New-York tribune., 1921-03-13


fast"
They turned the corner into Simn
son Street and advanced on Ii. /
banls VIM. P. on the outside, the A..
restingly handsome Minnie and he,
dog on the inside, Mrs. Mason bs.
tween them. Minnie found the aush
coming again, and grew quietlvI
angry. Mrs. Mason's face was
twitching in that nervous way. WmI
P.'s head was dehantly up and back
Curious eyes We're peering out o.,
shop windows, and each of the three
sensed an electric whisper flying
ahead Of them along the street.
In the bank Minnie drew her
father aside, asked how much b.
would need at the start.
"I'm afraid" he began, "of course
there was a good many old things
and you said"-
Don't feel that way, papa; Just
tell me-"
"It's-almost a thousand dollars
as that alp" Minnie was
brusquely cheerful She led them
directly across the tiled floor to the
mahogany rail.
Mr.. Weston, a quiet little man,
very bald, with close-clipped gray
mustache and large spectacles
breathing the decorum that was felt
among the responsible folk Of Sun
bury TO the ultimate expression Of
their suburban life, looked up.
How do you do, Minnie?" said
Mr. Weston, gravely. For he knew
as we'll as she that when money
speaks it is best to listen attentively
Good morning, Mr.. Weston" she
replied, and already, at this en-
counter, her quick emotions were
struggling for expression. snow
listen. Papa wants you to help him
straighten out a few things here
Here guardedly opened her
purse-"here's my check for two
thousand. l thought you'd like it
certified. Of course, you don't know
much about me these days.
"Oh, I'm sure'- began Mr.
Weston, politely.
"That's the gospel. -.ou don't
Papa'll tell you what he wants done
Whatever balance there is you'd bet
ter just hold to his credit on CHECK
account. III send something every
week-hfty or a hundred
ooh. Minnie" breathcd her
mother, mot so much. Child, We
really"
But Minnie drew herself up. Her
face worked as if in preparation for
an emotional scene. Her blazing
eyes swept the subtly, pruriently
hostile room. "I've got it, she
cried. II tell you I've made gool
And, by God, my father and mother
are going to have the best there IS.
They left VIM. r. at the bank
and walked to the station, and along
the street Mrs. Mason, her face
averted, said not a word. Minnie
started a number of sentences, even
worked up an embarrassingly louo
laugh, but drew out no response.
On the new concrete platform
Mrs. Mason sank on bench. And
then Minnie saw that she was cry
ing.
"Why, mammal" she breathed'
sat beside her, put strong arm
around her. what is it-whati
happenedw
Mrs Mason sobDed-"M Minnie, II
can't bear it, | never thought Ia
live to-don't think me ungratefu
for all you're doing for us-but tn'
awful thing you said-swearing llK'
that"
Minnies. thoughts darted bewll
| dcred here and there II dldn'
swear, mamma" -
"You-you did. Right before Mr.
Weston. I'm old-fashioned,
suppose, but | can't b-bear U
think"
ooh" brcathed the daughter
softly. "Oh, yes! remember Thel
the tears came and rolled down ne
fair cheeks.
Promise me you'll never say tina
d-dreadful thing again
i viii, mammal" Her thought
were racing forward. picturlng oe
fore the minds eye the curious CON
plications that lay ahead. II will
] promise now. You g-get careles
in-.my crowd. But I'll never swea
again, Never"
She held her little mother clos
Needless of who might see, warmly
luxuriously happy in this new em'
ton with it's momentary sense OF
safe anchorage And she knew, a
the thin shoulders within her CT
circling arm relaxed their nervou