Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1916-03-24

sisted that his Clothes wo6e ~ ~
ence to her and that her elstoR vouDd'
surely think the ,same. ANYWAY -
matter what her ulster mfE1t th1nka
jake was her frisnds ~ that ~
| tied Il. $ < =.
They walked 70 Fourth avenne ~
took the subway to Harlan. lake II
sisting on spending ten cents ~ III
precious quarter Tor the caxfaros ~
though Marie had tried to shove =
dime into his hand. +.
On the way up Jake told his story.
laying the blame on hard luck and IL
state officials who had put racing ON
the bum.
Marie listened with quiet attention.
nodding her head here and there and
interfering q question now and then
as the ex-bookie seemed about to drifo
away from his story.
jake was introduced to Maude and
John, her husband. They were either
too busy decorating . tiny Christmas
tree on stand In the corner Of the
room or else they didn't care, for mel
Their evinced disapproval Of Jake.
He was made to feel at home TN
the little family circle. and entered
with keen enjoyment the work Of trim
ming the tree and arranging the pres
ents for the two children fast asleep
In the next room.
The final arrangement completed
Maude and her husband took = last
peek at the sleeping Riddles and called
Jake to see them.
As the little group stood In the door
way Jake noticed that John put hiD
arm about Maude's waist and that the
light in Maude's eyes shone with 20
culiar brilliance a. she snuggle6
closer. 1t was . picture Of domestic
love and felicity and II touched Jake
deeply.
John and Maude having retired for
the night. Jake and Marie were LETT
alone in the parlor.
Seated before the fireplace. where
the gas log was throwing forth :
CHEEKY heat. Jake asked Marie about
herself.
She had left the chorus and an her
former gay companions and was nov
employed in q millinery establishment.
whats the matter with the show
gamer" asked jake. "Too last for
your" =
Yes, Jake. Somehow or othsr
1 couldn't let myself drift Ike the
others had. and when came up hero
to live with Maude and John and the
kids. well. they didn't think 4 wne
the best thing for the Kids to have
their aunt In the chorus. Not that
they objected to the chorus part Of
1t. but then there are 20 many e11er
things that 90 with II. The gay con-
pany, the loose way q living anl
things of that sort"
$50 you cut It ont for the saks IL
the kids?"
"Yes, for the kids and Tor ny ON
sake. was becoming tired q tho
life. and the home life here seemed 70
touch something In me and make ne
want to live right There b nothing
in that fast life. Jake: the right vny ;
II the only way. You may prosper Dor
q time on the wrong road. but soouof
or later you come to grief"
Yes. she was right. Jake knex. The
wrong way had dragged him Down
Drink and loose componione haA
brought him to his present level
For long time he ~ nd $500
at the fire. When next be opoko
there was q tenderness IN hio voioo
such a. had never been there botbr0.
Say. Marie" he said. Edo you think
you could help me ct on he right
track. the honest roadf want 70 ~.
I see how happy you ere and Whdt =
change It has made In you ] IN o.
ing to try"
Tenderly she put her hand On ~
ARM. II am glad that you vfll ~
You know l always liked you, Ja1io
Somehow you were different fFum ~
rest Of the old crowd. Tor you WEE
always . gentleman in your mannor.
You would never stand eoe ~ rool
rough stun"
That's the kindest thing Z havo>
heard for two years. said Ja,io
slowly. - he patted the small hon1 :
that still lay on his arm.
Suddenly he stifIened IN III e1kaiP
~ thought seised him.
Marie" he asked tsnderly, = = thero
any fellow, right now, that you MIX
. lot off You know the Wv moon.~
mo. Jake. not now" she onsWoro1
slowly. ~ she understood WY -
asked. Then she added. but thoeo
might be if"
III he were . right-living soet e
fellowf" broke In Jakie.
yes"
The clock on the nantslpises strusk
twelve.
Gee. rs Christmas nornins.e
sighed Jake.
"Yes. Christmas." brssthsd narss
softly. q
Gould you-do you think. wiII ~
wait until-well. until can 81 On tho
right trackf"
She nodded her head h silence.
Jake put his arm around her waisk
and drew her head to his shculder.
You do care. Marie he,whisperoa.
Again she nodded and then tuned
her hips 10 his.
my Christmas present." said Jake
softly. the best little gfrl n he