The state herald., 1894-04-06

| AJ oohninB noOo ana shawl,
ran ont of the house, down the path,
and to the road, in the middle Of
which was livery team and buggy.
These she recognized as being from,
Brandon, the nearest town to the
north. The cause Of the stoppage
WA apparent. A wheel had come of.
A man on the front seat was restrain
ing the horses with one hand. In his
left arm he held an awkward bundle.
" beg your pardon, said pleasant,
well.modulated voice. rs there no
man upat the house who can help me?''
MY father and the hired man are
both away. But can aid you, II you
Will let me-" She was busily unhitch-
ing the horses rs she spoke. "There!
Now, ii you will lead the horses UP to
the barn, shall carry your parcel"
A mellow laugh sounded on the
frosty mir
1.-THE parcel" he remarked, as he
handed it to her, sis a baby"
"a baby!' repeated Margaret, al
most, between astonishment and
numbness of her bare fingers, letting
the soft, heavy bundle fall. She ran
up to the house with it as fast as she
could go, while the stranger drew the
wagon to the roadside, and led the
horses to the barn. When he entered
the parlor Of the canyons home, he
found Margaret warming milk for the
fat little lassie who sat contentedly
on grannie's lap, while the boy slept
soundly ON the lounge.
Grannie looked sharply at him over
her spectaclcs.
why, you're Mr.. Williston's son; II
amt wrong"
Yes, he replied. ~ am on my
way bacA from England. The carriage
was to have met me at Crandon, but
failed to do SO. The only man could
get to drive me appeared half drunk,
so attempted-foolishly, l admit-to
drive the distance home alone. 1 had
no idea, when leaving Crandon, that
the night was going to turn out 80
cold, or l would have remained ut the
hotel there until tomorrow. We were
fortunate, however, in having the
accident occur-if occur II must-so
near Mr. canyons house. This is Mr.
canyons house, is IL not?"
Yes" assented Margaret, land
there is father now"
The old couple, hurrying in, were
quite cordial to their unexpected
guest, and Mrs. Lanyon hustled around
to make the three comfortable for the
night II was with secret interest
and sympathy Margaret regarded
Palmer Williston. Mention of his
name recalled the story her father
had told her that day at dinner.
The Willistons were the great pco-
pie of that part of the country, and
owned beautiful home. Several
years ago the only daughter of the
house had run away with French
music master. She had been dis
owned, and her name was not spoken
among her relatives.
This fall n letter had come from
abroad. stating that she was dying
that her husband was dead. Her
brother at once left to bring her back,
but when he reached her former resi-
dence, he was too late TO do aught
save bring the children home to their
grandparents.
The following morning dawned blue
and bright Philander. who had come
from the village with n lengthy string
of excuses, repaired the buggy. and
drove the guests to their destination.
The acquaintanceship, so siugularly
begun, did not end there, however.
Palmer Williston came over frequently
during the holidays to the pleasant
old farmhouse on the hill. lie was q
fine. straight, honorable young fellow.
and the folks approved Of him most
heartily.
New Years came and went. II was
time for Margaret TO go back TO school.
II was Palmer Williston who drove
her to the depot Mt Crandon, where
she was 10 take the train.
Margaret" he said, ~ mn coming
to see you graduate In June. And
then am going TO tell you story"
THAT will be very nice" she said.
but she would not meet his gaze. ~
like stories"
DO you." forcing her to look Mt
him. like love-stories, Margaret?"
"If they are well told, yes" and her
cheeks were rose-red.
II shall try to tell this one well"
he declared. with happy laugh.
1--WE are almost Mt the depot, Marga-
ret. Won't you kiss me good-byc?"
She did not resist when he pressed
three rapturous kisses on her temp.
ting lips.
In June following he was present Mt
the graduating exercises, and ON their
way home he told Margaret delight.
full love-story, which 40 pleased her
that In September she became Palmer
Williston's bride.