The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1921-08-12
THE cI1Y's SOUL
by LYDIA LION ROBERTS.

"My soul, LottIe, plaIntlyely mocket
Frank, you're as pleasant ~ blIz
card. What IN the world Is the mat
ter with yoh laielyi'
Il guess IT'S my SOUL" Loitie re
piled rucfully. "rye lost II sglue'
where. Since nursing the family
through the grippe I've forgotten
ever hud soul. think II has
drowned la the dIshpan."
Frank watched her ns she nervous
ly got the children ready for school,
"a worried frown between her usually
merry brown eyes.
"No. | don't want any more break
fast" Lottie said. as he waited for
her TO sit opposite him. Il don't feel
hungry lately; just feel cross"
Listen, DEAR said Frank briskly
as he got up to get his oyercoat, "rm
going 10 give YOU 81 and ! want you
TO use ID TO lind your soul When
you've found II bring II home with
you and wen lry 10 make II 20 con.
tented 1t won't leave you again"
Il wouldn't blame the whole family
for leaving" smiled Lottle. I'm NJ
dlsagreeable It's wonder anyone eau
live with me, let alone iine, hand.
some husband like you, she roguisli.
ly added.
"well, formed the pleasant habit
years ago aud I'm getting 50 old |
hate 10 change my habits declars,i
Frank cheerly as he hurried on To
work. f "
A few hours later Lottie stood gaz-
Ing ut the tempting window displays.
II haven't had thing new all win
ter" she told herself II think the
shock OF seeing myself In a new waist
would make Inc better at once"
After her purchase she walked slow
ly along the crowded streets.
The Tapping end whlrrlng OF wings
attracted her attention aud she
stopped 10 watch the pretty scene.
boy with the look Of strong, clean
youth, growing into manhood, was
standing In the middle of u path. AL
most motIonless except for slight
opening of his hand, an absorbed
smile on his freckled face. he lured .
The fat, placid pigeons close TO him by
his offer of their favorite food. As he
scattered the peas around him the
eager birds walked up his back, wad-
lied around his neck, clung to his
rms and shoulders and rested on his
ingers.
"0h, to be an artist" sighed Lottle
n appreciation of the beauty Of the
lIcture. "fll carry that picture home
n my brain gallery to tell the chill
rem"
Almost before she realized II the
loon bells rang out.
81 have just time to STEP into the
for the noon service" she
damned. "Fve lived near the city al.
ny life and never been In before"
The brief sermon over, the singing
one, many people went out, but Lot.
ie fingered with others. Presently
he grand tones Of the organ filled
he room, and clear and sweet rose
he haunting strains of a violin.
"Any woman" said Lottle to her.
elf, as she quietly wiped her eyes,
who couldn't 20 back to work after
hat, with her -s0ul big and whole
nd her heart full Of love to be poured
ut on her family--well--thi woman
ad just better, or she's a Stacker in
he battle of life.
"Now for a stroll down my favorlte
amous street, and then back to the
rain," she decided, as she left the
hurch.
"Of all s+orable combinations Of
uaint knockers, lovely doorways, old
lorld windows, and the benediction
1T by the spirits of the good and
reat people who have lived here
1t possible to get such an atmO-
phere anywhere but in my own dear,
Irty, heart-warmlng cityw exclaimed
ottie, as her walk led her finally to
le river sparkling merrily IN the sun.
almost train tisle. but I've justa
Nv minutes to see this picture on eKru
ibition at one of the big stores
"Four hundred years ago this pic
ire was painted" she heard the lee
lrer say, as she slipped into the hall.
"That was before this country was
titled" thought L0ttie. Before the
ventlons and modern marvels. Yet,
today, just one tired little house .
ife, sit here and view the unfaded
chness, the glowing colors Of that
eture. The artist is gone, but he .
# bit of his soul on canvas and
ter 400 years 1t speaks to my c
kitchen-bound one and bids {
grow. f.
"Oh, bless anyone who gives any
ing to the world that makes us big
r and better, so that we can hand Il
the heritage of beauty to our chill O
enl I'm going home where / be- II
ng, and carry on my share. I've
t the loveliest home and finest man, 'S
Id most remarkable children that c.
" woman needs to keep her soul te
fe and strong. ff
II guess my soul just had growing
ins-let's hope 1t has stretched a :,
tie today" And with whimsical :,
lille at herself, Lottie turned home q q