The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1877-12-26
Written for the Hartford Herald.
ACHRIsTMAS STORY.
BY GRAYsoN CABAL.

fall, a drizZling mist, spread itself over
the bleak landscape, casting a chill on
the spirits, only dispelled by q glance in
to the interior OF farmer Whitely's cons
Portable sitting room.
1t was Christmas eve, and in spite OF
the Indictment weather, a merry groupe
of youngsters had gathered together, to
celebrate the Christian holiday in the
real old fashioned Kentucky style.
John Whitley was a well-to-do farmer
of Grsyson county, and having no chill
dren of his own, it was his chief delight
to see those of his neighbors enjoying
Thus on every favorable
occasion, his hospitable home. was opened
to the dance or lrolic, whenever it pleased
the young folks to inaugurate one. But
with all his keen appreciation of enjoys
ment, and thorough goodness of heart,
there was q shadow resting over the
home of honest farmer Whitley, that
was the one dark spot, on his otherwise
cloudless horizon.
John Whitley was not always child
less. At the commencement of the late
war, an only sou, then a promising youth
of eighteen, contrary to the wishes Of
father and mother, had Joined his fortune
with the Confederate cause, and only
once had the anxious parents heard from
him. 1t was after the disasterous battle
of Fort Donaldson, that a paroled Con-
federate soldier, brought the news that
young Whitley had been severely wounds
ed in the fight; but as to his where
abouts at that time, he WAS in complete
ignorance.
Leaving everything, John Whitley
succeeded in getting inside of the Com
federate lines but after a three months
unsuccessful search, the father returned,
bearing no tidings, to soothe the spirit Of
the heart>broken mother.
The cheerful fire burned brightly, and
the merry party of youngsters were en-
joying the cakes and cider provided by
their kind hostess. John Whitley sat in
the chimney corner enjoyiug his corn cob
pipe; while opposite TO him sat Katie
Duvall, the daughter of his nearest neigh
Dor. Katie bad been the betrothed OF
Charlie Whitley before he had Joined
the army; and now at the age Of twenty
eight, she was still single, although nu-
merous suitors had pleaded for her hand.
People whispered that the old love was
too strong to let her marry anyone else,
and for the lost Charities sake she would
always remain single. Gossip, in this
instance wac not far wrong, for Katie Du'
Wallis heart was buried in the unknown
Southern grave, where rested the form Of
her youth full love, and as the years went
on, and the conviction became general
that Charlie Whitley was certainly
dead; the last hope died out of the
heart of Katie Duvall, and she deter
mined to devote herself to the happiness
of Charles aged parents. Thus she was
constant visitor at the Whitely's, until
she was looked upon as a something in
dispensable to the happiness Of the old
couple.
While the young folks were enjoying
themselves, Katie sat looking steadfastly
into the fire, her thoughts far away from
the merry groupe that surrounded her
At length John Whitley having knocked
the ashes out of his pipe, remarked in
low subdued voice: ut is just fifteer
years tomorrow, Katie, since Charlie
LEFT US"
A tear sparkled in the eye Of the wo
man as she re-echoed the latter part o
the sentence. Fifteen years !" and set
Ting herself into the same position, sh
again relapsed into silence.
Fully ten minutes were passed in thi
manner. when Mr.. Whitley, broke tn
silence by saying in an assumed cheeefu
voice: Katie, why don't you join tn
young folksP See, they are about to joi
in dance, and Henry Thompson is look
ing anxiously towards you, l just know
he would ike you for partner, the bes
kind"
mo, no, uncle Whitley, please do no
ask me to assume msrriment, especial
on this night, with all its sad memories,
replied the girl.
John Whitley did not press. the subjeC
and when Henry Thompson had plucke
up courage sufficient to ask Katie for he
company in the dance, he excused heI
by saying: IL believe Henry, you wi
have to find another partner, as Katie
engaged to me, for this night, and | kno'
she does not feel like dancing" TIL
excuse was sufficient and the gallar
sauntered off, to find an unengaged dam
eel willing to accept him as a partner.
Old uncle Dan, the colored fiddler, ha
, struck up one of his best tunes, and I'll
: couples were all in position, ready f
the word OF command from their colore
prompter, when a loud knocking GU
side, arrested the proceedings. Ever
. eye was turned toward the door, whic
being opened, revealed the presence of
stranger, muftied up in great shagl
overcoat, and wearing broad brimm'
hat, which nearly concealed his feature
3 The dance was postponed, and Il
e dancers took their seats, in silent expe,
tstion, for the arrival OF stranger,
t this out-of-the>way place was an occu
8 renee of no ordinary nature, and thu
the lull, in the midst of the contempla
ed enjoyment.
t Stepping inside, the stranger cast h
e eyes around the assembled conpan
9 when they rested for but one short MI
: moment, on the face OF Katie DIVA
> That one glance was sufficient, for wi