Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-04-05

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down for once"
So with Auntie Joan aiding and
abetting, companions arguing, and love
beseeching from those handsome eyes
of Everson's, the girl yielded, and here
she was, the gayest OF the gay.
1t neared midnight, an hour ex-
tremely late for quiet Mellenville.
IL must go homo; auntie will be
really worried, and / have TO go away
round by Mrs. Mapleson's to change
my suit"
just once more, darling, then l will
take you home, and tell your aunt OF
your secret promise given me tonight
Hereafter, all her blame must fall on
me-"
Alas! for that "ouce more" A care
less starter at the top sent another
toboggan flying after Emerson's with
out the necessary pause between. There
came collision, sharp and frightful.
When il was over, lone lay lifeless on
the glistening snow, and Millett Emcr-
son. with broken arm and bruised face,
bent over her, with an awful terror in
his heart.
A crowd was about them instantly,
and with grief-stricken faces, watching
the cooler-headed few who could not
believe that the beautiful girl was dead.
A stretcher OF soft robes was quickly
improvised, and tenderly they laid her
upon it, and carried her TO the warmth
of the sheltered refreshment room.
There like heroes they worked. till at
last the insensate form showed signs of
life again. At last consciousness re-
turned, and the pale lips tried TO MUIR
muir 'home."
And home they bore her. with ach-
ing hearts and streaming eyes; while,
needless TO his own physical agony,
Millett Everson walked close beside
that rude litter, which seemed, indeed,
the bier of all his hopes.
Miss Souter met them at the door.
''ls this my child you bring mo
deadp Whose fault is this?'
Mine, only mine" cried poor Ever
son. "She is my promised wife, and
went tonight but to please me. Would
to God / mad not tempted hcr!"
Before this, reverent hands had laid
the poor girl down. and lifted the
heavy coverings from her. DR.. Grlys
were among them.
As Letitia's eyes fell on her darling,
ness and hardness of her whole family
came into her heart,
"Take her away! She but reaps
what she has sown!"
You iceberg" shouted the indignant
physician, springing toward her. "Do
you know what you sayP Have you no
decencyp"
A contemptuous laugh was his an
swer.
ITO my house, then" he Numbered,
and there they bore her. And there,
by utmost skill and tender nursing,
was she brought back to life and
health; and Millett Everson as well.
whose strength gave out before he
reached its threshold
Poor Miss Letitia! Her wrath was
soon exhausted, and then came the re-
action. In the awful desolation which
settled upon her home, she realized
what she had done; and then she SUI
fered, as only strong natures can.
One evening, sheltered by the friend.
ly darkness, a tall, pale woman tapped
softly at the doctors study door. Open
ing it, he admitted his old-time love.
II want to see lone.
"You can't"
"What! | must. Oh. dear old friend!
I'm crushed and broken; don't be hard
on me now. ~
The mans kind gray eyes twinkled.
For the first time in twenty-year's
courtship, the odds were in his favor
ION one condition, 20 may"
"Quick. then! / mean to find her.
I'm going"
Not yet" 4 burly form barred the
way.
Come to your senses, and say you'll
be my wife. You know you've always
wanted to say yes, but for that cranky
Souter obstinancy."
you old
Darling! that's right That's what
wanted TO hear you say Give me a
kiss, I've earned IT," In vain, the
good woman resisted. a strong arm
clasped her close, and n gray beard
rufled the satin surface OF her maiden
ly check
Then followed. OF course, q food Of
tears, which the wise physician let have
It's course When il was over, and the
still dewy eyes were raised, a smile
crcpt over both their faces.
What aridiculous pair of old foolsr'
cried the half-happy, haif-a,hamed Lc-
titia.
"All things come to him who waits"
! quoted her faithful swain. Now, I'll
take you to lone. And tucking her
arm under his own, he led her away in
triumph
What an evening followed what fun
and frolic! that tried to, but could not,
hide the deeper feeling of four happy,
| grateful hearts.
OF course, there was pardon begging
all around; and general sense in each
| ones mind that he or she had behaved
outrageously, ana been most generous
| ly forgiven.
Not many weeks later there was a
! double wedding. TO which the younger
guests came, clad in white toboggan
suits, and at which world of merri-
meut prevailed.
And when the younger bride and
groom had set their faces cityward,
! Miss Letitia--now Mrs. DR.. Gray
] haavcd ,,no lppcr oh o1J l., lo,y,,