Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-12-15

fast asleep in the next room
The final arrangement completed. Maudc
and her husband took last peek 1T the
sleeping Riddles and called to Jackie to see
them.
AS the little group stood in the doorway,
Jackie noticed that John put his arm about
Maude's waist and that the light in Maudo's
eyes shonc with peculiar hriiliancc as she
Struggled closer. II picture of do
mcstc love ana felicity. and il touched
Jackie deeply
John and Maudc. having retired for the
night, Jackie and Marie were lief, alone in
ne parlor.
Seated before the fireplace. where the gas
log was throwing forth CHEEKY heat, Jackie
asked Marie about herself.
She had left the chorus and all her former
gay companions and employed in
millinery esta blshmcnt.
Whats the matter will, the show game
iskcd Jackie. TOO fast for YOU"
"Ies. Jackie. Somehow the other |
couldn't let myself drift like the others had,
and when came up here to live with aIaude
and John and the kids we'll they didn't
think il was tho best thing for the kids
to have their aunt in the chorus. Not that
they objected TO tho chorus part OF It, but
then there are SO many other things that
20 with il. The gay company the loose
way Of living and things Of that sort"
so YOU cut il ont for the sake Of the kids
Yes. for the kids. and for my sake.
becoming tired OF the life, and the
home life here seemed to touch something
in and make want to live right.
There is nothing in this fast life. Jackie: tho
RICH, way is the only way. You may pros
per for time the wrong road, but
later you come to grief
Yes She Was right. Jackie knew. The
wrong way had dragged him down. Drink
and loose companions had brought him TO
his present level
For long tim" he sat and raacd az the
five. When mex, II" spoke there
derness i'll his voice" such as had never been
there before.
SAY. Marie" he said. do YOU think you
could help me get on the right tr.cl--thc
honest road" want To Try. how
happy YOU are and VIVA, change it has
made You. going TO Try.
rerdcriy She put her hand his arm. Il
am glad that you will try. You know
always liked YOU. Jackie Somehow YOU
wer" different from the res, Of the old
crowd. for YOU were always gentleman in
your manner. You never would stand for
the real rough stuff
That's the kindcst thing hayc heard for
two years" said Jackie slowly, as lac patted
the small hand that sim lay on his arm.
Suddenly h. stitlencd in his chair
Thought seized him.
Marie" he asked ,enderIy. is there ANY
fellow righ, n"w. that YOU think IoI Of
You know the way mean
NO. Jackie. not Now she answered slow
~ as she understood why lie asked. Then
she added: hut there might be if
II he were right living sort Of fellow"
broke in JACKIE.
Yes
The clock on tho mante. piece struck ::
Gee. it's Christmas mor9iug. sighed
.'a"kic.
'yos. Christmas" breath"d Marie softly
could yon do You thiu viii YOU walt
we'll untn get The right
track
she nodded her mead in siienrc Jackie pu,
MIS- arm around hcr wais, ana drew her head
10 mis- shoulder.
You do care. M.gieo' l,y whispered
Again She nodded and th"u turned her iips
10 his
NM christmas prcscnt,' said Jackie sott-
~. 'lhc best little gin IT. the world
and mine added Marie, ''s ;hc man that
is be"