The Lamar register., 1922-02-15


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.
Il can't explain" she broke out,
"and suppose you're thinking all
kinds of things. / can't help 1t II you
do. You'll have to give me the money
l need, If you want me to marry Marc.
There's no ifs and 'ands' about that.
If you'll give me the money"-she fal-
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. II you have any secrets
from me, it's time you told them"
"Well?' shot from Evelyn sharply,
suppose 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
ssat tit huS hot " Dt
with. In 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. l can't
Imagine why you should want money.
II doesn't make much difference, any
way. There are more reasons than
one why you can't get It from me-
what are they?" fell from the girls
lips.
"The first is" returned the mother,
tartly, II don't like being held up In
this high-handed manner by my own
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 staring
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 1t. I don't own this
house, nor-nor-"
Evelyn spranR to her feet and con-
fronted her mother. Her face was
drawn into cruel lines. and her hands
were Rripped spasmodically.
You lie." she burst forth. You've
oil ne lfAd n ahnttf
A bitter smile drew down the cor
ners of the older woman's mouth She
knew how true the accusation was.
"WelI. this time" she answered.
I'm telling you the simple truth. /
not only do not own this house, but"
Then who does own itY' interject-
ed the girl.
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"
''Motheri" cried the girl. In agony.
II tod you, Eve. that you should
know the truth" Mrs. Robertson con-
tinued. You've asked for 1t, and here
hoptit
mother died, I came here to take care
Of him. I 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 II he didn't come back
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 rich7" she demand
ed huskily.
mo. that we're notl" responded the
lady. "and what's more, we are de-
pendent upon Robert for everything
With n 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
Ike his mother. as l should be. The
only thing necessary is that you should
feather your own nest before Bob
makes up his mind to get married.
know very well you've turned down