Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-02-06
SIGNING LIPS
BY AGNES G. 6ROGAN.

on the calendar.
MolIic was I'm the depths "t the
hines. when the Verse caught her eye.
ana the only reason I can give for
Mollie'S hlucnesS is that she had moth
ing To do. When one has nothing 10
do. that uncnviahlc state Of mind often
follows.
Mollic read the verse at first idly.
then with IL CLEAN OF interest. For
the advice of the calendar appeared TO
he exactly what she nccded-likc n
doctors prescription for the thing that
ais you.
How to bo glad" screamed the
calendar in red letters. this is the sug.
Scstion which followed:
"A smile thou'lt give to signing lips.
again shall make thee glad" And far
Their down the promise: The good
that thou shalt do will return to
thee"
smile. then. in this case. WAS Scrv-
ice. whose rendition must return to
made the donor glad.
Mollie wanted To he glad: there was
should be. vet was not. Evidently the
first step toward this desired goal was
the seeking out of signing lips. with
the intent o. turning them To smiles.
1t is sad. but true. that "Sighing lips"
arc easy TO be found. so Mollic had
gone no farther than the gateway of
the hedge where her own particular
sigh reached her 1t came In need OF
comfort straight over the hedge to her
listening ears. And 1t came tiisappolnt-
ingly, from the drawn lips Of a bent,
old woman.
Good morning" she greeted
brightly.
Good morning" quavercd the wom-
an In doubtful reply. But Mollie fell
into step ut her side.
at is lovely morning. isn't IT." she
asked. land YOU must have been ont
early I" gather your green's. ! have
seen you often. have I not, passing the
house rsorninSs?"
YES" the old woman answered.
Mollic was surprised at the refine.
mcnt of her tone. The dress she wore
was shabby. and her wrinkcd hands
worn with toll
81 have been coming by f0- years
carrying vegetables from my garden
to my little shop in town. It's u long
walk. | have to start early. Eut-
I'm afraid I shan't be able to come
any more
At the genuine interest in the girls
inquirinS glance the woman raised n
pilifully eager face.
"Thcy have raised the rent Of my
shop" she contidcd. "It was all that
could do to carry 1t before. It's my
only means of support, you see she
added.
"You have no childrcn?" MoIlie
asked: no one to help YOU"
tender light came into the faded
ey"s beneath the rusty bonnet.
Yes. there's Danny" the mother
sad. 'BTt Danny can't be much help"
RcSecchlnCly the mother awaited
Ieniency for Danny.
II suppose" MolIie admitted.
"Oh, it's So" the old woman insist
ed. "ion wouldn't believe that had
q home as nice as yours. And ia
Their and mother who cared. But they
just couldn't see Dannys father as my
young eyes saw him, so-we ran away
and were married"
THAT Is my shop" she went on.
THE little place with the garden flow
crs in the window. / like to keep il
tasty. And there" sudden fear
oh T.,
THAT man in the automobile" she
whispered. hes going to put me out.
There is back rent to pay, as we'll as
It's being rnised. Danny was plan
ming to make 1t UP for me when he
could" She broke Off npologetically.
II don't know why I've been telling
you all this. because you looked kind.
l guess. and my old heart was aching
for kindness. Don't think about II
any more, my dear. Good-by."
But Molle fingered. She could buy
that basket Of vegetables ut least, and
then:
A frank faced young man jumped
from the automobile TO meet them.
Mrs. Thomns,' he began carefully.
rs though trying to soften a blow.
"Father says that he's sorry he can't
reconsider the rent question. You see
this bill for arrears"
The astonished young man found
himself abruptly led aside by a pretty
young woman.
Please" begged Mollle, don't you
see she can't pay? But il this bill OF
arrears could be managed, do YOU
think your father would possibly con.
tinue the old rent of the storef"
Mr.. Jack Darby stared perplexetlly
You are willing TO pay the arrearsT
he asked
Mollie shook determined head.