Middletown transcript., 1922-02-18


had tossed and turned. hunting some
way to get Oscar Bennett out Of her
life without Marcus Mackenzie know
ing anything about it. She dared not
go to Oscar himself; Polly Hopkins
was the only hope she had. All Ben
nett cared for was money. He was as
tired Of her as she was Of him. Per-
haps he would go away quietly and
set her free IL she gave him money
enough. Would her mother give it to
| her?
Mother, do you honestly want me
to marry Marc?" she asked, trembling.
Mrs. Robertson caught at the out
flung hand.
II 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 acquaint-
ance with you. BY the way he looked
last night 1 could tell he was consid-
ering it,"
A handkerchief dropped from Eve
lyn's fingers, and she stopped to pick
it up.
"If lead Marcus on" she suggest
ed, rising, "and-and get him to ask
me to marry him, will you give me any
sum Of money want?"
Her voice shook with emotion, and
her young face seemed suddenly old
and haggard. Mrs.k Robertson had
never seen her daughter In such a
state.
"Sit down a minute, Evelyn" she
commanded. snow tell me what you
want money for. l 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! l want the
facts. Now tell me this minute"
The girl dropped into 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. can't help it If 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 fall
tered, wiped her lips and concluded
slowly, "Pll 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"
"Well?' shot from Evelyn sharply,
suppose have? It's my secret, isn't
it? 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 twinkling her daughter
had changed from a 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.
1t 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.
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.
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 it. l don't own this
house, nor-nOr-"
Evelyn sprang TO her feet and con.
fronted 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.
"Well, this time" she answered,
"Fm telling you the simple truth.
not only do not own this house, but
"Then who does own it?" 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 me haven't got"
"Mother" cried the girl, in agony.
81 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 ant
mother died, came here to take care
of him. 1 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, ht
arranged that If he didn't come back
I 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 rich?" she demand
ed huskily.
"No, that we're mott" responded thu
lady, "and what's more, we are de
pendent upon Robert for everything.
With a quick gesture Evelyn caugh
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