The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-01-02

pattern OF bedQutlt, DeneNe- Anu
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
"Humph!' said she. Yes, I'll go and
She was gone for some time-half an
hour, at least, as IL seemed to Muriel,
and when she came back, the girl
started up.
1T is nearly dark" she said. Il
must make haste home"
Wen; you needn't be in such a fur
ry." said Aunt Dora, with a grim
chuckle. 1--WE sent the pattern by Tom
my Jenkins. He's half way to shore by
this time"
Muriel uttered little shrek.
And how am 1 to get homer she
cried.
You amt to get home at ALL" said
Aunt Dora. You're to stay and spend
the New Year with me. That's what
your mother said in her note.
But i shall mott" exclaimed Muriel.
stamping her foot vehemently. Il must
go home, 1 expect company to-mor-
row."
"Sit down and be easy-do!' said
Aunt Dora. Must is for the king. Id
like to know how on earth you're 10
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 a hard. dis
sonant laugh that was like the croak
of a raven.
For a moment Muriel gazed wildly
around like a newly Gagged bird, tnen
she burst into tears and sobs.
1T is all a stratagem of mother s!
she cried, wringing her hands. Il
might have known IL! l might nave
known it,"
And that night at the White Reefs
lighthouse, with the melancholy sea
tapping the foot of the tower and the
wind whistling 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.
Because you have deceived met"
| cried Muriel. You and mother!"
"Humph!" said Aunt Dora. It's all
for your own good. You'll thank US
one of these days. Girls oughtnt 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,
listlessly gazing out on the sparkling
floor of the deep.
us that a boat coming?" she asked
| herself. with one man In 1t? Is II
coming here. l wonder?"
Nearer and nearer came the boat,
rocking lightly on the surface of the
waves, and presently Muriel started
up, with a cry OF Joy.
! For II was Paul Clifton waving his
hand to her, as he came ever nearer
and nearer.
"A happy New Year, sweet Muriel!''
he called out, as the boat touched the
stone steps. Il am the enchanted
knight come to rescue you from the
prison tower!'
.SHow did you know / was here?'
said Muriel. with sparkling eyes and
velvety cheeks dyed crimson.
Your mother was entirely noncom-
! INITIAL" said Clifton gayly. Il could
learn nothing whatsoever from her ex-
cept that you were well and were mol
receiving company. But l was fortu'
! nate enough to meet Tommy Jenkins
who, for the consideration of silver
.uuarter, ANONYMOUSLY turned state
evidence And here / am, my sweet
heart Will you come with meT
"Of course 1 WILL" said Muriel
springing lightly into the boat. Blu
where?"
ITO be married" said Paul Clifton
TT is high time that this system OF ty'
ranny was broken up. My little Murie
must be mine alone henceforward. do
you not agree with me?"
And Muriel answered:
Yes"
Aunt Dora got to the window just II
time to Shrek an Intellectual summons
TO the pair in the fast receding boat
Its no use,' said Aunt Dora, draw
ing long breath. When a girl is II
love. she is neither to hold nor to bind
I've done the best 1 could. Mehitabl
can't blame me-"
Two hours later Muriel walked int
the old brown rooted house on tn
shore, leaning on Paul Clifton's arm.
Mother" said she to the amaze'
Mrs. Vane, who fully believed that sh
was directing her weird" in the solitar.
lighthouse tower. II am married! An
. this is my husband. Will you forgive
. US. please? For am so very, very hap
by to-day that l do not want Twin
soul to be at variance with me!'
! And so Muriel signed her declaration
, Of independence, and became Paul Clif
toms wife upon this glorious. sunshin
, New Years day. And Mrs. Vane an
Aunt Dora were compelled to comics
themselves outwitted and TO acceI
. their defeat with as good grace as pos
sible.
: Fate is fate" said Aunt Dora grim
ly.
concern" said Mrs. Vane.
But Paul and Muriel were serenel
q happy. And what mattered aught else
a A trip from Montana to the East ca