days saw Ruby at the |
atients plano very often. And It was
ot long before he was ushered back to |
he glory and strength of life.
Late one afternoon when they had fin- |
shed tea and the twilight shades added |
armony to an already great friendship, |
iavin voiced well-matured thought. |
Inder the lIghtness of his words his |
oice rang with a steadiness of purpose.
Miss Wallace. I am going to inflict a |
eavy punishment on your arts for hav-
1g welded their powers over me when
was too Ill to resist" He looked up
o meet an interested glance from his
lother and startled one from the girl,
I shall send you to some terrible music
laster who will make you breathe from
our diaphragm and place tones in your
cad until you are completely his slave
When that is accomplished-you are to
ome back and show the world of art
hat really great voice Is"
The girl was silent; two large tears
altered in her eyes. When she spoke