Evening star., 1896-12-19

She's got a hat" announced Mrs.
Bunt griInly.
It's offul pretty: got purple grapes on
t. They're the latest style. She must of
got it in Seattle"
''Well, l wish yuh held your head up the
way she does"' The glow went out Of
Minerva's face. She's got on moo dress,
too. I'll be switched If 1t amt got velvet
panels up the sides! There-lookee! what a
straight, up an down back she's got-no
wonder she looks stylish" She turned and
gave a dissatisfied look at Mincrva's
shoulders. why can't choo hold yourself
up? Stand an stoop! She wears her dress
es mighty short
shes got pretty ankles said poor Mi
nerva. with sigh that had no malice.
There sufficient woman in her to envy
the ankles for more than the straight up
and down back.
She went to the door slowly
THAT choo. Lily Belle?' she said, with a
struggle to be cordial. I'm reel glad yuh
come. Why. Doug, you're offul red in the
face-I never see you SO red before
ITS hot work climbin' the HILL said her
mother. drily.
1T is so." said Lily Belle. gaily. I'm
ready to drop-So l guess l will" She
sunk, laughing upon a chair. my, for
got to say Merry Christmas! p"
She sat in a beautiful glow of health
and happiness, and Doug Hodges stood
looking dowr upon her, gloating over her
beauty.
AS he so stood, Minerva's eyes went to
his face and dwelt there-at first with
gentlest love, only; but later. with some
thing else that sent the blood away from
, her plain face.
well. don't set in the kitching." said
Mrs. Bunt. There's a fire n the settin'
| room. Step right in
| Lily Bell cast a glance at Minerva's old
| low-backed organ as she passed. "Oh.
Minervy. con you play the Prize Banner
| Quickstep?' -
mo; 1 wish 1 c'ud"
7 inc II
"Minervy can play Angel Voices in the
Night" announced Mrs Bunt proud as
any peacock. It's lots harder'n The Prize
! Banner It's full of little grace notes.
| Yuh can't play it, can yuh?"
'Oh, yes" said Lily Bell. pleasantly; Il
| could play it three year ago"
| She sat down at the organ and COM
menced to play something light and merry
| She played with spirit and grace, making
! the Old instrument turn out jigs and horn
pipes far neneath its dignity. Doug Hodges
| stood with his arms folded. observing her
| intently. Minerva stood with her back to
| the window; her eyes never moved from his
| face. She very pale. She breathe
slowly and noiselessly; her lips We're part
| ed. Mrs. Bunt watched all three, i'm
! partially.
Suddenly Minerva commenced coughing.
| Doug Hodges gave her a frowning look-one
| that asked, with the impatience of q ten
| years husband. II she couldn't wait till the
Rochester Scottische' was finished. She
| put her hand on her chest. and, still cough
| ing. slipped out Of the room.
Her mother gloomed after her for q mo-
ment; then she arose and followed her.
| The Christmas dinner was eaten solennly
| at O'Clock. There was a thick SOUP made
| OF canned oysters. with little rings of but
| ter floating on top; there were two big
| roasted chickens with sage dressing; a
| dome of mashed potatoes with q pool of
4 melted butter In its sunken crater; stewed
| pumpkin. stewed corn. picked peaches end
! beans, brown gravy, mlnce pie and floating
! island and crabaDple jel1y-all trembling
| time.
| Minerva served her guests faithfully. but
| she ate little herself.
When the dishes had been washed and
| the floor swept Mrs. Bunt stood the broom
| up stifhy behind the kitchen door while
| Minerva hung the dishpan out on the porch
| and stretched the dishcloth smoothly over
! 1t.
Now, Lily Belle" said Mrs Bunt firmly.
| pulling down her sleeves, well go in the
settin' room: Doug an Minervy's a-goin' to
| take a walk"
I'D just as soon go along with 'em, Mis-
| Bunt."
We'll. I guess they'd like to be alone a
leetle while-on Christmas, too''
| wed Just as soon have her along of
| us. spoke up the young man. boldly, with
| a. red face.
We'll. she'll set here with me. That's
| settled fuh'n Minervy go on now I'd laff
II Ia have anybody tag me an my girl
aroHnd mSr an t,a Gay, iInr If was young man.
well. w'u'd. I'd lam" She passed near
| Minerva THE days all set." she said, In
a stern whisper. HAS he told yuh7 It's the
THE girls large eyes glowed out Of her