Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1890-07-11

childlike laugh. It seemed incredible
that they were unconscious OF her very
existence yesterday-oaly yesterday.
Next day passed much rs its prcde-
cessor had done. except that the men
worked hard all the Notwithstanding
the snow from about the house, while
Leslie attended to the domestic arrange
ments herself. In the afternoon Car
ruthers distinguished himself by concoct-
ing fearful and wonderful stew for sup
per. which it appeared lie had known
and loved in India. Leslie looked on in
sarcastic disapproval. and Darrell chop
ped up wood In the back kitchen Owing,
however. to a somewhat liberal distri-
button of cayenne pepper. and the total
absence OF any other seasoning. the stew
was not marked success, though its
author declared it was 1.-THE finest thing
he had tasted for many long day"
Throe more days passed: the frost still
held, and the provisions diminished with
alarming rapidity. Fortunately they
had plenty Of Goals. for the cold was in
tense. The men worked steadily during
the greater part of each day-not only
clearing the snow from around the house.
but working a path to the main road
across the moor. Leslie found plenty to
occupy her indoors; but fitted in and
out at,intervals to inspect "the work." as
sho called the snow clearing. In tho
evenings they were all glad enough to
draw round the fire for rest and warmth.
And very pleasant evenings they were.
There was an ever increasing charm to
both men in Leslie's innocent chatter, in
her half childlike, half womanly ways,
and in her singing. For she had offered
in naive little way to sing to them, Ito
help to pass the time" So she sang
every night. She had sweet, touching,
bird like voice-a voice that found its
way at once to the heart and stayed there.
It was, then, the fifth day Of Miss
Heath's sojourn in the little household,
and it was Sunday. After the o'clock
supper-Leslie would not allow it to be
called dinner-they were as usual gath
cred round the fire. The lamp was un-
lit, for oil was scanty and therefore pre-
cious. Candles, too, were few. And as
Leslie said. freight was good enough to
talk by.
Are we to have no music tonight,
Miss Health" Darrell asked rather re-
proachfully. when they had sat silent for
some time.
Leslie was sitting on the fender, burn
ing her bonnie little face at tho fire. At
Darrell's words she looked up with sweet,
serious eyes and said:
Il can't sing songs. you know, as it is
Sunday. / never do. And I suppose
you wouldn't care for hymns?"
why should you suppose thaty' he
said in curiously gentle voice. While
Carruthcrs said bluntly:
I'VE had rather you sang hymns than
didn't sing at all. Please do. Miss
Heath"
And Leslie clasped her little hands
round her knees and sang, with an earn.
sst, absorbed, 2..Dcst childlike uncon.
| seriousness, tho old. sweet, familiar
hymns which never grow really old for
any Of us; and as she sang, both men
seemed carried back-back-through the
long years. to their boyhood and child
hood.
THANK you," said Carruthers in o low
tone, when at last tho sweet voice
| ceased.
Darrell did not say anything. Hewas
leaning back in Lis chair. with folded
arms, and rather stern look about his
| mouth.
IL always sing to Aunt Priscilla on
Sunday nights" said the girl dreamily,
after q pause. Then she added, "And
always read her o chapter from the
! Bible, too"
will you not read to US also?" said
Darrell suddenly. after another short
silence. There waS an indcscribabls
softsning in his deep voice as it cane
through the frelit dusk His face Les
lie could not zee. for It was in decI
shadow,