Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1919-08-05
Little Mother By GENEvIEvE LUNAR
{ Copyright, 1919, by the Western
 paper Union)

d story where poor and humble girl had patiently endured all the suffer ings and deprivations of poverty, to merge into Q higher condition and finally become the bride of man of wealth and position who. in reverence for her gentle ways and pure, inno- cent mind, adored her through all of Il happy, contented life. It was rare romance of the old school and she had reveled in its sweet, wholesome de velopment-
 "Only dream!" she sighed resign edly. "What can come to Winston Flats to me like the story book tells?"
 Not but what Lucia deserved all that reward for truth, sacrifice and un- complaining hard work could give an orphan, her only living relative, her grandmother. The two of them worked at the cheapest grade of sewing, gain ing mere subsistence. Their living quarters were mean and lowly, but kept exquisitely neat and clean. It was often invaded by those less par ticular as to rags and dirt, little chill dren of the neighborhood. A strong materna, instinct in Lucia attracted her towards them, and the only break in the monotony of her dull existence was when she gathered in the little outcssts, washed them clean, combed out their tangled hair, mended up their tattered clothing and gave them lit tie treat in the way of popcorn or candy.
 If only got to what the heroine in the coyel reached" Lucia told, her grandmother. II would just fill my home with these poor little dear chil- dren."
 Grandma often scolded at the im- ,petuous philanthrophy of Lucia, yet secretly her heart was touched at the kindly motives of her last living rela- tive. One day, however, she felt that Lucia had exceeded the limits of tol- lerance and charity. She had burst in upon, her bearing in her arms tat tered, half-dressed baby girl covered with mud and grime. grooming out pity and love and tenderness for the tiny outcast. Lucia hugged it close and tho child nestled in her arms as though 1t realized rare kindness and care.
 "Just think of it," scolded Lucia 'left alone in the back lot to wander into all kinds of trouble. The poor tiny mitsl She lay nat in the mire where she had fallen. Oh. grandma Hook! look at tho sweet darling 1ace!"
 For Lucia had run to the sink and. washcloth in hand, had cleared the mud-mottled face of the child.
 What are you going to do with her. Luciar questioned grandma.
 'I am going to keep her, am go- ing to adopt her," replied Lucia with settled resolution and defiance. DO you know who she Is? One of the half-starved babies that Mrs. Woods took care of. Actually when she went away she left this one on the door step of . neighbor. who has hardly enough to feed her own little ones, and no time to care for this stranger. She said she would have to send her to some orphan asylum. Oh. grandma 1 she shan't. shall she? I'll work dou- ply hard to care for someone love, and-you sweet petl you shan't be taken away from me-"
 And little Evaline. as they called her, wasn't. And at the end of a month even grandma would have bar ricaded the house in a state of siege If anyone had hinted at despoiling tho happy household of its now cherished Idol. Baby Evaline entered upon an experience of love and care that kept her babbllng prettily and smiling and growing through all her waking hours. r Lucia looked up from her. sewing fairly aghast one day, when a police officer came into the house with kindly, faced, but serious. s.looking young man, pointed to the chatterAns Evsaipe' md said Yl;...;H.II !.|l I;)sIia il.sI guess there is, no mistaks, MT. Barton. The trail ends here and there is your dead sisters child" ,sp A
 Tho heart of Lucia chilled and she began to cryia as the young man told the story of ! sister who had elepsd with :a fsvored lover. \ He had died later, and only now after along lsearch had the sorrowing brother surely found the little orphan, He placed | dozen hapk notes on shs tAAs. but Lucia pushed them. away and weDt only the .h9orl. bitterly. Her genuine emotion afteeted him greatly: ::' The baby began to efy h sympathy with her second mother and grandma joined in the general sorrow and desolation.
 "I haven't the heart to separate them" Gerald Barton whispered to the officer. Don't take on so. miss. You shall not be troubled about the child until think of some way of arrang- ing all this."
 He came the next day, alone. It was to ask Lucia if she would be will ing to come to his home and devote her time solely to the little one. Oh.