The Washington critic., 1886-09-23


chimney. The old gentleman, who
lived alone, was obliged to travel on a
slippery ground to the nearest neighbor
for help. The villagers were justly
indignant, and for Furnishing the
miscreants, but no clue to them could
be found.
VIII was away from home that
night, and suspicion rested on him rs
one of the party until he could bear 1t
no longer and decided to go away.
1t seemed but yestcrday-thcir part
ing in the old trystlng place.
VIII had slipped the tiny gold band
he wore upon her finger-it seemed
but thread of gold now-asking her
TO wear II until he came back.
For" said he, "I'll never come
back TIL can offer you name and
home. Somehow the devil has had
possession Of me lately, but bad as
am, would scorn to do what they &C.
cuse me of-torturo feeble old man.
While you believe and trust me, there
are plenty who do moi" And with n
last Goodbye, my Beth" he was
gone.
When the first letter came addressed
to Miss Beth Allen in Wills round,
boyish hand, Mr.. Allen frowned aud
his wife scolded, but when she was for
stopping the correspondence at once,
be said:
"There, there, motherl let the girl
write TO him If she wants to- she won't
do him any harm, and | can trust her
for true Allen not to go far out of the
way"
So the matter had dropped, and for
five years 'Lizabeth's letters were re.
ceived without comment; then they
ceased suddenly and unexpectedly. For
months 'Lizabeth watched the mails
with anxious face. Mrs. Allen shook
her head with an II told you he didn't
amount TO anything" whenever there
was no one but her husband to hear,
and Mr.. Allen waited in silence.
Time does much toward healing such
wounds, and five years had made It seem
more like an unpleasant dream than
areality, when the ncws of Wills return
came, awakening memories of other
days.
For once Mr.. Allen was weather wise.
The snow had fallen through the night,
covering the earth as with mantle, the
feathery flakes continued to come
lazily down until just before 12 clock,
then there was rift in the western
sky. and when the old yellow sleigh
stood at the door the sun shone as
bright as ever.
"Be careful, father, and don let Liz.
abeth get cold waiting for you," was
Mrs. Aliens parting Injunction as she
came to the door to see them off.
There was just wind enough to lift
the newly. fallen snow and send 1t in
little whirls to lie sparkling and glisten-
ing few yards from where 1t had
fallen. Robin was In excellent spirits,
and Mr.. Allen declared, as he drew up
In front of the village post.oillce, that
the distance never seemed so short.
DRAW the robe close around you,
darter, and don't get tired waiting.
I've got to bargain with Sam Chase
about that stove, but I'll be quick as
can then we'll drive down to Burn.
hams and get the book you men.
toned" With this and an extra pull
to Robins blanket, Mr.. Allen was
gone.
Father was right, the old sleigh is
more. comfortable than the new one,"
'Lizabeth thought, as she nestled down
In one corner, drawing the robe more
closely to keep out the puffs of wind
that tried to find entrance at all cor
ners. While tucking the robe between
the cushion and the side of the sleigh
her fingers touched something smooth
like paper.
Zone of fathers old receipts, he's so
careless" she thought, with fond
smile, as she drew it forth for inspec-
tion. But glance was needed to'show
her mistake.
1t was letter yellow with age, un.
opened and addressed to herself in the
handwriting she knew so well. She
could scarcely trust her eyes. but there
was the familiar postmark-San Fran
cisco-and she was just leaning for
ward to read the date, when gust of
wind, taking 1t from her hands, de.
posted 1t at The feet of gentleman
who was passing.
She dared not look up, but in a
moment he was handing ii toward her,
saying:
''ls this your property, Miss Allen?"
AT the sound of the voice, so little
changed that she would know 1t any
where. the hot blood rushed to her
face, and she had scarcely courage to
reply:
Il think so. l never saw it be-
FORE"
She felt the keen eyes search her
face, and there was touch of scorn in
the question that followed.
ut is an old letter addressed to you,
and you never saw IT before?"
She felt that she must vindicate her.
self, and her answer came full and
clear.
II just found it in the old sleigh. do
not know how long 1t has lain there" I"
He glanced again at the letter; it
must be the same one; he knew the
date so well. The tone was almost
eager now.
"You never saw it before, B2th2
You did not receive it, my last letter,
and leave it unanswered"
.s Could you doubt me, Will?' She
was looking him in the face now.
81 might have known better, but
you were always so punctual, and
| when | received no answer to my last
letter ! was too proud to write and ask
an explanation. | thought you had
| given me up, like every one else in
b. Can you forgive me for my
| want Of confidence? But he needed
not words for answer.
When Mr. Allen came hurrying back
the old sleigh had two occupants 1t
was some time before they could cX-
plain affairs to his bewildcred mind,
but when light began to dawn he ex-
claimed
ut was that jim; he's so carelessl
lost a letter for me once!'
viii was persuaded to accompany
them home, and 1t was very merry
party that surprised Mrs. Allen by their
carly appearance,
As soon rs possible Mr.. Allen hurried
his wife oil to the kitchen to unravel
the mystery, while Win and 'Lizabeth
| p,n1 a. h., a,