The Jones County news. (Ellisville, Miss.) 1909-1924, 1922-02-21

ing kept silent so long, she dared not
speak now. All through the night she
had tossed and turned. hunting some
way TO get oscar Bennett out OF her
life without Marcus Mackenzie know.
Ing anything about 1t. She dared not
20 TO Oscar himself; Polly Hopkins
was the only hope she had. All Ben.
nett cared FOR was money. He was as
tired II her as she was of him. Per.
haps he would go away quietly and
set her free II she gave him money
enough. Would her mother give It to
I her2
"Mother, do you honestly want me
to marry Marcf" she asked trembling.
Mrs Robertson caught at the out
flung hand
Il do. do indeed, darling" she an
swered. "And he'll ask you too. I'm
sure. Perhaps not today or tomorrow.
for he's just renewing his acquuint-
ance with you BY the way he looked
last night could tell he was consld-
ering IT,"
a handkerchief dropped from Eve
lyn's fingers. and she stopped 10 pick
II up.
IF lead Marcus on she suggest
ed, rising, "nnd-and get him TO ask
me to mnrry him. will you give me amy
sum Of money wantY
Her voice shook with emotion, and
her young face seemed suddenly old
and haggard. Mrs. Robertson had
never seen her daughter In such IA
state.
"Sit down a minute. Evelyn" she
commanded. Nov tell me what you
want money for. know very well
that you haven't spent what I've al
lowed you upon yourself That's why
I've refused you so much lately. No
more secrets or mysteryl ! want the
facts. Now tell me this minute"
The girl dropped into chair and
buried her face In her hands.
Il can't she whispered
For some time she remained IN the
same attitude. while her mother
studied her silently. At length the
girl lifted herself erect.
Il can't explain" she broke out,
"and ! suppose you're thinking all
kinds OF things. ! can't help Il If you
do. You'll have TO give me the money
! need, II you want me to marry Mare.
There's no IFS and 'ands' about that.
If you'l give me the money"--she fall
tered, wiped her lips and concluded
slowly, I'm marry Marcus MacKen-
zie."
You must be crazy, Eve" Mrs. Rob
ertson said In cold voice, TO talk TO
me like that. If you have any secrets
from me- It's time you told them"
"WellY" shot from Evelyn sharply.
suppose / have7 It's my secret. isn't
IN Are you going TO help me or not.
that's the question"
It was evident to Mrs. Robertson
that the situation was not 70 be trined
with. In a twinkling her daughter
had changed from meek and tlmid
girl to an aggressive woman. To try
10 bully her any more would be n mere
waste Of effort.
Heavens" she began, "this Is {
pretty how to do, ! must say. can
imagine why you should want money
1t doesn't make much difference, any
J way. There are more reasons thai
one why you emit get 1t from me-"
"What are theyy fell from the girl
lips.
"The first IS" returned the mother
tartly. 81 don't like being Held up ii
this hlgh-handed manner by my owr
daughter"
She paused; and Evelyn caught her
breath. II that were all. she would
row and rage until she got what she
wanted.
Mother and daughter were stirring
at one another. each demanding an ex-
PLANTATION. Evelyn did not intend to
make any Mrs. Robertson weakened
before the steely-blue In the girls
eyes.
But the main reason Is" she went
on, II haven't got It. don't own this
house, nOr--nor-"
Evelyn sprang 20 her feet and con-
fronted her mother Her fnce was
drawn into cruel lines, ana her hands
were gripped spasmodlcnlly.
"You lle," she burst forth. you've
always lied TO me about money"
A bitter smile drew down the cor
ners Of the older woman's mouth. She
knew how true the accusation was.
"wen, this time' she answered.
"Tm telling you the simple truth. |
not only do not own this house. but
"Then who does own itT' lnteriect-
ed the girl
"Your cousin, Robert perclvnl.7 was
the quick response; "and he's supplied
all the money we have used Now
perhaps you won't try to get some.
thing out Of me haven't got.r
"Motheri" cried the girl. IN agony
81 told you. Eve tina; You should
know the truth" Mrs. Robertson con.
tinued. you've asked for #. and here
il Is. When Roberts fafher and
mother died, came here 10 take care
Of him. had nothing then and have
nothing now. You were only baby
and I've always kept the facts from
you. When Robert went TO war, he
arranged that If he didn't come back
. should have the horne and enough
money to keep u.s."
Evelyn's eyes widened OF a surety
this was the truth.
"Then we aren't rlch7v she demand
ed huslSlly.
"Nc. that we're notw responded the
lady "and what's more, we are de
pendent upon Robert for everything
With a quick gesture Evelyn caught