Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1896-01-02


Greer ms. ovor-lI tlls glasSy surfaoe Of
the l5a.
Aunt Dora was at home IN fact,
aunt Dora never was anywhere else.
Her own society, little as other people
cared for 1t, was all sufficient Tor her
self
"Oh, it's you, is it:' said Aunt Dora,
as unconcerned as if she lived on dry
land and was in the habit Of seeing
company every hour in the day. She
was darning stockings by her own espe-
cial little lamp, and the teapot already
simrrered ON the hob for her tea. ANY
thing the matter? Because I couldn't
leave the light if it was ever sO''-
"No, nothing is the matter" said
Muriel 81 have brought you note
from my mother Something about the
pattern of a bedquilt, believe. And
some chickens and apples and bag Of
fresh hickory nuts "
Aunt Dora read the note once, twice,
three times over. Then she regarded
Muriel in a sinister fashion from under
her thick, black brows, while the girl
played unconsciously with the cat,
huIlDH SeA4N SA4I. N,J = ~ ~
and get the patternr'
She was gone some time-haf an
hour, at least, as it seemed to Muriel,
and when she came back, tho girl start
ed up.
''It is nearly dark" she said Il
must make haste home. -
well you needn't be in such fur
ry'' said Aunt Dora, with a grim
chuckle. "I've sent the pattern by Tom
my Jenkins. He's half way to shore by
this time -
MurieI uttered little shrek.
"And how am TO get homer" she
cried.
"You amt to get home at all, >" said
Aunt Dora. lyon re to stay and spend
the New Year with me. That's what
your mother said in her note. -
"But 1 shall notr' exclaimed Muriel,
stamping her foot vehemently. 81 must
90 home! Iexpect company tomorrow.
"Sit down and be easy-dow said
Aunt Dora. "Must is for the king. I'd
like to know how on earth you re to get
home, with only one boat at the steps,
and that padlocked tight, with the key
snug at the bottom Of my pocket |"
And Aunt Dora laughed hard, dis
sonant laugh that was like the croak Of
a raven.
For moment Muriel gazed wildly
around like a newly Gagged bird, then
she burst into tears and sobs.
"It is all stratagem of mother'sv'
she cried, wringing her hands. 81
might have known it, I might have
known itr
And that night at the White Reefs
lighthouse, with the melancholy sea
tapping the foot of the tower and the
wind whistlipg around the steady glow
of the beacon, was the dreariest that
Muriel ever spent in her life.
"You amt good company tonight" "
said Aunt Dora, glancing at her niece
ever and anon between the stitches Of
her darning.
"Becanse you have deceived meP'
cried Muriel "You and motherp'
"Humphp' said Aunt Dora. Its all
for your own good. You II thank us one
of these days. Girls oughtn't to have
their own way"
But Muriel only wept on and refused
to be comforted.
She went down to the foot Of the
tower, the next day, and sat there, her
cloak wrapped about her shoulders, list
lessly gazing out. on the sparkling floor
Of the deep.
''Is that boat coming:" she asked
herself with one man III it? Is it
,oming here, wonder?"
Nearer and nearer came the boat,
rocking lightly on the surface Of the
waves, and presently Muriel started up,
with cry Of joy.
For it was Paul Clifton waving his
hand to her, as he came ever nearer and
nearer.
ga happy New Year, sweet Murielr'
he called out, as the boat touched the
stone steps. Il am the enchanted knight
come to rescue you from the prison tow
er!'
"How did you know was here?"
said Muriel, with sparkling eyes and
velvety cheeks dyed with crimson.
"Your mother was entirely noncom-
INITIAL" said Clifton gayly. II could
learn nothing whatsoever from her ex-
cept that you were we'll and were not
receiving company But Twas fortunate
enough to meet Tommy jenkins, who,
for the consideration of silver quarter,
ANONYMOUSLY turned states evidence.
And here am, my sweetheart viii
you come with meT"
"Of course / will, said Muriel,
springing tightly into the boat "But
wheref"
''To be married. " said Mr.. Paul Cliff
ton. "It is high time that this system
Of tyranny was broken up My little
Muriel must be mine and mine alone
henceforward. Do you not agree with
meT'
And Muriel answered:
eyes. "
Aunt Dora got to the window just in
time to shrek an Intellectual summons
20 the pair in the fast receding boat.
"It's no use, " saidAunt Dora, draw
ing long breath. "When girl is in
love, she is neither to hold nor to bind.
I've done the best l could Mehitable
can't blame meP'
Two hours later Muriel walked into
the old brown rooted house ON the shore,
leaning on Paul Clifton's arm.
Mother" said she to the amazed
Mrs. Vane, who fully believed that she
was directing her weird" in the solitary
lighthouse tower, Il am married! And
this is my husband. viii you forgive
us, please? For am so very, very hap
py today that ] do not want living
soul TO be at variance with me"
And so Muriel signed her declaration
Of independence, and became Paul Cliff
toms wife upon this glorious sunshiny
New Years day. And Mrs. Vane and
Aunt Dora were compelled to confess
themselves outwitted and to accept
their defeat with as good grace as pos
sible.
Fate is fate" said Aunt Dora grim
ly.
"And I wash my hands Of the whole
concern, =" said Mrs Vane.
But Paul and Muriel were serenely
happy. And what mattered aught else?
New York Ledger.
Christmas Bells Ring Joyful TidinEs TO All