The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1919-01-16
Nell 5 | e!:'tter'
Copyright. 1918. w..t.r, Newspaper Unlon.>
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Copyright. 1913. Western Newspaper Union.)
The old lady seated in the lamplight
looked up and smiled as a man ap-
peared in the doorway.
Come in jed" she invited. II could
hardly wait to see you. Another let
ter has come from Nell and it's full
of good news. declare the girls
spirit seems to be overlooking in joy
business" She paused, as the man
dropped into an opposite chair, his
kind eyes were bent upon her; "What
man you are DEAR" the old lady ex-
claimed, rejoicing always with me in
Nell's welfare, when you might instead
know bitterness. Sometimes the
gentle voice faltered, II think your
love for my daughter equals that Of
her mother lf-effacing, devoted.
And I can never lose the old regret
that you are not my son-Jed."
'"The best man won, mother" he
said, for quite naturally he had adopt
ed the name.
The old lady unfolded closely writ
ten letter. i4t
Their apartment in New York must
be luxurious place." she said, tread
for yourself Jed. Nell describes it as
a sort of background to her wonder
fully appointed way Of living her de-
sscriptiOn of places and people runs
like an enchanted tale. Only one on
the inside Of things could write so
graphically"
Nell's mother sighed as the man
took the letter.
Nell says that she must still post
pone her home visit. Her husband is
absorbed in business, and cannot bear
the thought of being separated from
her, so like dutiful wife, Nell re-
mains. If my health would permit,
would go to her-but that is now i'm
possible"
BE patient a little longer" he said,
s'she is sure to come home soon.
Strange how her father was preju-
diced against Lester Williamson fact
how ready we all were to believe him
other than he pretended"
When Nell's father refused consent
to his daughters marriage with a
man of whom he knew nothing
had hurled defiance and hidden her
mother goodbye.
During her fathers last days,
though his daughter was, separated
from him, he was glad to know that
his fears were unfounded, that as a
husband Lester Williams had proven
himself all that could be desired. So
Jed, in his greater love found content
ment in that knowledge.
He was glad to make less lonely the
hours Of the invalid mother Together
they read, and delighted in the girls
glowing descriptions of her New York
life. Often in scented letter came a
check-not that mother was in need of
checks-just bit of Nells 'pin
money" And then, one evening as Jed
sat in his chair atone side of the fire,
and the happily anticipating mother
In another-he found that she had ap-
parently fallen asleep, naturally-but
It was a sleep from which even Nell s
voice could never awaken her.
Jed frantically. tried to reach Les
ter Williams by telegraph, but there
was some misunderstanding and he
could not be found so, in his eager
ness to soften the blow. Jed himself
undertook the journey to the distant
city.
If NeH's husband were away the
~
from the lips Of friend. He thought
as he fastened down an unpreten-
tious street past old houses, that he
must have mistaken the address. But
here was undeniably No. S15.
A woman who opened the door hest
tated at his inquiry. for 'Mrs. Lester
Williams" Then her face frightened.
s Mrs. Nell Williams you mean prob
ably" she said, and directed Jed up
shabby stair. Room 49," she added,
and perplexed by the pervading dingi-
ness, Jed obeyed.
It was Nell herself who actually
opened the door, wraith-like Nell,
In frock as unpretentious as her
surroundings.
"'Jed!' she cried, just that; and
'Jed' again.
Then, in a strangely natural man.
ner, the little white Nell was folded
H in Jed's arms, while he gave the mes.
sage Of his visit. s5S
After while she looked up at him.
She was happy?" Nell demanded.
Mother was happy?''
Gently Jed released her, and gave
the assurance.
Because, said Nell, Il had to know,
you see, if all my deceit and lying had
gone for naught. Itcould not break
their hearts could II" she cried fierce
", "and pride would not let me creep
back, owning myself in the wrong. /
was never married to Lester Williams.
have never known that comforting
care of which wrote.
when Lester Williams came to meet
me upon the night we were to be
married, he was xicated, pittable,
contemplate creature have not
seen him since. When my supply Of
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