Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1882-05-11
audibly whispered Vera,

rangsments,' audibly whispered Vera,
in reply.
Social humbugw murmured Nora
reddening.
"And just then Raymond came in.
and Vera turned with obvious relief to
prefer her fathers request.
"But you know, Raymond" inter-
posed his little turkey cock of sister
'the wealthy Mrs. Jephson ia coming,
and we are very poor, and very likely
she will think we want her money"
Raymond looked amused and un.
comfortable together, for he knew Nora
was now repeating the words her
cousin had used day or two before;
but he did not wish to make a quarrel
with any one at Christmas time, so he
said firmly:
GAS our friend, Mrs. Bennett positive
ly intends leaving us at six, see no
obstacle to accepting my uncle's invi-
tation."
'Then we must eat two Chrirtmas
DINNERS" said Nora, still wra.hful.
"When do you expect your visitor,
Vera2" asked Raymond politely.
aunt Jephson! 0, l suppose early
Tomorrow but she never said any
thing except that she would be with us
on Christmas day, and we don't know
where she is coming from, for she
dated one letter from Paris and the
next from North Wales"
"What wonderfully active old wo-
man she must be,' remarked Nora,
soto uoce, to Mrs. Bennett; and she was
delighted to hear her respond with a
hearty chuckle. Vera looked still
more annoyed at Mrs. Bennett after
this, and addressing Raymond, said in
a distinct low voice:
"You seem obliged to know all kinds
of people. By the way, must be 60
ing now; and 1 forgot to say that in
her last letter, aunt Jephson said she
hoped to meet you and Nora at our
house."
She sailed away to her carriage: and
when Raymond returned from seeing
her of, Nora exclaimed:
80, Raymond why did you give in !?
Don't you see they have only repeated
the invitation because they're afraid of
offending the rich aunt, and she has
told them she wants to see u.s."
'Nora, this is Christmas eve, and l
shall want you in the church soon; so
finish your labors quickly, and put
"malice and uncharitableness" out of
your heart, or the day will be spoiled"
Nora was great pet of her brothers,
and took liberties no one else w aid
nave done; but now she was subdu ed
at once.
Forgive me, Ray; l will try not to
think of Vera again to-day, and shall
be ready to help in the church in half
an hour"
Christmas day dawned bright and
frosty, and the little village church.bell
rang out a merry peal very early to
call the old and young to remem-
berance of the day; and all who attend
ed morning service felt the better for
Raymond Langley's good, honest SER
mon.
"Ann and you have turned out a
tirst-rate dinner, my dear !" said old
Mrs. Bennett, as she piled knife and
fork, and put on her liveliest manners
for Nora's benefit; and Raymond SO
we'll appreciated the good cheer, he
said the thought of dining again was a
severe trial on him
"But maybe it will be for your good
to meet this new relative, and it is we'll
not to be too proud, "..said the. old lady,
nodding wisely.
I'VE are not going to be proud"
said Nora, rather disappointedly; but
| should have been better pleased to
know we three were to have our cosy
evening at home"
When six o'clock came Mrs. Ben
nett went away, and Nora arrayed her
self for the evening.
Very nice pronounced her brother,
as she came in to show herself before
enveloping her light dress in heavy
wraps. simplicity is the highest art,
after all"
"she's hairless, but not 'earthless
sir, said old Ann, who had run over
to have peep at her favorite.
Arrived at the Great House, Ray
mond and Nora were welcomed By
ihCii ohSiC autt COuSlu --huu LO one
else.
"We fear my aunt Jephson has been
unable to travel" said Mrs. Langley.
"She has not yet arrived"
80, perhaps said Nora, rather mis-
chievously, "if she has been rushing
from Paris to North Wales, she may
have knocked herself up"
eyes, yes; extraordinary for per-
son near eighty, wasn't it?"
At this moment Vera's classic hand
was raised for silence. Wheels were
heard, then a laundering rap at the
door.
''She's come after all - said the de-
lighted daughter of the house, and she
accompanied her father into the hall.
Raymond and Nora stood near the
blazing fire, and were surprised that,
instead of words of welcome, dead ST.
lence reigned.
"l've not had to travel from Dan to
Beersheba, you see!" said 3 strangely
familiar voice.
Nora looked fairly frightened.
"We are expecting a relative, mad
am" said Nera's cold proud voice, "and
hua not lAplaI for tho honor Mf yn,-,.