The log cabin Democrat., 1916-05-01
FROM THE ASHES
By HELEN NEAL

not tTlnc, tdity II pN CID '' "N t-" SA to you And the very next night she went to q dinner dance with that sales man"
 She listened patiently. Poor Carey! Maude was eight months hiG junior, but she felt eight years older.
 Carey was in love with girl, a pretty. foolish little thing, all eyes, hair and pink cheeks, who had abrupt ly discarded him for person of mani cured nails, massaged cheeks, tailor made clothing and perfume
 And Maude? Maude was the solace.
 Never mind, Carey" she said at the end of his latest outburst. Never worry. my friend, time will tell which ia the better man and Laura will see it."
 There was one thing about Maude- she always knew how to say the right thing at the right time. That's why Carey came to see her in his trouble.
 And Maude loved Carey. She hated herself for it. She knew she was only something comfortable to him, like an old shoe or a warm dressing gown on a cold morning She knew she ought not to listen to his troubles, but should tell him plainly that she would be no mans confessor But, then, Carey would stop coming, and the thought Of not seeing him left such stab in her heart that she let things go on and despised her weakness.
 When Carey said good-by that night he placed a light hand on either of Maude's shoulders You're a real pal Maude, the best pal a fellow ever had I don't see how some women can be such angels and others-such devils"
 And when the door closed after him Maude leaned up against the wall moment with closed eyes. How diff ferent would have been his parting from her." she thought, "a hungry clasp kiss look deep in the eyes"
 When the Country club dance came off of course, Carey took Maude. She was not without certain prettiness herself, this little lady of much wis dom She felt that tonight would be a sort of test, for Laura would be there, and excitement lent color to her cheeks and sparkle to her eyes that made her wonderfully attractive.
 Laura was there, all curls and frivol and fun; plenty of partners, much laughter and never a look at poor Carey, in whose eyes tragedy sank deeper and deeper as the evening wore on. He danced dutifully with Maude, but dancing left him plenty of time for thought, for she was one of those dancers that float by your side. He seemed scarcely aware that he was dancing with a partner, so light was her touch and so perfect her time. The look in Carey's eyes and the tur- moil of her own heart made the sit uation unbearable for the girl and at last she suggested that they go home.
 It seemed to Maude that if Carey should ever mention Laura Stacy's name she would do something des- perate. They were silent until they reached Maudes door. Then Carey said, independently: Did you see her? She never once thought of me"
 Then something took possession of Maude. Stop" she commanded Not another word! What do you think l am?" It seemed to her as if her voice rose to a shriek I've stood your silly batter about that odious little cat, Laura Stacy, as long as I'm going to. I've listened to the rehearsal of your tale of woe till I'm sick. I'll be no mans vicarious sweet heart, and as for you, never want to see your face again. You're a big. selfish brute who has been hurt and wants stroking, but with never a thought of the pain and humiliation you could infiict. Good night"
 She turned and left him, and with her head high walked into the house and to her room. where she threw herself on the bed in an agony of re- morse. How could she have been so unladylike as to forget herself? How she must have hurt him. She must have revealed her feelings for him.
 Oh, the thought was unbearable! She felt that she could not endure the air in her room any longer. It was hot and stifiing. She changed her frock for something less fragile and crept forth into the garden. How soft and sweet nature seemed at this quiet hour! If her own soul were only equal ly at peace!
 How long she paced back and forth in that garden she did not know. Somewhere a clock chimed; was 1t two or three? She decided to go in. As she came around the corner of the house black something huddled on the stone wall that surrounded the yard caught her attention. It was a man, She came nearer.
 What are you doing here?"
 T had to do a whole lot of think ing some place. little girl" said Carey in queer, humbled voice, and this was just as good as any You don't object do you?"
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