Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1883-12-20
had often been before. And this was

had often been before. And this was
Christmas evel
Miss Claiming came back with the
wine, and stood regarding him with a
curious expression.
He lifted his hand, the warmth OF
room caused it to pain terribly. He
saw her note the action.
1T is burn, he said, family, "a lit
tie painful
"A burn?"
Yes / crossed on the railroad
bridge and a stray engine over
took me. / had to drop through the
trestles and hold by my hands.
He told it carelessIy, half APOLOGIZE
cally, and as he ceased a sharp cry rang
through the room.
Clariee was standing in the doorway,
with terror in her lovely eyes. She
came swiftly forward
@You did that To save him Victor
told me. Victor knew, but | never
did, how you were wrongedw
Her cries were half-hysterical, and
Miss Claiming interposed
"Clarice, my dear, go and see about
a room for Robert, and ask Victor what
to do for the burn.
She had called him Roberto
Clarice wheeled like a flash and
went out. She must have felt now that
her aunt would be just.
How did you come to be in Cattling ?"
Miss Claiming asked after moment.
II had come on business, he an
swered quietly. Il was telegraphed to
come.
"Ah? And Rowland was your enc
my? You consider that he defrauded
you?"
Il have always known it," said
Robert, unhesitatingly.
And yet you brought him home,
she unused aloud "Will you tell me
why you took the trouble to think OF
his safety?'
Robert waited moment, then an
swered, with softened voice, Il thought
of Clarice"
you thought of Clarice? You love
Clarice?"
Il love Clarice," he repeated, with
infinite tenderness.
1T is very plainly to be SEEM" said
the lady, dryly. 1--WE will discuss it
tomorrow. Goodnight And she
swept from the room.
Clarice came back to him and led
him to his chamber, but he had grown
faint and could scarcely see her face.
DIR. Keene came in and dressed the
wound, and Robert fell asleep and slept
heavily.
When he awakened the sun was shin
ing sweetly on dear familiar walls, and
there was strange peace in the young
mans heart
Rowland Claiming had come to him.
self and was seeking an explanation OF
the affair.
Il fancy that beggar of Mcclure
was mixed up somehow in the matter, "
he whined petutantly.
NIicc Cbnpr;1r. 40 H., . .,...:e4 -
buke:
Rowland, the young man carried
you in his arms for three miles-and
saved your life
There was moments silence, then
the little miser sneered as usual.
"Ah, did he SOP"
Miss Claiming went suddenly out
and sent for Robert to come to her
own apartment when he should have
breakfasted
He came at once.
"Sit down." she said; II want to
talk with you. You are very like your
father. Did you know | knew your
father years ago? All, yes, we were
good friends-the best of friends"
She rose and unlocked cabinet,
deep in recess Of which she sought
and found tiny box. Then she came
back to her rocking-chair.
What do you suppose there is in
this box?" she asked, smiling grimly
After a moments hesitation, he an
swered, with reverent tenderness:
Ashes of roses! !"
Miss Claiming sprang to her feet.
How could you know" she cried.
With touch as reverent as had been
his speech, Robert drew from his
pocket the sealed packet held ever
precious, the dust of the rose that
Clarice had given him long before.
No words were spoken for space
no sigh fell on the silence of the room
The sunlight came golden through the
window lace; the snow birds cheeped
without.
Then slowly arose Miss Charming
and spoke with tremb ing voice:
Il have made a mistake great
mistake! have wronged you. Let it
pass-and let us be friends. L think
Clarice will like to speak with you l
think she may explain better.
So saying she left the room And a
moment later Clarice entered saying
softly
Aunt has sent you Christmas
gift. VIII you take it? 1t is l"
I
A Merry Christmas