Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-01-13
THE RICHMOND D1sPATCH-sUNDAY. JANUARY - 1889

the dull, mean room became trans
formed into en- ante-chamber OF unknown
feIicities.
Middsy had como and gone, when a
rouoh sledge, drawn by q steady old cob,
was seen approaching the little station
house, and hailed by the imprisoned
travellers with as much rapture az the
sail deserted by q castawGy from bis
desert island. IL proved to be vehicle
dispatched from Ladykirk in search OF
some missing provision hampers, and
its driver had special orders 20 inquire
for tidings OF the delayed train. Pomo.
ROY. who had Just returned from one OF
his relief expeditions, saw his opportu-
nisy and rushed ont TO parley with the
driver. In a minute or two he came
back triumphant. The sleigh was rude
one. intended for luggage, but 1t would
be possible to make Mrs. Lloyd fairly
comfortable upon it and, as it was now
ten porarily fine overhead, the Colonel
arranged that the hampers and them
selves should travel in company to their
destination.
On and ii was q warn welcome that
the chilled and weary wayfarers ro-
ceived upon the threshold OF Ladykirk
from its bospitable master and mistress.
And it was 1irs. DrummOnd-Orr herself
who led Alison upstairs TO the luxurious
guest chamber, to be refreshed, and
warmed. aud petted, while her husband
hurried off 10 make provision for the
less fortunate travellers left behind.
A halt-hour later Colonel Pomeroy
loined his friend in the library, looking
AZ least ten years younger for his la.e
experiences. lis host looked up with
ready sympathy.
Really. Pomeroy, who would have
thought Of your having to spend the
best part OF your Christmas shut mp IN
that poky little hole its on awful sell
"Not at All, Jack. Indeed-to tell
the truth, old fellow never enjoyed
one more
Jack stared at his cousin. Was down
right Hubert PoIneroy taking to sar-
casm
Well tastes differ, OF course, the
master Of the house said, curly.
Colonel Pomeroy had been pacing the
room with bis hands in his pockets-Or
rather in Jacks pockets. for, OF course.
10 luggage was yet forthcoming, and his
pray lOunging suit was loan from his
hosT. Now he suddenly turned and faced
his cousin.
Tho fact is, Jack, perhaps ! ought
to explain that it's all up with Emmie's
matrimonial plans. I'm an engaged
man-at last %
You don't say so ! Well Better
late than never. i congratulate you with
all my heart. Perhaps she will be lit
tie disappointed, poor lit'lo woman
But that can't be helped. hmmie ." as
bis wife appeared at thismoment, leone
aud tell Fomeroy how pleased We are
that he Is going to follow our example at
last"
"That I will, dear holding out both
hands to Hubert with the sunnlest smile
OF triumph. For am sure it can be
10 one but Allie. noticed something
was up directly you two came IN to-
gether. Tel me, am / right
"Ics-you always are, Colonel Pom
croy confessed gayiy. e." Forgive mo II
I've disappointed you, but [ have been
completing courtsh:p begun fifteen
years ago.
And YOU couldn't have pleased mo
better. 30 one couid ever resist Alison,
and directly found she would be with
rs for Christmas, / made up my mind
YOU should fall III love with each other
all over again
Then the kind hostess FASTENED back TO
her other guest. whom she found toast
ing herself before a cosy fire, looking
very sweet and shg and pretty in a Grim
son tea-govn OF soft silk, which her own
wardrobe had furnished.
Mrs. Ummmond-Crr shut the door
deliberately AMI joined her cousin at the
Grcs.de
oven, Ailie?" she began signia-
canhy.
" Well, Emmie, dear" Then as
Mrs. Drummond Orr still looked ex-
poctank "lour tea gown is most COM
Portable. and
And very becoming, I see, but -
impatientiv-"I did not come up here to
talk abouttea-gowns. Allie ."-holdng
out her hand wistfuliy-" have you
nothing 10 tell me? lou may as we'll
make your confession, as Hubert has
done already"
Alison turned suddenly and threw her
self into her cousins outstretched arms.
"yhen-tben-you know that what
YOU once wished has come to pass ut
last And Oh Emmie no actually
loved me all the time-only Aunt Clara
broke faith with him and never tod me. -
Peridious creature so you have
her to thank for your long heaItache "
"And you, dear Emmie with q
warm caress -"for bringing US together
again. Oh , shall 1 ever forget my
Christmas in n suOWdrilt 2"