Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-01-10
Saved by a Dummy.

Saved by Dummy.
! II think, men," said Salna, "there's 9
man in the woodshed. hiding of hisself'
"Nonsense" said Fanny Clifford, who
was too much accu stoned to Salina!
to them. "Who should be in the wood
shed and what should he be there forP'
"For no good, mem, you may be sure,
said Salina, COMPRISING her thin lips
"Hadn't better 60 over to Mifton's and
borrow their big dog?'
Certainly not" said Fanny, leaning
back in her chair to realize the effect OF
that last blue splash on the petals of the
iris that she was painting in water colors
"You said there was a tramp hidden in the
coal cellar last week and the day before
yesterday you had Mrs. Miftons hired
man up with a lantern to 90 through the
barn because you were certain some one
was there"
"And I'm certain of it now, men,
said Saina. standing very straight. with
her elbows tightly grasped in both hands
"But Josiah, he's that stupid, coach and
| four could ha driven out before him and
he not see 1t. And as for the mysterious
j isounds in the coal cellar, mem, how was
| to know that it was the cat knockin' down
six hyacnth glasses? Noise is noise,
whoever makes it, But this time, mem,
I'm morally certain"
.Oh, don't tease me' said Fanny
adding touch more ofultra marine to the
EXTREMIST edge of her flower.
a. ", h. oil ,,,,,r1ornJ i,1 Lol
gloomily observed Salina, with Mrs
bedrock diamonds in the house; and Pm
most sure the letter which told you they
was to be sent here was tampered with!'
ooh, Salina, don't be so ridiculousr ~
said Fanny.
You know Mr.. George amt comm
home tonight" added Salina.
"Why of course know it, Didn't you
hear him tell me SOP" rctorted her mis-.
tress.
"And me, and you, and Miss Abby is
all alone in the house9" persisted the
woman.
Yes" said Fanny absently. "Salina,
you may make us little chocolate for
supper, and broil those trout Mr.. George
brought in; and as it's chilly evening,
Salna, we will have some nicely Drowned
griddle cakes, with maple syrup
Salina tossed her head.
"Well, mem. just as you please" said
she. "Only don't say as you haven't
been warned"
mo, Salna, won't" said Miss Clifford
with provoking indifference.
The two Misses Clihords AMI their
brother had remained longer at the old
stone house than usual this autumn. Ordi-
narlly it had been their home for the three
Griffith Grilli land had died and bequeath-
ed it to them. The furniture was old, the
odd little three cornered rooms were small
and inconvenient, the large pines shut
out the daylight from the lozenge shaped
windows! but in spite of all these disad
vantagcs the air of "ancientry" that
fingered around the place was very entice-
ing and George Clifford decided that he
could co his writing at Tower Pines as
well as in tbs city; while Fanny and Abby,
brace of very enthusiastic young artists.
delighted in n circular walled stndio,
where they could have fire in the great
open chimmney place, and there was a
north window over looking the distant
simmer of the sea. So here they were,
now that the chill winds of early Novem-
ber were shaking the last brown leaves off
the trees, to the infinite disgust of Salina,
who much preferred city flat
That domestic damsel had Just vanished
down the winding stair, which was desti.
ned "some time Or other to be the death
of her." when an opposite door opened,
and in ran Abby Clifford. the younger
sister-a tall red checked girl, with hair
as black and thick as an Indians, spark.
ling brown eyes, and huge bundle under
her left arm.
blue irses, and Fanny was sitting in a
reverie before the red glow of the burning
logs. She started up at sight of her sister.
"l've got it, Fan!' said Abby, waving
the bundle around in The air. The suit
complete, with the dearest old canvas hat
into the bargain. They used to belong to
Mr.. Milton's uncle, who was a whaler,
and finally died at sea-his Sunday suit"
''Is it too late to dress him upP" said
Fanny, with animation.
But he s down in the library"
"WelI, we'll 60 there said Fanny.
1--WE can work there as well rs in the
studio; and we shall run less risk of
Salinas interference. Salina never can
forget that we are no longer little girls OF
ten or twelve"
The supper served up in the little round
room, before the dying CLEAN of the logs,
was exceptionally nice.
Fanny and Abby were in exuberant
spirits, and praised the choco late, trout
and griddle cakes with enthusiasm. kSalina
was AS gloomy as a prophecies.
II only hope we shall get through this
night alive" said she.
But as she had made the same remark,
On an average three hundred out of the
hree hundred and sixty-five days of the
year, neither Fanny nor Abby paid mnch
attention 10 it.
But as she passed out, with the last dish
rom the table, Salina paused close to
Fanny Clifford, and asked, in a sepulchral
Whisper
Are them diamonds lockedu up?"
They are in my deskP' said Fanny,
Salina lifted her eyes skyward.
"In your deskp" she groaned, "Hadn' /
better take 'em and put 'em under my
,ilowP"
"Certainly not her young mistress
sharply. "Do, Salina, leave me
o manage my own atfairs!'
And Salina vanished in huff.
"I'll go to bed early" she said grimly, |
o herself. ut amt no use settin' up to |
ook arter the goods of people as won't
AXE no trouble for themselves.
But lust as she was about to ascend
With candle, Lady Macbeth like, to her
'oom, she suddenly paused.