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


and years. Violet doesn't even remem-
Der when we did not have it. 1t is al
most the only relic left US of better days
"a gift of a dear friend of the family.
1t is worth more than money value to US,
fashionable and lucrative as it would be
now to sell it. Oh no, | couldn't do it.
Wait until Miss Violet comes"
''All right; keep it,. if you please,
Hortenia said, rising with naughty toss
of her feathers, an ominous CLEAN in her
blue eyes. Il understand, then, by your
refusal, that you and your sister are
actual swindlers, and do not mean
Il cannot permit such language" Miss
Lyon said with sweet dignity. My sis
ter and /, though poor working people,
are ladies'"
yet you decline to remove your in
debtedness in a way which would prove
your claim to the title. As you please,
Miss Lyon. | will send broker here
this afternoon, according to Miss Free
mayn's orders"
She fitted towards the door, while
Miss Lyon, pile, dismayed alarmed,
clasped her thin hands in nervous dread
wishing with all her heart that Violet
bright, positive. resolute Niolet-were at
Of the ways of the world than she did
1T must bel am selfish to decline to
let the screen co." she thought petulant-
". The rent must come out Of Violet's
pocket, when it is paid-it will save her
the entire amount if Miss Freemayn's
niece takes it."
And just as Hortensia was closing the
door, Miss Lyon called feebly out:
Perhaps you had better take it. I'll
III send it round this evening, if you'll
tell me where Miss Frcemayn lives.
Hortensia's blue eyes flashed triumph
antly as she turned back.
Il think you have made very scnsi-
BILE decision. | won't trouble you to
send it, III just carry it myself. if you'll
put piece of tissue-paper round it."
And Miss HOrtensia went cXultantly
home, leaving Miss Lyon crying bitterly,
and already wondering what Violet
would say.
I've got the ugly old thing, anyhow, "
Hortcnsia thought; land I'll touch up
the frame. and III get Kate Green to put
a couple Of wild ducks in a sedge bush
on the other side, and Aunt Abigail'n
never know but that | did it. tn suit
her, and | think I've fairly earned my
New Years PARTY by way of diplomacy.
While, an hour or SO later, Violet
Lyon went home, such brave-hCartcd,
bright-faccd girl with wonderful velvcty-
brown eyes, and ripping golden hair,
and a complexion like white rosc-lcaf
a slender, patrician girl, in cheap black
cashmere and snowy linen collar and
cuffs
"Why. Anna-nOt crying! What in
the world has happcncd?" she asked as
she entered the house, her very presence
seeming like the entrance of IA burst OF
sunshine,
And then Miss Lyon told her the story
of Miss Frccmayns nieCe's visit, anC
how she had allowed her to take the
dear old satin screen as payment.
You won't be angry, dearest? meant
it for the best. But was terrified al
the idea of a broker"
Violet smiled through the storm OF
tears that had come, IN spite or herself
when She learned the screen had gone.
Indeed, you meant it for the best
Anna, and was | ever angry with you
We are richer by fifteen dollars, only
only. somehow, | shall miss it so.
Miss Lyon drew the proud bright heaC
to her shoulder with tender carcssing.
But it is time you accepted the fact
that Mr.. Duane could never have really
cared, dear" she said with infinite gen
tlcncss. 1t is a year now, Niolct-not
long to Il man-but ohio a woman
New Years Day-a halcyon New
Years Day. cold, crisp, sparkling; anC
IIortcuSa Frost radiant as a vision il
her delicate pink silk costume, was AT
the very height of human happiness a.
she received the throngs who were not
slow to accept Miss Frccmayns lavish
hospitality.
And Miss Frecmayn herself, in black
velvet and diamonds, her new screen,
the New Years gift from her niece, be
tween her wrinklcd. good humored,
shrcwd face and the glowing CRATE fire.
sat in state in the back parlor. and en-
joycd Hortcnsia's triumph-a triumph
that dccpCned into absolute rapture when
Gerald Duane bowed low over her fair
hands, and expressed his admirption by
looks not to be mistaken
GOu will not let yours be formal
call, Hortcnsia said shyly. Go SIT
with auntie, and I'll join you between
times"
And, paying his respects to Miss Free
mayn, Mr.. Duane instantly observed the
screen before her. with sudden little
paling of his handsome face.
Isn't it handsome" Miss Frccmavn
asked, following his glance. "Hortcnsia
painted it for me last week"
He left his seat and examined it close
ly, look on his face he had never had
since Hortensia Frost had known him,
and then he went up to her in quiet
compelling way, that frightened her in
spite of herself
You will pardon me. Miss Frost if |
beg to know where you came across that
screen"
She palcd, then flushed piteously
Il have strong particular reasons for
asking-my name is written on the
handle very tinely-it belonged to dear
old friends of mine, whom | am unable
to tind-thc Lyons"
'Lyons-Lyonsw Miss Frcemayn re
pcatcd, catching the last words. Per
hapS YOU mean two sisters who live in
one of my tenemcnts, in No 50, Aldine
Square"
Duancs face was strangely excited
and yet restrained.
1t may be the same. If it be-
He bent his handsome head near Hor-
'N'''''' - anu Hi'NN btAlNili vi iNS L lGC-
mayn's hearing.
You have made me the happiest man
on Gods earth to-day. if | find my
friends through the medium of that
screen. Only. Miss Frost, l regret you
should have deceived your aunt"
He said adieu, and in half an hour
stood rapping at Miss Lyon door. which
Violet herself opened to him-brown-
eyed Violet. with cry of amazement
and JOY uncomfortable on her sweet lips
at sight of him.
Explanations and troth- plightiug fol
lowed, and Mr.. Duane learned the story of
the satin screen, which did not remain
for long in Miss Freemayns possession.
who, when explanations were made to
her, promptly made amends, and sent
Hortensia Frost home in diSgracc-the
most crushed disappointed girl in all the
world-and all for a New Years party.
4 Christmas Surprise for Papa.
My little girl Sadie is five wears old.
She il very baprNs- l>,-~.- .--...-,