Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-11-12
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to kneel; 1 want to be alone. Then
Ellis heard her hand seeking the knob Of
the door. Hastily she. turned to meet
her mother at the threshold.
You are better, Queen Mother, God
be thanked. You have looked better
every day. Will you--not como in, Mrs.
Daunton"
'"Thank you, no; not just now. I
will 60 and put out the lights and leave
you two together for awhile. know
Mrs. Farrar Is pining for peep at her
soldier boys window" Already Mrs
Farrar was moving thither. and Ellis
darted eagerly forward.
Zone moment, mother, DEAR" she
cried. "Let me draw the ourtain-it-
it doesn' t. work WE'LL"
And with the words she boldly threw
aside tho heavy curtain and noisily. os-.
tentatiously raised the sash. Just az she
believed would be the case, the skulker.
alarmed. sprang back behind the corner
Of the adjoining house and deep within
its shadow. Willis light was still burn
ing brightly, and in her clear, silvery
voice his sister called his name. HE'LL
answer in minute, mother. Don't
come to the window yet," she added.
Then again, "Willy, Willyr'
And, IS though answering her call, as
though watchful, ready, eager to serve,
even though unsummoned, another form
came suddenly into sight on the moon
light walk in front, and voice she we'll
knew hailed from over the low picket
fence: Twill has just gone up our way,
Miss Farrar. l brought him message
3 moment ago. Can be of any serv-
ice2'' And there, Of course. was Jack
Ormsby.
THANK you, no" was the answer in
cold constraint. II had no idea he had
gone and that you were there. Mother
merely wished to speak with him a mo.
ment," and with that she meant to dis
miss him, but her mother, panied BY
her tone of constraint and GOODNESS to-
ward one whom she herself SO greatly
liked, came to the window herself
ELLIS, you are not even courteous to
that honest gentleman" she said in
gentle reproach. "Mr. Ormsby." she
added In cordial tones, ARE you going
anywhere? Are you busy7"
ENTIRELY at your service, Mrs. Far
rar. found myself de trop at the house
after the colonel took his nightcap and
his leave, 80 came out for stroll.
The major and Aunt Lou are trying to
remember where they left off last night,
and Kitty, I fancy. is bullying the lieu
tenant"
"Then would you mind coming in
one minute? have a little packet that
I want Willy to find on his dressing ia
BILE when he comes in."
Mother" pleaded Ellis almost
breathlessly; "I-I'-,
Hush; dear. Mr.. Ormsby will be-
glad, know"
And Mr. Ormsby was only too glad.
Promptly he came to the door. Prompt
ly he was admitted by Mrs. Daunton,
who stood with palpitating heart at the
foot of the stairs.
Thank you 80 much. was Mrs Far
rar's hail from the landing above. 1T
is in my room and will be ready in one
minute if you will kindly step into the
And then Mrs. Farrar passed on
into her room, and with no audible
word Mrs. Daunton and Jack passed
into the parlor. Ellis stood q mo.
ment, confused, COMPOUNDED, irresolute.
turned back into her own room, and
only by miracle recovered herself In
time to prevent the loud slam Of the
door. Then, with heavily beating heart,
she stood there In the middle Of the
floor listening for yet not listening to
the sound Of voices from below. the
cold night air blowing In from the open
oaAement unnoticed, even the lnysteri',
GUS prowler at the back Of the house
for the moment utterly forgotten.
And meantime, turning quickly upon
Ormsby, the moment she had led him
within the parlor below, Helen Daun-
ton, III low, trembling, yet determined
accents, spoke hurriedly: II had not
hoped for this. At best thought to see
you no sooner than tomorrow night.
You have read my note?"
Ormsby bowed coldly. Eyes, but no
words can tell you my surprise at seeing
you here in this household and as tho
trusted companion Of whom have
heard so much. Do they know you
are'-
"They know nothing. They have
maI.o me welcome and made life sweet