Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-05-02

servation platform talking to the hand
some spirited brunette to whom he had
an hour before been introduced. and had
been struck and stunned as they were
swimmer. had grasped the young mans
collar. and in another second they were
swept against a tree. With her free arm
she had gripped heavy branch and
above water until their rescue. And that
afternoon Masters found himself a CRATE
full guest at the Curran home fifty miles
from the scene Of the accident.
On the second day he was sitting. al
most recovered, in the Currans' ele-
gantly appointed sitting room, when
Jeanette, Judge Curran's niece, who
had come on a months visit to her
uncle. came suddenly into the room.
Nothing could have been greater
contrast than the two giris-Irene, with
her rich black eyes and dusky hair,
and glowing. high-tinted cheeks. look
ed nothing SO much as gorgeous,
crimson poppy. while Jeanette, tall
derful head of waving golden hair
more nearly resembied white June
garden lily.
And with his first glance Ned. heart
had gone out to Jeanette in involun-
tary, joyous surrender
But Irene. showing him all too plain
ly that unless he gave her the life she
| had saved her own would not be worth
IlSlnS, was TO De f6ckOned with.
saved Ned Masters life" she told her
cousin. in a fury. Il love him and 1
intend to marry him. What business
have you trying to attract him?"
Jeanette trembled. There was a
scar on Irene's upper arm, there since,
when child, her mother had insisted
on obedience to a command distasteful
TO her. and the passionate creature had
wounded herself Thwarted in love,
what might she not do?
Yr...,
that evening went back to her home
and her clerks place. In six weeks
Ned vas married to Irene. Then he
took her away to the mining regions
to make the money for the luxuries she
demanded. She had trampled upon his
heart. rebelling at the isolation and the
rough life and refusing to believe he'd
profit by sticking to it.
"Jeannette was crazy about you." she
told him in a fit OF anger. Shed have
Just loved this awful mine camp life.
Why didn't you marry herr
He had flushed darkly then, but he
had not answered her When the tiny
Winifred came--a replica of Ned-he
had felt there was some happiness still
for him, but Irene, who had rebelled
and stormed before her coming cared
nothing for the little one. BIZ his
nartyrdorl was soon over. When the
child was year old Irene died of a
fever. Then Ned took the little one to
her grandmother, then widowed and
living alone with Jeanette.
"ril leave her with YOU" he had told
Mrs. curran, until have a homo for
her. IT may be a few months: IT may
be several years.
And childless Mrs. Curran had come
to worship the babe.
Jeanette got up at last and hathed
her face and smoothed her disordered
hair Auntie must not KNOW" she
said to herself she unlocked her
| door. how foolish I've been"
The next day Masters came. his eyes
Il can't let you take little Winnie.
Edward" MEs. Curran said to him.
You gave her to me-.
Mother, l can't have a home with
| out her." he protested.
But you'll be married" persisted the
grandmother Your wife will make
you a home"
| Il haven't yet asked the woman I
| love to marry me-" he said. and she
| may not consent"
He looked at Jeanette as he spoke
| and the girls heart. dropping for hours.
| leaped with Joy. He loved her! He did
| love her!
| Next day Ned was compelled to re-
| turn home without the little girl. his
| heart singing with the cruel and I'M
| just words his nother-in-law. in her
anger. had spoken.
| Shortly atterward Mrs. Curran was
| called to court. Proceedings had been
| instituted against her by Edward Mas
| ters for possession of his baby daugh-