Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1917-11-23

mighty tine won-
But it's been
barely year! They might have walt
ed little longer"
what fort II he's lonely and with
that big burn of q hOuse-why should
he wait? Just to satisfy a few cack-
ling old women"
"Oh. l know" conceded Helen, but
l can't help but"
Now see here. we're calling on the
new Mrs. DawsOn-get those IDEAS out
Of your head. Dawson was mighty
good to his first wife. and his marrying
again is nObody's business but his own.
Hold up. isn't this the hOuse?''
1t was fOur-stOry brOwnstone.
with a square bay window. stone
bulustrade and an air Of substantial
dignity.
They were ushered into the long.
high-ceilinged front parlOr with Its cen-
ter chandelier, marble mantel and
heavy black walnut furniture.
The last time they had been In that
room was ut the funeral. The coffin
had stood In the back parlOr. just he
yOnd the folding doors. Helen could
see 1t nOw-the lusterless black cloth.
the silver handles. and the white fiow-
ers banked from the floor.
1T seems good to see you people
again." was Mr.. DawsOn's cordial
greeting. Come upstairs and meet
Irene. We have our sitting room up
there now"
They followed him up the curved
stairway to the large front room
which had always been the guest
room. Now it was wholly transformed.
With very evident pride. Mr.. Daw-
son introduced the slender. girlish
woman who came forward to meet
them.
Her unexpected youth stabbed Helen
with swift resentment. Mrs. Dawson
had been almost forty and inclined to
stoutness.
"A very attractive ROOM" Warren
was saying to relieve an embarrassing
pause. 'They don't build them this
size any more"
"Yes. we think it's more cheerful
than downstairs" her voice was pleas
antly low. TITS so hard to do any
thing with those long front parlOrs.
They're so stiff and fornal-dOn't you
think?"
"They are rather hopeless" admitted
Helen. who was taking q flashing in
ventOry. The room had been entirely
done over and refurnished. Window
seat low bookcases. easy chairs. some
gayly blooming geraniums and howl
of cut flowers made It very cheerful,
livable place.
would you like to see the other
rooms?" suggested Mrs. Dawson. when
her husband and Warren had settled
themselves with cigars.
She led the way through the hall
into their bedroom. Helen caught her
breath mt the transformation. White
and old rose was the color scheme.
Twin beds of ivory enamel with rose
satin comforters. n dressing table
a-gIitter with silver. the rugs. tn.
hangings. even the lOunging robe and
slippers. were part Of the atmosphere
Of luxurious comfort.
There was nothing to suggest the
dark, plain room with its heavy oak
bedroom set and nssertively Powered
carpet which had seemed all sufficient
IN the lote Mrs Dawson.
I'm glad you like It," at Helen's
murmured admiration. at was so dark
with those north windows-f had to
do something to tighten 1t. It's more
attractive at night" touching switch
Mt the door that lit up the lace-shnded
lamps.
ooh. how lovelyi didn't know you
had electricity"
"We've Just put II In. You can't do
anything with gas. This Is Mr.. Dnw-
sons ROOM" opening connecting door.
His den. where he can throw things
and he comfortably untidy."
1t was cheerful. mannish room. In
warm reds and browns. On maya
zine-strewn table stood shaded read
ing lamp. and beside II an easy leather
chair. A moose head and some mounted
horns, souvenirs of his hunting trips.
were on the wall.
Over the mantel were the only things
that Helen had so far recogniZed-an
early portrait of the former Mrs. Daw-
son. and one of their only child. Rob
ert.
ayes. that is Mr.. DawsOn's little
boy" flushing slightly. as she saw Hell
ems glance rest on the picture. did
did YOU ever see him?"
"Oh yes. often. It's only been about
two years since he died. de was
drOwned-but l suppose you know
about that"
'Ive heard something. hut I've never
wanted to ask Mr.. Dawson about It,"
at was while they were in the cOun-
try. He was sailing II toy boat. They
never knew just how it happened
only the nurse was with him"
Helen felt her tense interest and
unspOl.en questions. but she shrank
from discussing the child. AS they
turned back into the bedroom. Mrs.
Dawson paused by the window. nerv-
ouSlv pulling AT the shade cord.
"ThOse portraits were in this room.
hut couldn't bear that-sO | hung
them in there. Perhaps I shouldn't
speak of 1t. II may seem very selfish
N y Al.