The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-08-26
BY JULIET G. SAGER.
Copyright, 1913, by
Frederick A. Stokes Go.

OF the living room that Elsie and
Harland we're there. Anne went
up the walk slowly, composing
her face and thoughts for the try
ing encounter.
At the door, with her hand on
the knob. she hesitated shrink
ing second. Matte was talking.
Anne could catch only a phrase
hero and there, but they were
enough: Went without comforts
to give you luxuries"-"slaved
away the best years of her life at
stock work for your sake, when
she might have been on Broad
way"-'every cent Of her savings
In the home she decided over to
you as soon as it was paid for"
Anne opened the door and went
In. Matte was standing by the
table, a newspaper clipping in her
hand. Elsie was backed up before
the fireplace. A little apart stood
Harland, frowning and intent.
None of them noticed Anne.
I'm only explaining why no.
body could suspect you of this!"
Matte was saying, with her terri
flying air of innocence. but it
isn't possible you'd do such a
cruel, treacherous thing. Is 1t.
Mr.. Harland? Your own mother!
And when she was sick, toe-al-
most at deaths door. To hold
her up to ridicule, to try to in
5ure her professionally, to drag
her down from the place she's
climbed to so painfully, carrying
you on her shoulders-"
Matte abruptly dropped pre-
tence. you taunt her with being
your mother! You make her out
Q Jealous old woman-jealous of
youi"
"Oh, l didn't! l didn't" Elsie
stammered, shrinking back. II
didn't tell him that. He put 1t in
OF his own accord" She paused,
lips parted, and horror in her
face.
Matte laughed unpleasantly
and turned away with a glance
toward Harland.
you see, Mr. Harland?"
mo, no! Listen, Phil!" the girl
cried. but as he turned his back
on her. she broke down and burst
Into tears.
There were EXPLANATIONS =
Triumphant on Mattie's part =
when she and Harland discovered
Anne's presence. But Anne paid
no attention to them.
Elsie" she said, uncertainty.
The girl wheeled, uncovering a
face that was passionate and de-
fiant In spite of the tear marks.
"Oh. you're here, are you? You
heard? Then you're satisfied, II
suppose? You can GUST me now
you and Inslee! Oh, l know how
you've been trying to do it, from
the first. l know how you've
schemed and plotted with him.
Phil was the only friend l had,
and at last you've turned him
against me now!"
Hush, child, hush." Anne
sprang toward her. Don't talk
like that! YOU"
Elsie pushed her away.
Don't pretend you'd care. You
wouldn't. Nobody cares what be-
comes Of me-" Then all at once
her bravado and grown-up airs de-
serted her, her head dropping in
stinctively on Anne's shoulder.
"oh. 1 wish I'd never come to New
York! I'm SO wretehed. Help me,
mamma! Help mel"
Anne held her gently and tried
to quiet her, but she did it with
q stiff, conscious lack of spon-
taneity. The room seemed full of
Blair North; there were echoes
OF his sophistries and selfishness
In every word of his daughters
seir-defense. Yet the
ciinging arms around her neck
were calling up other memories.
What is 1t you want me to
DOT" she asked, at last.
"Oh. I don't knowl Only, Phil
don't let him hate me. That's
all ! care about. Help me, man.
mai"
llarland and Matte had with
drawn to the remotest window.
Mr.. Harland!" Anne summon
ed him
The girl gave a frightened gasp.
Dearestf Don't mention what
what l told you that night -
about him and NE
Anne released herself slowly
and drew back, holding her at
arms length. ut wasn't true?"
"Not-not exactly. Not-yet.
Harland had come down to
them. looking at Anne in1uiring-
". Elsie he did not seem to see.
You've been badly treated.
Miss Houghton. From the very
first, you haven't had a square
deal. Jnslee called me a block
head for not seeing 1t, and l reck-
on that's what I've BEEN" he said.
He wants you to play 'Elfrida'
again So do I. VIII you do itf"
Mother7" Elsie whispered. un-
certain and anxious. "Motner:"
she repeated brokenly. aud Anne
suddenly drew her close.
Good" Harland said, with a
deep breath-of satisfaction or
merely concurrence? when shall
va expect you backs"