Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1885-04-08

beautiful, with clear blue frosty sky
above, and carpet Of virgin white be-
meath.
l found, on awaking, that Flo had
been a true prophecies when she pre-
dicted that should takea brighter view
Of things after | had rested and re-
freshed myself by sleep. | was in the
pleasantest of moods as l dressed-like
mist before the sun all my ill humor
had vanished with the darkness i even
sang softly to myself as L fastened my
cuffs and collar. and fastened down.
stairs to see after the breakfast. l had
just finished my share of the prepara-
tions, and meditating all the while
whether it would not be well to sound
the gong, when a firm, springing step
sounded behind me, and | knew by
some sort of instinct that Herbert
Vaughan was in the room. A rush of
shy timidity came over me, and so great
was my desire to run away that could
scarcely command myself so far as to
turn towards him. When | did so how
ever felt treasured; his out-stretched
hand was so frankly extended, his voice
was SO pleasant and kindly as he said
MAY follow the old custom, Miss
WeStboUrne, ',y wishing you a merry
Christmas and many happy returns?"
''Thank you," answered simply as
l gave him my hand. 81 wish you the
same, Mr.. Vaughan.
l had summoned courage to look up
as l spoke; and L saw a sudden pain
cloud the brightness of his wonderful
gray eyes; and then | understood that,
as my father had said, Christmas was
the saddest time of all the year for
those who had neither home nor friends;
and | felta sudden pity for the lonely
man.
| think he must have seen my thought
in my face, for he smiled pleasantly,
and slightly pressed the hand he held as
he murmured-
"Thank YOU"
/ had forgotten myself In my pity for
him; but that slight pressure brought
the hot bushes to my cheeks. hastily
released my hand; and just then. TO
both my embarrassment and my relief,
Flo entered.
The day passed very pleasantly. After
the late dinner, We gathered, as we had
always done, about the drawing-room
fire, whilst Flo played soft sacred melo-
dies and old carols, accompanying them
with sweet bird-like voice, to which
Frank trolled out deep second and
GertIe contributed clear childish alto.
Once, on looking up while sweet hymn
was being sung. saw Herbert Vaughan S
ewes gliSten, and ready tears sprang into
my own. L bowed my head immedi-
ately, but yet | fancy those bright lu-
minous eyes had detected my emotion
for he bent his tall form to whisper
80 you too, Miss Westbourne, feel
the charm of that simple air? Your
sisters voice is singularly sweet; it re-
minds me of my mothers.
You remember your mother then,
Mr.. Vaughan" said, raising my eyes
to his, no longer ashamed th..t he should
see the tears hanging on tnelr lashes.
YES" he answered gently, "I was
nearly fourteen when she died - old
enough to miss her very sorely, espe-
cially IS ! had never ksowR a father. -
Il can syInoathiZe with you,'' said.
''fOr too have lost a mother-lost her
just when 1 had learned tn prize her
most" My voice falt red and my lips
"a l spoAe.
Was it only my fancy. OF did Herbert
Vaughan, as he bade me Good night"
really hold my hand long and lingering
ly, as though he were loath to part with
itY
The days passed very pleasantly for
all of us during the next week. Ger
ties party went off with great ecldt,
and the mistletoe- -bough was in immense
request.
On the morning after New Years
Day great excitement prevailed at the
Robert had announced
that the ice upon the pond in the plan
-ation was strong enough to bear skat-
ing party, and Harry was wild to set
Dff, whilst Frank was scarcely less en-
.huslastIc.
1t was arranged that the skating
party, consisting of Mr.. Vaughan,
Frank, Harry, Flo, and Gerie, should
start Immediately, leaving me to follow
1t my leisure. l saw them off, and then
turned to my housekeeping, getting
through it as quickly as possible, and
set off through the snow-coyered plan
alton.
l had not gone far when it occurred
20 me that | could see the party long
before reaching the pond, by mounting
. high bank to the left. The decision
was no sooner come to than it was car
led out. Up sprang, and looked in
he direction of the pond, smiling as l
lid so. had forgotten the slipDerineSs
If the bank, which was covered with
, mixture of ice and snow. l moved
and fell backward off my
perch to the ground.
Ny tumble seemed at first bat a slight |
but. when had contrived
o rise, found it more serious than i
lad imagined, as in the fall l had
'prained my ankle, and could not walk
without great pain. l sat down upon
/ stone and began rather ruefully
% speculate upon the best method of
,eaching home. had not had time to
levlse any plan for my return, when a
witt step came round a bend in the
walk, and Herbert Vaughan stood be-
ore me.
'Has anything happened, Miss West
he exclaimed. ''Is 1t possible
hat you can have met with any acci-
lent? You look so palel"
He could not have accused me of
ooking pale moment afterwards; for,
It his words, the hot blood filed my
,heeks with burning bushes, though l
ried to answer carelessly.
81 have slipped and sprained ray
mike a little," said, with an attempt
It a laugh, which was, fear, an igno-
ninious failure. SIT is not much of z
prain, but it prevents my walking
without pain; so was just considering
low should get back to the house."
"There is but one way of managing it,
Hiss Westbourne, "he said-''you must
ct me carry you"
"Oh, no, mol"
The words burst inveluntarily from
ny lips, and L would have given much |
o recall them when l saw the grave
'ained expression in Herbert Vaughan's |
yes.
at would be too much trouble,n l |
hanging my head to conceal !