The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-12-27

that big ranch O. your'n for breach o.
promise
Minerva came in again, and Mrs.
Bunt retired with a parting injunction,
Don't set W later'n u, yuh goose
heads, your
Miss Lily Belle Mcnamara arrived
on the noon boat Young Hodges went
down to meet her. Minerva and her
mother stood at the window watching
them climb the hill.
Shes got a moo hat" announced
Mrs. Blunt, grimly.
It's offul pretty; got purple grapes
on t. They're the latest style. She
must of got it in Seattle"
We'll, wish yuh held your head up
the way she doest' The glow went
out of Minerva's face. She's got on
moo dress, too. I'll be switched if it
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 Minerals shoulders.
why can't choo hold yourself up?
Stand an stoop! She wears her
dresses mighty short
She's got pretty ankles, said poor
Minerva, with a sigh that had no
malice. There was sufficient woman in
her to envy the ankles far more than
the straight. uD and down back.
She went to the door slowly.
That choo, Lily BELIEF" she said,
with a struggle to be cordial. I'm
reel glad yuh come. Why, Doug, you're
offul red in the facet never see you
so red before"
It's hot work climbin' the hill,' said
her mother. drily.
1T is so,'' said Lily Belle, gaily.
I'm ready to drop-so / guess I will.
She sunk, laughing, upon a chair. My,
1 forgot to say Merry Christmas
She sat in a beautiful glow of health
and happiness, and Doug Hodges stood
looking down upon, 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
something else that sent the blood
away from her plain face.
We'll, don't set in the Kitchen" said
Mrs. Blunt. There's a fire n the set
tin room. Step right in
Lily Bell cast glance at Minerva s
old low-backed organ as she passed.
.Oh, Minervy, can you play the Prize
Banner Quickstep?'
No; 1 wish 1 cu'd.''
well, can-I've just learned it,"
"Minervy can play Angel Voices in
the Night, announced Mrs. Bunt
proud as any peacock. Its lots harder
n The Prize Banner It's full of little
grace notes. Yuh can't play it, can
your
"Oh, yes said Lily Belle, pleasant
ly; Il could play it three years 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 hornpipes far beneath it's
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 was very pale. She breathed
slowly and noiselessly; her lips were
parted. Mrs. Bunt watched all three,
Suddenly Minerva commenced cough
ing. Doug Hodges gave her frowning
look-one tina, asked with the i'm
patience of ten years husband if she
couldn't wait till the Rochester Schot-
tische" was finished. She put her hand
on her chest and, still coughing, slipped
out of the room.
Her mother gloomed after her for a
moment; then she arose and followed
her.
The Christmas dinner was eaten
solemnly at 3 o'clock. There was a
thick soup, made of canned oysters,
with little rings of butter floating on
top; there were two big roasted chick
ems with sage dressing; a dome of
mashed poIatoS with a pool of melted
butter in its sunken centre, stewed
stewed corn, picked peaches
and beans, brown gravy, mince pie and
floating island and crabapple jelly-all
and glowing upon the table
at the same time.
Minerva served her guests faithfully;
but she ate little herself.
When the dishes had been washed
and the floor swept Mrs. Blunt stood
the broom up stiffiy behind the kitchen
door, While Minerva hung the dishDan
out on the porch and stretched the
smoothly over it.
Now, Lily Belle said Mrs. Bunt,
firmly, pulling down her sleeves, well
go in the settin' room. Doug an Mi
nervy's a-goin' to take walk"
I'D just as soon go along with 'em,
Mis- Bunt.'
well, 1 guess they'd like to be alone
a leetle while-on Christmas, too"
Wed just as soon have her along
Of u.s. spoke up the young man, bold
Iy. with a red face.
We'll, she'll set here with me. That's
settled. Yuh n Minervy go on now. I'd
aff if I'd have anybody tag me an my
girl around all day, if 1 was a young
man."
why, the idee!' futtered Lily Belle.
well, l w'u'd. I'd laff." She passed
near Minerva. 1.-The days all set" she
said. in a stern whisper. HAS he told
yuh? It's the first day o. May"
The girls large eyes glowed out of
her white face.
who set it?"
'1 did"
The sunset was drawing its long
beautiful ribbons out of the beryl skies
and coiling them so low in the west in
splendid loops of color. A strong wind
was blowing uD the arm; the waves
pounded and broke upon the rocks.
Minerva walked silently by her
overs side. Once she shivered and
lrew her cape closer about her chest.
Several times she coughed.
You've got a cold amt choo?" said
he young man, at last, indifferently.
NO, only a cough
He looked at her. You've got thin
ler n when 1 was here last"
It's been six months" Her voice
sounded hollow. There was a drawn
ook about her mouth.
1T has? So long? Why it didn't
seem more n a month.
As he began to walk more slowly.
she fell into his pace unconscious
Y, like an obedient dog.
1T seems like six years to me-" The
words ought to have shaken his soul
here was such heartbreak in them.
1T all depends on the way you spend
7our time, l s'pose," he said. A smile
anne upon his mouth; his eyes smiled
oo-as in memory of something sweet.
The girl saw. Her breath came with
sound that was almost a sob. She !
topped suddenly and faced him. All
Ter passion, all her heartbreak, all her
despair broke loose in that second and |
lna, % CHI ant l. |