Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1885-12-24
she was interrupted by a brisk knock

at the door.
Come in" called Mr.. Meriweether.
and Argyle stole q little farther back
into the shadow of the door, intend.
ing to make her escape unnoticed.
She had burned the front breadth OF
her alpaca and torn the sleeve, in her
efforts to restrain Aunt Dilsey's GU.
tinary extravaganza, and her hair had
tumbled down in o confusion OF curls
from it's coil.
Sans CHEEKY voice replied, and the
familiar comfort OF the sound brought
a throb of delight to Argyle's heart.
Are you all by yourself, Uncle
James? | have been trying hard to
get n bit OF business done, in order
that | might get here in time to wish
you a happy New-Year, and give you
some proof | had remembered you.
You must let me have the pleasure OF
1t in my W way, uncle" he said of.
tectlonately. Then he poked the en-
bers into n bright blaze, and added
eagerly, Where is Argyle?"
why, she vas here only n few min.
utes ago" said her father, looking
around uncertainty.
"Well, never mind" said Sam, but
his voice sounded so disappointed that
Argyle would have stepped forward
burnt breadth, scent and ail--ifhe had
not added, The fact is, | came here
specially to see you tonight"
II am glad you remembered us"
said his uncle a little stifly. at has
been n very painful year to us, and
few of our friends have tried to make
1t brighter. OF course you know we
shall have to leave u old home next
month";"
"No, you will not, uncle" replied
Sam, handing over abundle OF papers.
''fhere's your bond, which / secured
myself by purchasefrom your auditor
and you won't mind, uncle, that |
have secured the old place in ArgyIe's
name instead of yours? | thought it
would prevent 1t from being sold any
more and would he best for both"
and he paused little anxiously, to see
how his uncle would regard this ar
rangemeuu.
MY dear boy" his uncle began in
his old pompoms manner, hut quickly
broke down into natural tears of re-
lief and gratitude. This is more than
| have deserVed-I have been a very
selfish old man. | have not thought
enough OF other peoples troubles-of
my daughter-and | have misjudged
my friends and thought them selfish.
Sam, this will be n lesson to me in
human goodness" and he grasped the
young mans hand warmly.
ooh nnpla 'Catl Co., D,~-nrrrI,1r,,I
II am SO glad you like it," and in his
haste to e~sCapefrOm his unCle's thanks
and praise, he bade him goodnight
most incOherently, and precipitateIy
retreated.
But he vas mistaken in thinking the
way was clear, for a little figure stole
after him, and a very low but a very
sweet voice said, Sam" arresting his
flight abruptly on the steps, and then
Argyle's hand stole into his.
You thought you could steal away
without my saying a word? Oh, you
naughty boy" said Argyle reproach-
fully.
"Argylc-I didn't wantyoutok know.
| was afraid you might think !
was going to trouble you again."
and he broke down rather in.
Coherently a second time, not being
endowed with so great u talent for
words as for deeds.
But you won't?" asked Argyle very
sweetly, her hand still in his.
"No; | wouldn't take such an ad-
vantage of your kindness. Iwillnever
love you any less, but ! won't worry
you, dear. You must not be afraid OF
my yer speaking OF my love again"
and poor Sam forgot that he was at
that moment breaking the very
promise he was making.
well, Sam, if you really won't ask
me for a gift for the New-Year, | shall
have TO give it without the asking.
Will you take it?" shyly.
Sam was not too blind to see the
meaning, and as the sweet face hid it.
self against his shoulder, Argyle her.
self was taken as gift for a New Year,
and u new life, together, through
shadow and sun, and "all the changes
and chances Of this mortal life.