Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-05

hear Mrs. Murrays name without
rush of shamed anger
ooh, no. I will see Uncle Harry"
she said hastily.
"He might know people who would
be interested. Perhaps Alex would
help Mrs. Gage rose. IF we start
out now, we can have the ball rolling
by night she said from the stairs.
She came back in few moments
dressed for the street-at least, her
gaunt and battered old frame was top
ped by bonnet and she had pulled
pair of limp black gloves half on, leav-
ing her thumbs free. Her eager spir-
it, already far on ahead, knew nothing
Of eXternals, yet neither the ancient
and Idisregarded clothes nor her gren-
adler tramp could hide the fact that
she was a gentlewoman. Chloe saw
her go with the old divided sense Of
inferiority and protest Her mother
was so splendid-but if she only
wouldn't! Then she shook herself and
finished her work, that she might call
on Uncle Harry.
1t was mOmentous step. Chloe
had borrowed egg heaters and carpet
sweepers, had written notes about the
needs of the babies outing and begged
books for the neighborhood reading
room, but the care Of Billy had spared
her any active or responsible part in
the family campaigns. She had a de-
ing forced, that her little-girl silence
would protect her no longer: she must
go the family way or take her stand
against it. Every instinct Of her be-
ing was against. yet the arguments
seemed to be all on their side. The
cause was good; how could she refuse
to help?
zone thing or the other" she told
herself all the way. Either 90 home
and say you won't or do it we'll" And.
because she so longed to go home, she
finally marched herself into Uncle
Harrys Office and told her purpose
with very good imitation of her
mothers cheerful energy
After all, it was not so hard. Uncle
Harry, listening with dropped head, as
scented with the familiar slow Yes"
to every aspect of the proposition. She
had expected teasing, but he did not
seem to be in his usual mood of humor-
Gus detachment. 1t occurred to her as
she talked that he was growing into
his check book and wrote her a sum
that made her exclaim.
yes; your mother couldn't have
done any better at your age" he said
She was often not quite sure what
Uncle Harry meant, and now she was
too elated to question.
But ought you to give so much %.
She offered 1t back but he shook his
head.
1T would be too bad if you were dis.
couraged at the very outset of your
career" he explained. Hadn't any
idea you possessed so much of the
family talent"
II was frightened to DEATH" she con.
fessed. II hated 1t, Uncle Harry! But
now / don't so much mind going on"
Eyes; you'll like 1t presently. Why
don't you drop in on old Jacob Ritz
on the floor below? He knew your
father-had met him, anyway"
Chloe's joy fell. But l don't know
him"
That's nothing. He's rich--thats
all you need to know"
She tried to confront the prospect
bravely, but her limbs turned heavy
and her heart sank in her side
tits no use, I'd rather die!" she
burst out.
He smiled, but rather sadly. "Oh.
you won't feel that way long" he as
sured her
She tried to believe him. II have
done enough for one morning." she
said, folding away the check and ris-
ing. do you think-Alex would help?
said to ask" She had stammered over
the name. If Alexis father knew what
was happening, what might happen
that very night! The secret spring
song, silenced for the moment by her
undertaking, came yelling up again.
She almost told the marvellous news,
then burned red with the realization
that it had not yet come true. Per
haps by tomorrow we can tell him."
was her thought.
Uncle Harry, tapping his pencil on
the desks edge, was. looking very Sob
er. Don't believe Alex has much tai
ent for raising money he said. 1--WE
often wished one of my children
would develop it,
Tell him, anyway said Chloe. and
went happily home. How silly she
had been to take it SO hard!
Mrs Gage was gone all day, but
Chloe spent the afternoon getting
ready for the evening. Only girl in
love could have found so many rites
to perform; but when the publication
was complete from her washed hair
to her white shoes, she put on the
simplest of her gowns, lest she be-
tray her expectation, and eased her
full heart by loving Billy.
He will always be my little boy,
no matter where / live she thought,
as they went hand in hand to the cor
ner to say good night TO Billy's grand
father. Only very bad weather could
cut out this ceremony.
" The patient statue looked worn and
dusty in the sunset light. Billy cling
ing to the palings, shouted his days
news. and Chloe's shining eyes silent
ly told hers.
81 know that you love Alex, too she
assured him. "Oh, father, isn't he