Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-12-24


family of happy children sat round
the blazing hearth, listening to a brilliant
story told by their mother.
Whilst Mrs. Darwin warmly greeted
the little strangers, the coachman re
counted his misfortune to the farmer,
who, without hesitation, offered to go
at once TO help set the coach to rights.
During their absence, Rex and his
pretty companion sat by the bright fire,
quite at home amongst this cheerful
group.
How came you to be out on such
night-Christma Eve, tooY' MrsS&Dar-
win asked.
You see, we only broke-up yesterday
at school, and | was obliged to wait IN
til this morning before taking the coach.
Won't they all be anxious at my non-ar-
rival
And is this little girl your sister,
NO; l don't even know her," Rex an
swered
What is your name, and where are
you going?"
The child looked up with bright
smile.
My name is CiSsy Moore, and l am
in the country-at Edenwell," she said
gravely.
"Edenwelll and your name is Moore?
Why. you must be my cousin-Aunt
Maud little girlr' Rex cried eagerly,
catching her hand in his.
Are you really my cousin Rex? Nam
ma told me about you and your two sis
tiers. Edic and Amy"
How strange we should have met like
this, and all the time never knowing one
anotherl Doesn't it seem stupid?'
No; because this is the first time l
have seen you, else l should have recog-
nized you at once" CisSy said gently
And you. But what a mite you
arel l thought you were as old as
Amy"
I am ten" Cissy answered with dig
nifty.
,'Well, well. it does seem funny that a
little lady and gentleman should travel a
long journey together, and not find out
each others names" Mrs. Darwin cried.
raising her hands in great surprise.
Il did not think to ask Rex said,
feeling rather foolish.
BY the time they had eaten hearty
supper, the coachman returned with the
farmer
All is ready when you are" he said
cheerily rubbing his gloved hands to
make them warm.
Rex quickly donned his hat and coat,
then helped Cissy with hers.
Bidding an atfectionate adieu to their
kind hostess, they once more took their
places in the coach, and off they went.
Il wonder Edie never told me you
were going to spend Christmas with us"
Cissy laughed showing all her pearly
teeth.
..NI,ro IA 40. do;l .1 To-.
night and then it was too late to send
word. However, the coachman said he
would see me safe with Aunt Edith"
They don't expect you, them"
mo. l hope they will like my COM
ing unannounced," CisSy added serious
ly.
"Edie and Amy will be perfectly mad.
| know how often they have regretted
the miles that lie between your home
and ours. 1t was very good of Aunt
Maud to let you come
Sleep no longer weighed their eyelids;
the shaking and Mrs. Darwin hot coffee
| had etfectually awakened them.
During the drive to Edenwell their
talk never Tagged, nor did the time seem
long.
NltdliN ME ICl!C anu Ally sui kept
watch in the empty sChoOlrOom.
The entrance of Mr.. Evans alone dis
turbcd them; he had failed to see the
coach, nor had it yet arrived at the
ncighborng inn.
II am afraid something has happened
an accident in the snow, perhaps" he
said gravely.
ooh, papa, you don't think it is lost.
and they can't find the right road, both
girls exclaimed fearfullv.
Il hope not, | am sure; poor Rex will
be frozen to death; it is getting colder
every moment"
Edie let her head fall against her
fathers shoulder, her eyes full of dread !;
Lny, more sensitive than her sister. be-
gan to cry quietly.
Mrs. Evans entered presently, worried
and grave; so they waited whilst the
hours passed; until, when Mr.. Evans
went with his wife and children to the
door, to glance out into the wild night,
a muffied sound of wheels coming down
the road sent quick throb of hope to
each heart.
AT last% he cried, starting forward.
The next moment the coach stopped
and Rex Sprang out into his fathers
arms
why, who is this?" Mr.. Evans asked
as after releasing his boy he became
aware of another smaller figure standing
in the road.
That's Christmas guest, sir; Mrs.
Moore bade me bring her to you, with
best Wishes" the cOachman said quickly,
advancing with Rex's box in his arms.
yes, papa, that is Cousin Cissy; she
has come all the way alone; wasn't it
courageous of herr Rex added
How tenderly the sweet little traveller
was welcomed by all; carried in her I'M
cle's arms into the warm dining room,
where supper had been laid hours since
for the absent son.
How good of Aunt Maud to give US
such pleasant surpriser' Edie said
brightly, divesting Cissy of her many
wraps.
Amy did not speak, but she kissed her
cousin with tears in her eyes; she had
been thoroughly frightened by her
brothers non arrival, and now he had
come. bringing their cousin also, she felt
too glad to say much.
Just as they were retiring to rest Mr.
Evans suddenly called for them to stay,
opening wide the oaken door.
"Harkr' he said solemnly. DO you
not hear?'
Softly through the snow-laden air,
borne on angels wings, came the sound
of sweet bells; already Christmas morn
had dawned in peaceful glory.
How glad am we were not forced
to spend Christmas away from home
Rex murmured. 1T seems so strange,
almost like dream, our strange adven-
ture; and yet we were very nearly lost
in the snow.
Holiday Items.
1t is an old saying that "a bird in tho
hand Is worth two in the bush" and is
EerN annlicahla To holiday r11rch nsnS