Okolona messenger. (Okolona, Miss.) 1900-current, 1922-03-23

sum OF money WantT
Her voice shook with emotion, and
her young face seemed suddenly old
and haggard, Mrs. Robertson had
never seen her daughter in such Q
state.
"Slt down a minute, Evelyn" she
commanded. "Now 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 mystery! want the
facts. Now tell me this minute"
The girl dropped into a chair and
buried her face in her hands.
II 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.
II can't explain" she broke out,
"and l suppose you're thinking all
kinds Of things. i can't help 1t II you
do. You'll have to give me the money
/ need, If you want me to marry Mare.
There's no ifs and 'ands about that.
If you'll give me the money"-she fall
tered, wiped her lips and concluded
slowly, "I'll marry Marcus MacKen-
zie."
"You must be crazy, Eve" Mrs. Rob-
ertson said in cold voice, ito talk to
me like that. If you have any secrets
from me, it's time you told them"
"Well?" shot from Evelyn sharply,
suppose l have? It's my secret, isn't
1t? Are you going to help me or not
that's the question"
1t was evident to Mrs. Robertson
that the situation was not to be trifled
with. In a twinkling her daughter
had changed from meek and timid
girl to an aggressive woman. To try
to bully her any more would be mere
waste Of effort.
Heavens" she began, 'this, is a
pretty how to do, must say. can't
imagine why you should want money.
1t doesn't make much difference, any
way. There are more reasons than
one why you can't get 1t from me-"
"What are they?" fell from the girls
lips.
1.-THE first is" returned the mother,
tartly, 81 don't like being held up In
this high-handed manner by my own
daughter"
She paused; and Evelyn caught her
breath. If that were all, she would
row and rage until she got what she
wanted. ta
Mother and daughter were staring
at one another, each demanding an ex-
PLANTATION. Evelyn did not intend to
make any! Mrs. Robertson weakened
before the steely-bIue I'M the girls
eyes.
"But the main reason is" she went
on, II haven't got 1t. don't own this
house, nor--nor-"
Evelyn sprang to her feet and con-
fronteG her mother. Her face was
drawn into cruel lines, and her hands
were gripped spasmodically.
'You lie," 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.
"Wel, this time," she answered,
"rm telling you the simple truth.
not only do not own this house, but"
"Then who does own itY' interject-
ed the girl.
"Your cousin, Robert Percival," 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 mel haven't got"
"Mother!" cried the girl, in agony.
II told you, Eve, that you should
know the TRUTH" Mrs. Robertson con-
tinued. you've asked for it, and here
it is. When Roberts father and
mother died, came here to take care.
of him. l 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,
l should have the home and enough
money to keep u.s."
Evelyn's eyes widened. OF a surety
this was the truth.
'"Then we aren't richT she demand
ed huskily.
mo, that we're notl' responded the
lady. land what's more, we are de-
pendent upon Robert for everything"
With a quick gesture Evelyn caught
her mothers arm, despair changing
the lines on her face.
"Oh, you needn't be so theatrical,
my dear" said the woman. Roberts
never given me the slightest reason to
feel he thought US burden. I'm quite
like his mother, as should be. The
only thing necessary is that you should
feather your own nest before Bob
makes up his mind to get married. I
know very well you've turned down
many a young man in ITHACA. Now
your chance. has come. Marc Mac.
Kenzie's rich. He loves you"
without waiting to hear anything
more, Evelyn ran out Of the room.
Mrs. Robertson sank back with sigh,
partly Of relief that at last Evelyn
: