The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1878-12-27
Select Story.
DORA GRAY'S CHRISTMAS ERRAND
CHAPTER |.

1t was the oath of December, and Dora
Gray was as busy as a bee putting up the
holly and mistletoe and other decorations
about the honse. The younger members of
the family had been assisting in the rougher
portion of the work but now that nothing
remained to be done But a few finishing
touches here and there and the clear
ing away of litter, they had left her to her
self in the cold drawing room and were
warming themselves in the sitting-room
down stairs
Dora's face wore an absorbed expression
which her occupation did not warrant and
she did not look very bright over her pretty
work. 1t may have been that the consider
alton that this was, perhaps, the last time
she should ever decorate the old home at
Christmas, produced in her a pensive feel
ing fer Dora was engaged to be married in
the spring and, of course, her own home
would demand her attention next Christmas.
And she had so enjoyed her home-lie, and
had been 50 happy and useful in the midst
of her family, that she felt it no easy thing
| to snap the links which bound her to it, and
glide away to new sphere. But it was not
that which made Dora look SO thoughtful
Just then she was puzziipg herself what
could be the cause of her lovers strange
manner of late, he had appeared so spiritless
and absent minded that she could not com
prehend him. When she inquired he laughed
off her anxiety, and admitted that he was
not very well but Dora was not satisfied /;
her anxious heart and eyes perceived that
whatever was the matter was of the mind
not of the Dody.
She was interrupted in her work by brisk
call from some one ascending the stairs.
Miss Dora where may | be likely to find
you {?
Here | am, Mr.. Haley, replied Dora,
running to the door, and extending both
hands to grey-haired cherry-looking old
gentleman, who stood putting in most ex,
aggerated manner at the top of the stairs.
The youngsters told me that should find
you beautifying the drawing-room in the
highest style Ofart, and | am come to refresh
my eyes with sight of your handiwork,
he said But dear, dear / must be getting
old it takes nearly every breath out of my
| body to get up flight or two of stairs AnC
again he pulled and painted ludicrously.
Come Mr.. Haley, don't be affected sale
Dora, taking his arm with playful familiari
; ty, and drawing him into the room, Hi
l halted again just outside, 'to take in the et
sect, he said grandiloquently and then h
poured fourth torrent of praise on Dora
'You have surpassed all previous efforts, IN.
dear young friend, he said with comicall,
=, grave manner peculiar to him. Il presum
>. you thought it becoming to expend unusua
pains in decorating home for the last time
Very good and pretty of you, dear
e At this moment Dora's eldest brother Ro
land, youth of seventeen, just home 10
the holidays bounced into the room, and
thrusting his hands into his pockets, sal
gaily. What do you think of Dora's tast
Q this season Mr. Haley !?
Il was just honoring her with my mos
hearty concentrations, young sir replie
the old gentleman, at the same time glvin
Dora a patronizing tap on the shoulder; 'bu
my praise will be estimated as naught, unit
good Mr.. Somebody has dropped in and sal
his say. OF course single look of his wi
be worth more than a volume of words fror
me-and quite right, my dear he added
lifting his hand to silence the blushing pre-
testations which Dora bad begun.
Yes, Dora thinks so much of Mr.. Carlt
ton, said Roland, with a mischievous snet
which hurt Dora, though it was not unknt
'' ly meant. Il believe she thinks him pa
agon of perfection in every respect; but
don't BY the way, did l tell you, Dori
|, that | saw him on the platform of the ST
ton on Tuesday, when | was changing ca
risges? and if it wasn't one of the most di
A." reputable fellows in the three Kingdoms thu
he was talking to, you may say | am blinC
He looked like pugilist, card sharper, at
rat. catcher in one !!
You may have have been mistaken sa
Dora, with flushed face But ii it W;
d really he, no doubt he was talking to II
poor man for his good
'Ha ha loves excuses! laughed RVl,n
Il am confident it was Mr.. Carleton, and II
+ other man was not poor He had on CLOS
broadcloth, aud big rings on his fat n
W. hands, aud he took our mutual friend |
the button hole in most confidential style.
Tut tut = interrupted Mr.. HALEY, mott
e., ing Dora's manifest distress, 'what do y,
!. know about character, young sir? You mt
" eat few more plum-puddings before shs
q, pronounce you competent 10 decide fro
"a appearances between lord and cats mei
man How know you that Mr.. Carleton
companion was not the prime minister hil
seltP
'Hs hap laughed Roland, again. we
d. it's too cold to stay here, so I'll be off,
: ITS rather too hot you mean 7 said \
y" HALEY, dryly, when he had made his eS