The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-04-19
A STRANGE GUEST.

"You're sure you won't be lonesome,
Jenniei'
Farmer John Harmon stood in the
glow of tho broad fireplace, wrapped in
his great-coat and mufll,r, his fur cap
pulled down about his ears, and his
whip in his hand, while tho paving
hoofs of his impatient horses crunched
the snow outside. Ho stopped a, he
spoke, and lifted his little daughters
chin till the clear, brown eyes looked
Up, with the frank smile which always
warmed his heart.
"No, indeed, father! How could
be lonesome with such little chatter
box as Tonyl Hark! I do believe he's
waking now, the darling"
'Tm sorry that Manda Lawson
couldn't have como to stay with you,
but, of course, if Jacks sick, it stands
to reason that she can't leave him. But
Steve and III bo back before dark,
never fear. Hullo! you were right,
Jennie. Hero comes the little gen.
eral!'
A chubby boy of three years old ap-
peared in his night-gown from the ad-
joining room, with cheeks rosy, aud
yellow curls tangled from his morning
nap. The father caught him in his
strong aims, and held him, shrieking
with laughter, above his head.
"Father's little man! Walked up to
say good-by. He'll take, good care of
sister, won't he3"
The child leaped into the young girl $
outstretched arms, and hid his face upon
her shoulder.
''Well, good-by Jennie" He paus ed
moment, wistful look creeping over
his strong, sun Drowned face. "You'rc
liker your mother every day, my girl"
''Father! Father!" called a CHEEKY
voice outside.
"Coming, Steve"
The door opened and let in great
wave of frosty air, and, as it closed be-
hind him, tho sturdy farmer clambered
to seat beside his son, and, with crack
of whip and jingle OF bells, the laden
sleigh slipped choeriy away.
Jennie stood at the window, still hold
ing the child. She was just fourteen,
although her slight, childish figure
made her seem younger than that by
two or three years. The death Of her
mother when Tony was but a helpless
babo had thrown premature burdens
upon her young shoulders, burdens
which she had borne with patient, un-
selfish courage far beyond her years.
Jennie was quite used to be left alone
with her little charge, while her father
and brother were away at work, so it
was with no special sense of loneliness
that she watched the moving sleigh un-
til it was lost at sharp turn of the
forest-bordered road way. AS the
nearest neighbor lived mile distant,
she could scarcely expect visitors on
such day.
She turned away at last, and, taking
her place on low seat before the fire,
proceeded to dress the child, making
merry game OF the task, as she told
over and over on his pink toes the story
of the five little pigs"
Then, when she had given him hi:
breakfast Of bread and milk, and placed
! on the floor box of well-worn play.
things, she went briskly about her own
household tasks. The market-town tc
which her father and brother had gone,
was fully fifteen miles away, and, once
there, they must wait for the grinding
of their load Of grain.
eve shall have long day to our.
selves, Tony DEAR" said Jenny more tc
herself than to the child; "but there'l
be plenty TO do, for sister must bake
the bread and cakes for Sun day, and
father and Steve will be wanting a good
hot supper tonight"
"Tony help si'ter" lisped the boy.
eyes, Toay shall help sister, and sis.
ter will fry him doughnut man."
Clapping his chubby hands, the chile
drew his little cricket to the table
where, by climbing upon it, he could
overlook his sisters operations at he
moulding board; and thus, with frolit
and cheer, the short winter day wore on
But the sky. which had been brigh
at early morning, grew gradually over
cast with clouds, and Jennie saw frou
the window heavy mist filling all tn,
air.
A few feathery flakes came floating
down as she spoke. and these proved t,
be but the forerunners of mighty host
as the storm settled over the landscape
Hour after hour passed. There were n,
longer any tracks to be discerned alon.
the narrow roadway which was tn
only avenue through the forest.
1t grew presently SO dark inside tn
cabin that Jennie was fain to place
lighted lamp upon the table, and sea
herself TO listen for the first sound o