The Butler weekly times and the Bates County record. (Butler, Mo.) 1918-1950, 1919-06-05
After the,Years
y oT1AlA FRANCES PfHFFER
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The kindly faced, gray-bearded old
man occupying section seven in the
Pullman sleeper gave great start as
poignant cry echoed through the
coach. He sought the source of the
Outburst and, ut sight Of the white,
despairlng face of modestly attired
young girl, advanced towards her.
Her hands were clasped and her
eyes. affrighted, were fixed past the
open car window. She sat now like
one turned to stone by some vivid
calamity. She had boarded the train
at Denver, Marvin Hope had noted,
and the conductor had just appeared
at the other end Of the car.
"YOu are troubled" he spoke in
stantly. -What Is it. young LADY,"
Elva Merrill turned her gaze upon
the speaker and burst into tears. "Oh.
sfr!" she breathed, gaspingly. my
ticket! was getting ready for the
conductor and for only an instant
placed 1t on the window sill. The
wind took 1t antl-oh! what shall
dot"
"where We're you going2" inquired
Mr.. Hope.
The reply named point in South
ern California, and added the further
information that she had no money Of
consequence and had given up posi-
ton she had held in town fifty miles
from Denver. what Gan l do?" she
faltered. 'The ticket is gone, have
no home, no friend nearer than my
destination"
I'VE shall arrange that" spoke Mar
win Hope. "Just try. and be calm. l
will speak to the conductor" and,
moved by an impulse his generous ma
tnre could not resist, he went to the
conductor, spoke to him for some min
utes and then returned to the side of
Elva. 1T is nll settled he said, with
a great deal of cheerfulness in his
tone. AT the next station the conduc-
tor. by my desire. will secure q
through ticket for YOU"
But ! cannot pay for It," remon-
strated Elvn.
Not now, perhaps, but possibly Ia
ter. Listen, young lady. am bound
for the same destination MS yourself
You will tell me your story, and we
shall try to discover some way to
make you feel free to accept a tenn
pOrary loan from a lonely old man
who is glad to aid anybody In dis
tress."
Indeed. con reimburse you'll" de-
clared Elva, fervently. my friends at
San DrurO ia Mrs. Honoria Purcell.
l was her companion two years ago,
but she was very hard to get along
with and sought other employment
Last week she wrote to me offering
two years contract and la seemingly
anxious to have me accept. am sure
she will advance me sufficient to repay
you"
Il am. sure of that. too" replied Mr..
Hope In his gentle, reassuring way,
''fr Mrs. Purcell is a wealthy woman
whom know quite well. And your
name. young la6y?"
1T is Elva Merrill" Marvin Hope
gave a violent start. 1t was well that
Eiva had her gaze averted Mt that mo-
ment, else she would have been
possibly alarmed, at the
manifest emotion of her benefactor.
He seemed to experience difficulty in
an impulse to seize her
hands, or fold her In his arms, pouring
forth Wild torrent Of words Of glad
ness and Joy crOwtling to his trembling
lips. He recovered his self possession
ne Elva exhibited the letter from Mrs.
Purcell. He listened bre1thiessly to
lhe story Of her life bereft Of moth
n. her only near relative, two years
previo1s, and later trials attending the
Of her own living.
"W<fe there none other OF near
kinr' he ASKED. mo dear friendsr'
Eva shook her head sadly.
From that point until the end Of the
Journey Marvin Hope exercised q ia
fherly care for the homeless girl, that
every hour Increased her conAdence In
aim. When they reached San Dyafo
his automobile and chauffeur were Ii |
evidence. When the machine stopped |
{ Was before q beautiful mansion set In |
he midst Of an exquisite garden. Eiya |
this to be the residence Of |
Mrs. Purcell.
'HOme!" Marvin Hope announced, |
Ia they were met In the hall by q
h0usekeeper-"my home, and |
10urs! My dear. gave you a fictitious
name, for q purpose. am your uncle |
your mothers brother. Marvin Hope
and I was just disapp0intedly re-
urning from vain search for you ut /
'our former home. ! found no trace
md you can imagine the sorrow Of q
onely old man who awoke at last to !
] longing hunger. for the company Of 4
10 own fleeh and blood. You will not !
% to Mrs.. Purcell. You viii remain
lere, ny own adopted child, until you
Marry"
Il shall never marry" spoke Elva. II
md her fair face fell.
sWhnt Not even II Rodney Parton III