The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1917-12-05
cORNMEAL MUFFlNs.


did not come into the park at all.
Mariana, having finished her simple
househol tasks, took her place at tue
accustomed window, eager for sight
OF the life that moved about outside.
II she was eager for the sight OF one
particular person she did not know
it herself. Her heart was unused TO
even the first throb OF that emotion
called love. Love as she had read
about It was a thrilling thing, tina:
came upon one suddenly, usually IN
some picturesque environment, and she
had never imagined that 1t could stea.
over any woman like a gentle warming
tide of happiness. However. she was
happy there was shine in her eyes
and budding smile upon her lips.
Although she did not know 1t, Mariana
VIM was looking younge. than usual
But as the afternoon went on the
smile faded little. She wanted TO
see the little boy. She searched eager.
ly among the throngs Of children. All,
there he was. A stout, rosy,faceu
young girl had him firmly by shc
hand. She was leading him toward
the bench where the father usually sat
Miss Mariana craned her head to lock
at tho young woman. Somehow she
had never supposed the little boys
mother would look like that. He was
aborably brown.curled, but she wors
flaxen frizzes that looked suspiciously
artificial. She was bit untidy. too.
and her soiled white shoes we're run
down at the heels. A long sigh OF
disappointment escaped Miss Mariana.
and some frail thing Of the spirit
seemed borne away from her on its
faint breath. The shine had left her
eyes, but she sat watching.
Being comfortably established on the
bench, the blonde-haired young va.
man drew out novel and began to
read. The little boy danced away to
play, and the autumn afternoon shad.
ows heightened visibly. At last H.
grew very dark and chill at Miss Mari.
ana's window.
Suddenly the air was rent by q
child's snrill scream-shrill enough tc
be heard above the sounds Of traffic
and the noise of children's play. Mari
ana VIM looked out quickly to see
the little boy = his little boy - with
blood streaming from hurt on his
forehead. He had fallen perhaps, or -
Miss Mariana did not wait for con.
jectthes. She rushed out in the park
and gathered the weeping child into
her arms. smoothing the dark cufls
from the cut on his head. 1t was net
a serious injury. hut she bore him into
the house; followed by troupe ot
curious youngsters.
She had completely forgotten the
blondehaired young woman, and 1t
was not until she had washed the cat
and bound It up, and established
Tommy on the sofa with a ginger
, cooky, that an angry ring at the door
proclaimed the fact that the yours
/! woman was in search Of him. More
over. she was not alone. The father,
white with anxiety. stepped in first.
Where" he began. Then. seeing
Tommy. he Rugged the child and turn.
| cd to Mariana with eager, anxious quss.
tions.
"Ie isn't hurt much she assured
him. ."Only he was frightened. and
there seemed to be no one near
Where were you, Theresa" he ask,
ed sharply. turning to the rosy blonde.
"1--why was Just over by the gate
talking to fella. Il"
That will do for you. ther. hired
you to look after Tommy. II you can't
do it better than that you may co."
"All right. I'll 20 then" she retortad
pertly. And Miss Mariana's door
slammed after her, leaving strange
quiet behind it.
The young man sat looking at her
with wistful eyes, that made Miss
Mariana drop her own. and a warm
blush filled her cheeks. He was speak.
ing-something about being very CRATE.
full to her for looking after the child.
something about being very lonely, and
having no one to care for Tommy.
Whatever It was he said, 1t sent
strange thrills of ecstasy through Mari.
ana VIM. When she spoke she looked
so young and eager one would scarce.
~ have known her,
Bring him here again." she was soy.
Ing. I'D love to take care OF Tommy
sometimes. I've nothing else to do.
and love children. Bring him whea
ever you like: but please don't leave
him to any such nursemaids again
ia so much rather you'd bring him
here"
II will. then" he agreed, IF you real.
ly mean 1t. And l wonder-could /
come again some time, too?"
"oh, yes" she nodded lightly. "of
course. Only don't believe / know