Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1923-05-23
COLLEEN
BY AGNES BRoGAN
Observation-Disclosures
90, 1923. Western Newspaper Union)

Above the worn stone pavement trees
laced together as they had in their
primitive wood. In summertime the
small plot of ground, proudly called a
garden, would be a riot of glowing
bloom Colleen loved to plant marigolds
there, and bachelor buttons, and scar
let poppies, and watch them grow
But now winter was In the land and
the front of the Shaun cottage was
closed against the weather
1t was impossible to procure much
fuel at a time-an it may be said
impossible to pay for more than bare
need demanded. So the CHEEKY kitchen
fire caused the kitchen to become liv-
ing room, entertaining room and all,
during the winter season. There was
an Oil stove to warm Annette's Sleep
ing room. Annette was the wageearn-
er, and the one proudly looked up to
In the Shaun family. -
Annette, whose true name was Ann,
was a pretty, modish creature, capable
and charming. She had taken bust
ness course after high school and was
employed In a downtown office.
Colleen, after her common schooling,
was obliged to remain at home, as
homekeeper. Mrs. Shauns early days
Of labor had left her q half-crippled
rheumatic sufferer.
Mrs. Shaun's widows insurance
helped out with Annette's salary. And
the three were happy together.
Now there was the added Importance
Of Annette's earnest admirer. A nice
young man from her own office, who
came often to the shabby little house
to drive hertb movie" or theater.
Colleen hurried, upon a certain
morning, to finish her household tasks.
Il must 60 to market" she told her
mother. Annette Is particular, you
know. about the crispness Of celery and
lettuce. You will be comfortable In the
rocker. Don't you dare stir until the
doctor comes"
The girl stopped on her way home
at a dismal tenement building Little
Tonic. lately returned from city hos
pital. was recovering from the effects
Of an accident. In the high room Of the
tenement that was his home. And, as
Tonie's mother went out to work by
the day. hours passed slowly for the
sick boy. Colleen had clipped large
bright picture to make 4 diverttng
puzzle for Tonic to put together Also,
she had frosted some Of the teacakes
that she had baked that morning. with
raspberry Juice. to be attractive to
Tonic
The Doctors closed car was at the
door when she reached home. He was
a pleasing young doctor whom Annette
had heard recommended in her EN-.
ployers office. His fur coat was on
kitchen chair and he turned to smile
In kindly fashion at his patients
daughter as she entered They we're
friends, these two, who advised to-
gether concerning the invalid. and to-
gether eased her pains.
Once, when Colleen had been baking
cookies, she had offered some hot from
the oven to the doctor. Colleen,
child" Mrs. Shaun had protested, en-
barrassed, 1.-The doctor won't be want
ing our cookies, with all his fine cook
ing at home" But the doctor had en-
joyed them, boyishly eating the last as
he took his place in the car, waving
back thanks to Colleen
This is fine winter morning" he
greeted her now, land If you will slip
into a warmer coat I'll take you for
drive. I don't care for heater In my
car, so you'd better wrap up"
$50, dearie," Mrs. Shaun said, eager
ly. There's Annette's fur coat In the
closet"
81 feel like millionaire, the car and
ALL" she smiled up into the doctors
face; "or perhaps it's like Cinderella
Only 1t will be the hour Of twelve noon
that will send me back to my fire.
place"
The doctor turned his earnest gaze
upon her BE sure" he said, that
the true prince will follow you there,
sooner or later, to carry you off to his
palace, and keep you forever. l am
going to try to prove to you that I am
the true prince, little Colleen"
Wide, unbelieving, the girls blue
eyes looked back into his.
"Tonie," the man went on, "calls you
his angel l stop there occasionally to
see how our surgical work is mending.
And, do you know, had almost given
up believing in angels? If might
doubt that l had found one at last
the heaven that. you make of that sun
ny kitchen for your invalid mother
the heaven that your brave presence
brings to me would be convincing
enough. am daring to hope that my
own gloomy house may be so bright
ened. I picture you there as my wife,
Colleen"
The blue eyes grew less visionary.
Colleen's smile was wistful.
"But there will always be mother to
care for" she reminded.
"Mine is desolate house." the true
pripco told hor AFT has turretS and