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

.o .ne one leading to the village of
CRAWFORD. The construction of the house
was very odd, but as the neiyhbors said
| when Jane and John Blake set ont
to build house, you might be sure 1t
""oa!aa't be like any other" And it
had 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 ono 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 stay
up and help with the ''fiin's," he made
no objection to going to bed with Rob,
and the two boys snuggled together in
the effort to get warm.
essay. mother" said Rob, as she leaned
over the bed to give them the good
night kiss she mover omitted, edo angels
ever come down now7" i
"Tm not sure" she answered. "Some
people thlnk they do, but others DON'T
As she went down stairs she added to
herself: "Pm 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
HE, for one short year.
When she came into the kitchen her
husband sat beside the bright fire, with
both hands on his knees, gazing at the
light, troubled look on his face. i
What's the matter, father7" said his
wife, who knew the sighs Of mental
disturbance.
"Well, there is somethin' that both.
ers me, sure enough" he answ cred.
"fou see, when I 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 t
they'd heard that John Granger ID been
on q spree, an driven his wife an child
out o. the house, an locked 'em out,
too. ! suppose the poor critters I'll 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. Ughl tho wind
goes through one like mowin' machine
through the grassl"
Mrs. Black went toward the front
widow and looked out on the road.
"Yes, it is bitter night" she said,
thoughtfully. sI'd like to feel sure the
girl was under shelter. All, 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 wass-betses-
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 grill And baby, too,
only about six months old. A girl
babyl"
81 amt stopped there of'en lately"
said Mr. Blake; "John has been so
ef'en half drunk, or all drunk. that it
amt been pleasant. WelI,I suppose we'd
better begin 6xin' the tree, hadn't wei"
81 suppose So" his wife answered but
she still fingered beside the window.
She pressed her face close to the pane,
and peered out. The lamp on the porch
sent a fright stream of light out Into the
road. All about the lantern the fakes
were whirling, like flies aud gaats on q
summers night.
john had brought in the tree, placing
1t in 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
were brought out and fastened, the rosy
checked apples aud golden oranges were
hung on, the popcorn they had spent
several evenings in stringing were flung
over the branches, looking as If furry
OF snow had frozen there. The candy
ornaments, and last the candles, COM
pleted the pretty effect.
''Myp exclaimed Mr.. Blake. "Who'd
think you could heat up on such night9
II makes one as warm as ,-hayin'. Most
done, amt we. mother2"
"Almost," said his 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 vac without ligh. cxcep.
from the fire.
As Mrs. Blake looked toward the win.
dow facing her, she repressed d scream
as she saw q woman's face outside.
With beating heart at the apparation,
she drow nearer the window. AS she
did so she saw a white hand raised,
and slight tap sounded on the glass.
''What is that, mother3" 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 face, q woman's I think,
against the window" she answered.
..And she tapped at the glass. It did
frighten me little, but 1t must be some
poor creature, cold aud faint, maybe,
We must 60 out and look for her."
But John, who hated to leave the
warm comfort indoors, for the cold dis
comfort without, suggested that who
ever 1t was, would probably be glad to
come in. But though he opened the
door and peerel out and around, he
saw no one.
'.There'r no one there, Jaue, he said.
Then he added, ouriously, "Did you say
Won hung the Iauteru on the porchi