The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-03-27

Miss Dering had her private opinion
about that, but she merely thoughtfully
said:
"You know we have been talking about
taking s winter trip to the mountains?"
yes"
"Why couldn't we do it now?"
Rosamond sprang up with rose-dyed
cheeks and eve all alight with hope.
"Could we? What will our friends say,
and Sophia?"
"Let them say what they please" she
replied, boldly.
"You are right" said Rosamond.
Three days later they stepped from the
train at the station six miles from the
hotel. A deep snow lay on the ground,
and after some delay they hired rough
sleigh to carry them across the mountains
How beautiful looked the valley of the
Cartecay as they travelled through it, the
river lying sluggish and dark be-
clouds broke away. and the declining sun
shone on thousand glittering icicles
hanging from dark-green hemlock and
leaf1ess oak. The mountain sides were
dazzling. 1t was like edchantment to the
two women fresh from a semi-tropical
region. Rosamond's eyes gistened the
cold air brought vivid bloom to her face
She had been rather silent during the
journey. but betrayed no desire to turn
back. She looked like one in whose
vision new existence had dawned.
The hotel was open, for a few Northern
invalids spent the winter IN it. The San
fords greeted their old guests with pleas
ure and made them comfortable.
"WilI you send for him to come here
and see your" said Miss Dering to Rosa
mond, when they were shown to their
rooms.
Don't you think 1 ought to go there?"
"That would be complete and perfect
amend. What are we to do when you have
been pardoned ?' with covert smile.
"Return here"
"Oh, Rosamond, do you think 1T will end
there? Have you considered the matter
well?'
II have"
Don't you know that he will ask you
again to marry HIM ?"
81 did not think so when we left Savan-
nah, but now, he is so generous, SO noble
yes"
II shall be regarded as an old fool for
encouraging you in your folly"
Rosamond smiled and kissed her cheek.
"You are the wisest woman of my &C.
quaintance."
At supper Miss Dering asked a good
many euestions about the Lawrences,
heard a full account of Sara's death, and
II believe Gabriel has gone away, }" said
Mr.. Sanford.
Rosamond's face changed color.
He came back yesterday" said Mrs.
Sanford
Miss Dering expressed a desire to 90
over and call upon Mrs. Lawrence in the
evening, and the host quickly agreed to
go with them.
1t was just at dusk that they took their
places in the old sleigh again, the women
muffied in furs. The wintry sunset still
painted the sky deep crimson in the west,
and the stars coming out overhead
sparkled brilliantly in the clear atmos-
phere. In the still, cold night the faintest
twigs, the clinking fall of icicles-even
the soft step of wild animals abroad for
prey.
Rosamond wrapped her furs closer and
shut her eyes against the keen wind. Her
mind held one picture-the sitting room
of the farmhouse, with great fire blazing
on the hearth and the warm light giving q
felt secure, happy.
Presently they were at the gate, then
walking along the pathway somebody had
shoveled out to the entry steps. The dogs
growled and barked, but were quieted
when Mr.. Sanford spoke to them. He
raped smartly on the door, and Gsbriel's
voice said:
Come i'm
He opened the door and stepped back
for the ladies to enter. Gabriel crossed
the room and met Miss Dering on the
threshold. He looked at her amazed, but
when he saw Rosamond lingering in the
entry he put the elder woman aside and
went to her. All the speeches she had
conned over were swept away from her
mind. No need to even say forgive. He
seemed to know what the coming to him
meant. Pardon, love, deep gladness ihu-
mined his face.
We've have come to spend the even
ing" said Rosamond, in quivering voice.
''Say to spend all your life"
Eyes, if you will let me, Gabriel"
Later he would ask questions. and when
she had become his wife win all the secret
thoughts of her heart; but at that moment
he could only take her into his arms, kiss
her on brow and lip, then draw her into
the warm, homely room. MATT GRIM.