The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-12-22

the mills" and from Roselle. turned
INTO the one leading to the village of
Crawford. The construction of the house
was very odd, but as the neighbors said
when Jane and John Blake set out
to build house, you might be sure 1t
wouldn't be like any other" Aud it
bad not altered their opinion when Mr..
Blake explained that as they were to
spend most Of their lives in it, he didn't
see why they should build the best part
for somebody else. When he built the
barn beside the house, its door directly
opposite one from the side Of tho kit.
chen, the neighbors only laughed good
naturedly and said: "That's like them,
| too"
Though Frank was old en- ough to sta,
up and help with the stfiIin's," he made
no objection to going to bed with Rob,
and the two boys snuggled together in
the effort to get warm.
"Say, mother" said Rob, as she leaned
over the bed to give them the good
night kiss she never omitted, edo angels
ever come down now3" ::
'1'm not sure" she answered. "Some
people think they do, but Others don't
As she went down stairs she added to
herself: "I'm one of the people that
think they do-for awhile"
She was thinking of the baby girl who
had lain in her arms, and blessed her
life, for one short year.
When she came into the kitchen her
husband sat beside tho bright fire, with
both hands on his knees, gazing at the
light, troubled look on his face.
What's the matter, father2" said his
wife, who knew the sighs of mental
disturbance.
"Well, there is somethin' that both
ers me, sure enough" he answe cred.
"Iou see, when was driving back
from Elizabeth, this afternoon, Istopped
at Derby's and Cranes to leave some
things, and get the turkey trimmings
you wanted; an they both mentioned It
they'd heard that John Granger d been
on spree, an driven his wife an child
out O. the house, an locked 'em out,
too. 1 suppose the poor critters III be
taken in an cared for by the neighbors
near there fore this time; but it makes
me feel kinder shivery to think she may
be out In this storm. Ugh! the wind
goes through one like mowin' machine
through the grass!"
Mrs. Black went toward the front
widow and looked out OF the road.
eyes, It's bitter night" she said,
thoughtfully. "l'd like to feel sure the
girl was under shelter. Ah, John, it
was bad day for Anna when she mar
ried him. Poor orphani haven't ever
laid 1t up against her when she got the
idea that marrying anybody was better
than being bound out to US. Pretty,
gentle spoken child, and don't see how
any one could iil-treat her. Mr.. Wins
low says he's heard her crying out;
Don't strike me again, John!' Alb,
roor girl, poor girl And baby, too,
only about six months old. A girl
babyr
II amt stopped there of'en lately"
said Mr.. Blake; "John has been so
of'en half drunk, or all drunk: that it
amt been pleasant. WelI,I suppose we'd
better begin fxin' the tree, hadn't wea"
~ suppose SO" his wife answered, but
she still fingered beside the window.
She pressed her face close to the pane,
and pecred out. The lamp on the porch
sent a fright stream Of light out into the
road. All about the lantern the flakes
were whirling, like flies and glats on a
summers night.
John had brought in the tree, placing
it in q corner of the dining room, while
his wife was upstairs with the boys, and
taking the lamp with them, they now
proceeded to trim the tree. The orna-
ments saved from one year to another
we're brought cut and fastened, the rosy
checked apples and golden oranges were
hung on, the popcorn they had spent
several evenings in stringing were flung
over the branches, looking as if q furry
of snow had frozen there. The candy
ornaments, and last the candles, COM
pleted the pretty effect.
"My" exclaimed Mr.. Blake. "Who'd
think you could beat up on such night
| 1t makes one as warm as a-hayin'. Most
done, amt we, mother"
"Almost," said mis- wife, as she stepped
| toward the kitchen door. The light
from the porch was family reflected on
both of the windows, while the inside OF
of the kitchen was without iight except
from the fire.
AS Mrs. Blake locked toward the win
dow facing her, she repressed a scream
as she saw a womans face outside.
With a beating heart at the apparation
she drew nearer the window. AS she
did so she saw white hand raised
and slight tap sounded on the glass.
"What is that, mother" called Mr
Blake from the next room.
His wife hurried to his side.
"Did you hear it, john" she asked
"Why," he answered slowly. ''
heard tappin, sorter."
She was worried and troubled.
~ saw a face, woman's | think
against the window" she answered
"And she tapped at the glass. 1t di
frighten me little, but 1t must be som
poor creature, cold and faint, maybe
We must go out anG look for her.
But John, who hated to leave tn
warm comfort indoors, for the cold di
comfort without, suggested that who
ever it was, would probably be glad t
come in. But though he opened tt
door and peere out and around, /
saw no one.
"There'r no one there, Jane, he sait
Then he added, curiously, "Did you sa
ynu hupn tho lantorp m the nOrcl