Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-12-18
CHAPTER Nv.

could have made him look so strangely ex-
cited.
lie did not come back to the sitting-room,
but shut himself up In little room leading
out Of the hall that he used as study.
Dorothy turned up the lights, stirred the
fire, reused Ally from her sleep, and made
her smart, then returned to the room In
time to pour out tea, and had the satisfac-
ton of shaking hands with Mr.. Penfold,
who seemed his usual jolly self again, only
that his eyes rarely left his little daughters
face.
After tea he found Ally impatient TO have
the book he promised her, so he brought II
to her, and Dorothy had TO read it.
Then they discussed some of CaldecOtt's
quaint pictures, and in pause Mr.. Penfold
said:
n executed all your commissions, Miss
Snow; your luggage will arrive tonight,
and have some change to give you out OF
your ten-pound note"
"Nonssnse! you cannot have, If the peo-
pie sent all 1 wanted
swell, we shall see, Miss Snow. / am
clever at buying, can tell you
Dorothy did not ask him why he had
flown away, or if he had found the woman,
but she wondered vaguely who she could
be.
Pierce said his business in London was
happily settled, and he seemed TO look re-
lieved when he spoke of Il.
When her box came later on Dorothy
found it contained all she required, and
everything Of the best and prettiest
When she had seen Ally to bed, and lock-
ed her door, taking the key away, she went
down, her checks pink as a blush-rose, her
eyes shining like stars.
Something was stirring in her heart glad
some as summer song.
She did not yet know by what name to
call this tender JOY that glorified all things
about her; she did not know why her heart
beat light and gay, or why every moment
by her new friends side seemed happier
than the last.
In her desOlation, her loneliness, her mis-
cry, her heart had gone out to him, and
made him the loye-elected master of her
destiny.
She heard the sound Of the piano and Mr..
Penfold singing in a mellow monotone like
bird with but one note, but that replete
with sweetness.
When she entered, full Of grateful thanks,
he rose. took both her hands, and smiled on
her brightly.
She was indeed goodly sight with her
rose-pink cheeks, tender red lips, and eyes
of starry radiance.
Mr.. Penfold felt all her beauty's spell and
rapture stirred in him that he was free to
win her priceless love if she had heart to
give.
So glad and Joyous were his locke that
ten years seemed lifted from him in as many
minutes.
Come, sing for me, Miss Snow. Let us
make this New Years Eve one to remem-
Der for ever
lie took her hands and led her to the seat
be had just vacated. and babe her sing to
him something soothing but not sad, and
telling of love, Of happiness, OF bright de-
light and merry weather.
A sort of rapture raine2 from his eyes-a
liquid light of love; his cheeks were flush
ed. his hands trembled.
Dorothy looked at him, amazed, yet sym
pathetic, and he said gaily:
Child, have you ever freed an imprison-
ed bird. and seen it soar singing TO the
clouds, TO basll and battle in the sunlight?
Have you ever looked upon one in mortal
agony when sudden relief has come and
made heaven of rest for them"'
"Yes. Tel me, has such sweet freedom
come TO your
at has, ma belle. / shall begin the new
year full of hope and promise. Before it
dies away you will know my history, and
sympathize with my rapture tonight Ny
blood seems to have fresh life, my heart
leaps like trout in sunny stream; life
seems all life, light, brightness, and beauty.
Are you glad for me?'
More glad than can say. do not un-
Il 81 a., in.y hut - &c rolf ta1
i'm my heart as in a crystal mirror"
May that pure fountain OF tender wo-
manly love ever keep my image there
vision of delight such as l now feel. Icould
dance sing, go mad with merriment! What
can you think of me, child? l am like q
man possessed by unqulet spirits to you."
You are all that is good and noble to me-
Little as 1 know you, can believe you good
and true as steel. Some day you will trust
me with the history of this rapturous belief.
Now will sing to YOU"
Her sweet clear voice rang out like
chime of fairy bells, full of throbbing, dane
ing melody.
Mr. Penfod bent over her, watching the
white fingers fly over the ivory keys.
Truly he had Gagged a nightingale when
he brought this frozen fairy to his home and
warmed her in his heart.
The evening sped on golden wings; tire
was never less a laggard.
Supper-time came and passed, and the
new friends waited hand-in-hapd together
ready to welcome the new year.
I'VE must open the window to let in our
luck" said Mr. Penfold as the hand of the
clock paused on the stroke Of twelve.
A blaze of light was behind them as they
stood at the bright easement hand-n-hand,
two noble figures fit for picture of youth.
The air was still; the stars beamed down
beautiful as the eyes of love, and Dorothy
felt an arm encircle her waist.
As the hour chimed out a pair Of loving,
longing lips were pressed to hers, and
kind joyous voice said:
IA happy new year, my God-g.ft! May
we stand thus together many and many
wear with hearts as light and hopes as bright
as those that make this madness in me now.
Forgive me, dear, If offend. Some day \
may win the right to kiss you twenty times
q minute"
The Joy of Dorothy's heart had found
name at the warm contact of his lips. She
knew she loved him with the first love OF