Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1923-01-31
SEVEN SUMMERS
20 by Mcclure Newspaper syndicate.)
BY AGNES JOHNSON

wrought the usual inevitable changes.
Though scarcely thirty, there were
sharp little lines across his forehead
and about his eyes; and while she
knew and successfully practiced the
secret feminine art Of concealing age
she looked trifie wan, and in the
swollen veins on her hands she saw
ndubitable evidence Of her avOwed
purpose to do men al work rather than
accept his help for the support of her
self and child.
For they were victims of an unfor-
tunate match, these two. The misun
Outstanding had come shortly after the
cided to assert herself. He was a
canvasser in the dry goods line, and
his wife had grown weary Of being
lonesome.
She wanted to be taken out and ell
tertained like other girls, etc Where
upon he explained that his absence Mas
their livelihood. and ending with beau
tiful word pictures of comforts that
were to come with assured future sue.
cess.
nut his plans had failed to material
Ye and he was forced to continue on
the road. Alas, forbearance Is viI'
tue Seiuoin known to youth, so Frank
and Mae awoke to find their dreams
another theory gone wrong. An ulr
Outstanding being hopelessly out of til.
IL hot ha
sue and he would not contest, hef
only stipulation being that she was to
keep the child.
This unpleasant task being disposed
Of, they had gone their separate ways
and in time forgotten each other. And
now. six years later, fate had decreed
that Mae. accompanied by her little
girl, should be at luncheon at this
quiet tea room just Off Main street and
that Frank should walk in and sit d.
rectly opposite them.
"Mael" He came to her and greet
ed her cordially. Can l believe my
eyes?"
He asked her much about herself anc
little girl, and she answered him with
equal frankness. Then he told her, not
beautifully, but with becoming dignifiet
pride, Of his long struggle and happy
triumph. He was now established II
business for himself and was doint
wen. Suddenly he turned to the child
who had left her seat and nestled her
self, as children WILL between hei
very much batfled
what charming little miss!" he
declared, with just touch of parental
pride. Lets see, Alice Is seven now
isn't she?" He stopped for, man-Iike
he wasn't sure.
"Seven summers, to be exact" re
piled Mae. "She was born in June
YOU know"
"U1n, yes. Quite little lady now
He noticed Alice was staring at him.
In her innocent way, and 1t made him
uncomfortable.
A favorte trick Of men who find
themselves embarrassed in the pres
ence of children Is to give them money
and he paid literally for the refuge.
And Of course he asked her what she
would buy, and called her my little
girl" Alice looked up at her mother
doubtfully, and said she didn't know
yet Then, with all the wisdom OF
her seven years, she turned to him
quickly:
III you please. aren't your little
girl"
Her parents were mildly amused
this precocious observation.
Hush, dear" murmured Mae, strok
ing the child's hair affectlonately. "Mr
Cole is your papa Which deepl!
impressed Alice and caused her tt
become very thoughtful.
There was brief lull in the CONVEX
sation. Mae had said very little, foI
she seemed engrossed In retrospection.
He wondered what was passing
through her mind.
'Do you know" he said, ruefully
there are times when l lOng-for-"
The phrase died out as he looked away
| vacantly. Followed another pause, and
/ the silence was growing awkward
i when Alice suddenly clapped her little
| hands exultantly. and exclaimed: Are
you my really and truly papa?"
Eyes, indeed" he nodded laughingly,
and growing bold, he gently lifted her
to a seat beside himself. His memory
went back to the court ruling, and he
recalled the peremptory decree giving
Alice to her mother, exclusively and
irrevOcably.
II have often wondered, Mae" re
said softly, "how things-we were just
kids, anyhow" little clumsy, per-
haps, but language that would have
been clear to any woman.
rs your courage good, MaeT he
pursued. encouraged by her silence
| oWO,,ld Won caro to-"