Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-01-13

7
some food. The station masters wife ia
an old acquaintance OF mine, and has
promised 10 do her best for you. II gets
worse here with every hour. and / can't
bear 90 sec You look so white and cold. =
"Of course I'll do rs you think best, "
Alison said family, though her heart
failed her at the prospect.
VERY well; then we will make the
attempt" Pomeroy then explained their
plan TO their fel!ow-trayellers, who for
once in full accord declared that nothing
shonid persuade them TO leave theirpres-
ent shelter.
"Better TO bear the Ills we have, ell "
answered the Colonel, laughing. We'll,
/ think il is one of the occasions when q
noble discomfort is praiseworthy.
Come, Mrs. Lloyd. If you are well wrap
ped up"
He sprung ont to assist Alison, but she
hesi.Gtod a moment before taking the
plunge into the painless snow.
I'm afraid your boots arc not so thick
as mine. You must let me help you over
the worst of it"
And without waiting for permission ne
lifted her gently in his arms, and 50
laden trudged through the snow past the
line OF waiting carriages TO the clearing
NJ the further end. There he set her
down, CONCENTRATING herself that the
darkness concealed her hot cheeks.
Here it was just possible to get on,
though the walking was still rough, and,
struggling along with the help of Pome-
roy'sarm, Alison at last Thankfully found
herself on the platform OF the little sta
ton. II was en- old-fashioned building,
but its shelter was on how welcome. for
the snow Was falling again now thick
and fast.
Mrs. Lloyd frightened into cheerful
ness again "a Colonel Pomeroy threw
open the door of n small but cOmiorta-
bic room, which boosted a blazing fire
whilst the siation-master's wife came for
ward, the very picture Of an old woman
in her well-htting cap and gown. She
had been still-room maid at the Drum
mond- Orrs' in the days Of her youth,
md prided herself upon never having lost
her "gentility."
Mrs. Lloyd cat down upon the first
seat she came TO, which happened 10 be
the window seat, trying very hard to
look brave, whilst Pomeroy had paused
a moment to pick mp the cloak which
hal fallen from her on entering tho
room. blrs. Blair hastily placed a small
Jason Of brandy upon the table, and
proceeded in her motherly way 10 adj
minister a restorative, which Alison, in
spite Of her assumed bravery, had never
more needed in her life.
"Thcre 20 cried PomerOy presently,
drawing forward n chair to the fire and
placing her IL it "this is little im-
proyement And here comes Mrs. Bair
with the tea she promised "a. How good
it looks. Porridgc, too / declare /
havn't tasted porrldge for fifteen years
Come, begin You are exhausted for
want Of food. y
lie brought the ten aud waited on Ali
con aesiduously while she drank II and
ate n little Of the steoniug pOrrldge,
we'll pleased to see her looking more Lie
herself. she begged him 10 follow her
example; but it was characteristic OF
Pomeroy-who always thought Of others
before himself-that he first trampol
back oil the way they had come, carry
ing a can of hot tea, cup and a good
portion OF bread and butter to tho cross
grsined old couple who had shared their
carriage.
at will give them something fresh to
argue over" he said, laughing.
When be returned a half hour later,
shaking himself free OF the snow, he
found his charge already refreshed by
the timely food and warmth. The Sta
tion-master's wife had taken ner mp
stairs and made her comfortable with a
loan of warm home-made stockings and
q pair Of huge slippers. putting her own
to dry mean time. Alison began pour
ing out the tea she had kept hot for
him. The Colonel begged Mrs. Blair
to make a fresh brew, saving that hun
ger would soon drive others to follow
their example.
"Or might organize O relief party
to dispense provisions, he suggested, as
she hurried OFT TO 10 his pleasure.
" But not till you have had good
meal you1self,' Alison said decidedly.
"1he porridge is lovely; do try It.
don't want monopoly Of oil the good
things"
lie let himself be persuaded. establish
ing himself on q bench near her, with q
bowl of hot porridge, which not even the
pewter spoon could spoI. The surround
ings were not favorable to romance, yet
one Of tle pair at least could not help
thinking how many eyentful years had
passed since last they broke bread
together; how many hopes had died
since those youthful days
She sighed Involuntary at what
"might have been as she passed her
companion his cup. lie took ii with one
hand, and with the other detained hers,
for bis quick ears had caught the sigh.
What signing over our Christmas
feast the first We have enjoyed together,
too, for years Pm afraid you arc very
tired ?"
"Ohi no; was only thinking Of
those old times. 10 is always sad TO LOOK
back. She would have Withdrawn her
hand, but be only clasped 10 tighter.
"Isit? When the future, perhaps,
has brighter things in store? Alison,
q happy chanco has brought about this
meeting. Shall We agree to Take Nd our
friendship IRON the Point where it was
interrupted 50 long ago? Nay ! ask
Won over again that question which you
never really answered l have loved
you al this time you and no other. Is
there any hope for me now?"
lie leaned across the table, eagerly
questioning the sweet face only partially
ilIumined by the fire flames, though the
flare from the oil lamp behind her fell
full on his, revealing all is earnestnosS.
ALLISON give me only & crumb Of hope,
and / viii be content to begin my court
ing all over again.
She gave HIN a cTumb, certainly, for
her hand remained cOntentedly IN hls
but as we know fdppett rieat ~ nun
geqnf, and having obtained so much,
Pomeroy Qlke Oliver asked for moye,
passing from q crumb to slice and from
a slice to a whole loaf, till he had made
Alison look up and confess that she had
loved him years ago and was much n
the same mind still.
At this he bent down 10 cover the