The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1921-02-18

golden brown, while Mrs. Reynolds
sat in her favorite corner Of the neat
white kitchen. Though Lizzie had
proven herself capable in every line Of
housekeeping, Mrs. Reynolds could
not quite resign her habit OF direct
ing. Everything in the home which
she had long made for her idolized
and really worthy son had come I'M
der her supervision, and it was diff
fcult now to brook other rule, even
of competence. And surely, Lizzie was
jewel.
After various and innumerable
maids had made fitful and unsatisfac-
tory stays in the pretty fat, Lizzie
arrived, and served with a skill SEEM
ing too good to be true; and Lizzie re-
NAMED.
Mrs. Reynolds found it was quite
possible to make both friend and COM
fidant of Lizzie without fear of later
disappointment. And the elder wom-
an accepted this companionship joy
fully, realizing in the comfort re-
cefved how very lonely she had here
tofore been.
For John Reynolds mother was not
one in her exactions to win either
confidence or friendship. So now,
swaying to and fro in the rocker
which Lizzie had brought from the
living room, she relieved her mind
concerning a certain Betty Standish,
who had been presumptuous enough,
and successful enough, to win her
Johns affection.
ut isn't" she told Lizzie, "as if he
were a man to be taken with every
pretty face. John never did fit
around and make love, like other boys.
He stayed at home and studied, and
that's why he has gotten along so well
with his engineering. But now, just
with that big promotion ahead and
all, for him to be taken with an idle.
frivolous creature, who knows how to
do nothing but spend her fathers
money! What sort of helpmeet would
she be to a young man whose life for
some time to come must be spent in
overcoming obstacles? For John will
have to travel far and put up with
much hardship. Will this musical,
tea-party girl, be willing to go with
him to the wilds, do you thfnk-when
his duty calls?"
Mrs. Reynolds in her eloquence had
forgotten Lizzie's presence. The girl
admired a tempting cruller on the end
Of fork.
Maybe" she replied, "this Miss
Standish loves your boy lot !; love can
make people like to do all sorts Of
hard, unusual things. And maybe
she's not so light, after all, Mrs. Rey-
nolds. Do you know herr"
The mothers lips frightened.
81 absolutely refused to meet her."
she replied, when John made the sug-
gestion. Of course, he is under a
lovers glamour at present, and cam
not be reasoned with. But l have
heard enough about Steve Standish's
daughter to know that she inherits all
her fathers love of show and luxury
and as her mother died when she was
born, she's had no bringing up outside
of fancy boarding schools. You can
hardly pick up a paper without read
ing some description of her gown at
this affair or her playing at that.
And all the money John will have to
give her will be what he earns
through hard endeavor. Seems"
The mothers voice trailed off sadly.
"John's life has just been spent
overcoming obstacles, big ones all
along the way. He was just lad
when his father died, and he has been
obliged to fight his way to his desire"
Tears filed the faded eyes. Lizzie
briskly put her kettle aside. the last
fragrant cruller was done. Then she
came, smiling and Strengthening the
ruffies over her arms, straight to the
old lady's side.
"Now, DEAR" she said, "don't you
fret. John is going to find just the
right woman, the one woman for him,
because no one could be wholly self
ish, I think, and love your John at
the same time. There is something
so big and fine and noble about him
that, well, it just has to bring out no
bleness in another. You see, I know
for love your john"
The mother caught her breath sharp
ly; unbelieving, she looked up into the
glowing face above her.
Old Mrs. Reynolds stared, then ex-
citedly she erased the girls hands.
Lizzie" she cried, II really wish that
my boy did love you"
"You really mean, o Johns mother"
Lizzie asked, shat you would well
come me as Johns wife If it should
happen that he loved mew
The elder woman's voice was earn
est. 81 would, Lizzie" she said.
Then Lizzie, with a tremuIous lit
tie laugh, slipped to her knees and
buried her face on the mothers Shout
der.
Then welcome me-" she said.
'for your John and ], we love each
other: / am Betty Standish, dear;
Elizabeth Standish, If you please. And
I have deceived you In order to win
just that welcome. There was n0oth-
er way after you positively refused to
meet me-"
The girl raised her face to smile
into the other with its dawning light
Of happiness.