Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1876-12-23

ueekIy uOWn, put his recovered hat
on his knee, and resolved to sit still
till some one came with lamp to re-
lieve him of the awkwardness of the
situation.
just then door not far from him
swayed lightly, as if moved by some
sudden current of air, and revealed a
streak of light. Max started up and
advanced; but as be laid his hand on
the knob, voices became audible on
the other side, and, half hesitating,
he paused. It was not the door into
the hall, but one which led into an
inner pantry; and there (he could
just sec her through the crack sat
pretty Annette Thayre, Mr.. Hedder-
mann's sisters child, in neat ruffled
jacket, white apron, and rolled-up
sleeves, polishing silver, which a
rnaid-servant standing near handed to
her, wet and steaming from tub Of
hot water.
Max had seen Annette before, and
had been struck by the sweet and
piquant character of her beauty, which
blended rather curiously both the
German and American styles. He
had also admired the long fair braids
which she wore over her shoulders,
and which reminded him of the mad
chen OF his own country, and had
thought more than once that it would
be pleasant if Annette would some
times Join in the conversation, instead
of sitting silently by aad absorbing
herself in her sewing. But there was
handsome, full-blown Gertrude al
ways on hand, prattling, coquetting,
playing on the piano, and otherwise
taking up attention; SO his half f-formed
wish to make better acquaintance
with Miss Thayre came to Lothing.
Now, engaged in this ho,nely domestic
occupation, she looked to him pref
tier than ever. Watching the quiet
little figure and the small, busy fin
gers, Max thought of hss mother rub
bing up teaspoons it like manner
when he WAS a little boyS He thought
of dozen other old-fashioned and
suggestive pictures, and a glow of
homc-like recollection suffused his
heart.
There was u new look in the usual.
ly bright face, which he now observed
"a certain vague, tender gravity
softening its blooming lines; and
being sentimental ybung fellow at
bottom, he set himself wondering
what it meant. Why was this dainty
little maiden doing servants work in
her uncle's house so late on a holi-
day eve? And while thus, pondering
and uncertain, he fingered for mo-
ment, Annette spoke.
"There, that is donh. Now I will
go and Dress" she saia, laying down
the silver pitcher she had been rub
bing, and beginning to unite her
apron. But just then " Annette r
sounded in loud, iGperious tones
down the speaking-tuls.
Yes, aunt"
81 forgot the big. tray and the
chocolate pot. Send Mary down to
fetch them, and give them q good
cleaning, will your 9hsy are shock
"Yes, aunt" The voice was
bright; but as Annette re-tied her
apron she looked a litk ke disappointed.
"I declare, Miss Annotte," said
the maid, "you'll be i'll tired out be-
fore the company comas."
"Oh no. Mary" with a smile. "It
won't take long tot do the other
things, guess. Onls run and bring
them as fast you caH-that's good
gill."
from the upper eng of the tube.
"Annette r., are youahere?"
"Yes. Gertrude. HVhat is it?"
"My ovsr-skirt is sall mussed and
doubled over in packing, and want
you to dry-Aute the rsffles before you
come up. Amelie will take it down
and leave it in the hall when she
goes. Do be as gujlk as you can,
and don't let BRIDGET touch it, or
shelf ruin the lace"
"But, Gertrude, y called Annette
up the tube, :" I'm sfraid can't do
! that and bo ready tc. come down to
the tree." i
Never mind If you aren't" was
the uncompromising answer. !" I've
got to have it, any way. And it
won't signify if you should be few
minutes late; you'll have your things
Well, there r. eiacalated the To-
dignant Mary-"if that isn't too bad
You've been kept buy all day, miss,
and now you amt q going to have q
minute left you to sdress. And it's
Chrismas-eveDa all"
Never mind, Mary" said An
nette, in a weary patient voice.
j" Christmas-eve ism much when one
is not in ones own bome, anS I never
cared about particularly since came
to New York. So it won't really
make any difference if I am late.
And Miss GertrudS wants to look
nice. for, you knof. Mr.. Abicht is
coming"
IT only just With I was man.
and had eyes? T6 nee EN-" mut-
tered the wrathful Mary, ss she
Aounced away. Annette rested her
head upon her han1. Max saw--he
va. va. sure sass he '.w-e tear roll down