Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1915-02-16
TINES REPUBLICAN MARsHAII1owN IOWA: FEBRUARY

had almost forgotten this son. A
species Of paralysis laid hold Of her,
leaving her for the time incapable OF
movement.
She heard the deep voice Of this
other son say: Lots Of kinks In life.
There is only one law that shall lay
down for you, Arty. You must give
up all idea OF marrying Elsa Chef
wood"
ut will be easy to obey that. Are
you playing with me. Paul?"
"Playing?" echoed Warrington.
Eyes. Do you mean to sit there and
tell me that you don't know why !
shall never marry herr"
Arthur read the truth in his broth
er's eyes. He smiled weakly, the
anger gone. Same old blind duffer
you always were. l wrote an answer
to her letter. In that letter told her
/. the truth"
"You did that?"
Il am your brother, Paul. couldn't
be cad as we'll as thief. Yes, told
her. told her more, what you never
knew. let Craig believe that was
you, Paul. l wore your clothes, your
scarfpins, your hats. In that l was 3
black villain. God! What hell ]
lived in. All, mother!" Arthur
dropped his head upon his arms again.
Paul, my son!"
It was Warrington's chair that top
pied over. Framed in the portieres
stood his mother, white-haired, pale
but as beautiful as of old.
Il am sorry. l had hoped to get
away without you knowing"
"Why?"
ooh, because there wasn't any use OF
my coming at all. I'd passed out OF
your life, and l should have stayed
out. Don't worry. I've got everything
mapped out. There's a train at mid
night"
Arthur stood up. Mother, I am the
guilty man. l was the thief. All these
years I've let you believe that Paul
had taken the money. :"
Yes. yes!" she interrupted, never
taking her eyes off this other son. 81
heard everything behind these cur
tains. You were going away, Paul.
without seeing me?"
What was the use of stirring up old
matters? OF bringing confusion into
this house?" He did not look at her
He could not tell her that he now
knew what had drawn him hither
| that all along he had deceived him
self.
Paul, my son. have been wicked
| woman"
"Why, mother. you mustn't talk like
that"
Wicked! MY son, my silent, kind
| ly. chivalric boy. will you forgive your
mother? Your unnatural mother?"
He caught her before her knees
touched the floor; and, ah! how hun
grily her arms wound about him.
Whats the use oflying?" he cried
! brokenly. "My mother! ] wanted te
| hear your voice and feel your arms
| You don't know how ! have always
loved you. 1t was long time, very
long time. Perhaps was to be
blamed. l was proud, and kept away
from you. Don't cry. There, there!
can go away now. happy" Over his
| mothers shoulders, now moving will
silent stabbing sobs, he held out hi.
hand to his brother. Presently. above
the two bowed heads, Warrington,
! own rose, TRANSPORTED with happiness
The hall door opened and closed, bu
| none Of them regarded 1t.
4
BY and by the mother stood away
| but within arms length. Glow big ant
strong you have grown, Paul"
I'm heart, too, mother" added Ar
thur. "Old. Galahad!"
"You must never leave US again
Paul. Promise"
MAY always come back?"
"Always!" And she took his hand
and pressed it tightly against hel
cheek always! All, your poor blint
mother!"
always to come back!