Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-07-15

face OF his old friend, beyond Q
doubt.
Raymond made three steps across
the room to the sofa and caught
Philips thin hand.
"Phil-Phil Crofton, have you for
COTTON me?"
"Raymond-is il possible? Where
how did you find us out?" said
Philip disconnectedly.
Felicia looked ON in wide-eyed sur
prise for few moments, until Philip
remembered her.
Felicia, this is my old friend Ray
mond. You have often heard me
speak of him."
"Oh, yes. am so glad to see you,
Mr.. Raymond. Felicia gave him
her hand with pretty, cordial greet
ing. After moment she added,
pleasantly: "You are just in time to
share our tea, so / will go and see
about it and leave you and Philip to
have talk"
She left the room and John Ray
mond drew chair to his friends
side, and heard his story.
Raymond was touched by the brief
tale. 1t was easy to read between the
lines ofpoverty and struggle. But he
had no time to say anything, for
Felicia was coming
Appearances are deceitful. She did
not look in the least like a literary
woman, thought Mr.. Raymond, at the
end of a very pleasant evening.
He paid them several more visits in
the next few weeks, but told them
little about himself, except the inter
esting fact that he was married and
had the most charming wife and most
wonderful baby in the world.
A day or two before Thanksgiving,
Felicia received letter from her
friendly editor-a very kind letter,
enclosing a check for her story. Now
there was cause for thanksgiving, in
deed Philip could have the new
dressing gown she had so long wanted
for him.
At this point Raymond tapped at
the door and she sprang up to wei
come him.
"You look as if You had good
news" he remarked as he shook
hands.
Felicia looked at Philip. He re-
turned the look and laughed.
"She is too modest to tell you,
John, but will, for am proud of
my little sister"
He explained, and Raymond ex-
pressed his pleasure, but without
hiQt of his previous knowledge of the
subject. Presently he changed the
conversation. s---~ ~'--
my wife would have called on
you, Miss Crofton, but you under
stand, am sure, that it has been inn
possible. 1t is not mere excuse"
sob, yes, l quite understand, said
Felicia readily.
Then I have message for you
from her. She expects to have few
friends to dinner on Thanksgiving,
and she enjoined me to beg you both
to come to us. 1t is not an empty
form, L assure you. She really wishes
it, and so do L. Phil, you will come,
will you not? 1 should like to see you
in my house."
Philip and Felicia looked at each
other. "What shall L wear?" was the
question written in her eyes. He un-
derstood it and laughed.
''I'll go if you VIII, Felicia" he
said.
1t was settled at last. The white
dress, skilfully altered and freshen-
ed by Felicia's deft fingers, was pro-
nounced good enough for quiet din
ner party. They went early as Ray
mond had begged them to do, to save
Philip the embarrassment of entering
on the crutches before strangers.
Little Mrs. Raymond was expecting
them, and came promptly forward
with such bright cordial greeting
that Felicia's slight shyness and re-
luctance vanished at once.
Presently Raymond came in and
took possession of his friend, and
soon the other guests began to gather.
Felicia found herself introduced to
one and another, and her old love of
society revived. She talked we'll, in
her soft voice, and Philip look at her
now and then approvingly.
But the party was not complete.
II am so provoked" said Mrs. Ray
mond, when she found herself beside
Felicia again. 81 Expected my brother,
and he promised me to come early
all, there he is"
At sight of him Felicia started visi-
bly, and the color suddenly left her
cheeks. He made his way to his sis
ter's side to be greeted with reproach-
es. Couldn't help it," he said. II
was detained. Here his eyes fell on
Felicia, and he also started, but con-
trolled himself Immediately. Mrs.
Raymond introduced them and moved
away. Carroll Mortimer took the va
cant chair beside Felicia. Their posi-
ton was awkward. Three years ago
they had quarrclled violently and
parted. When Carroll rep ented and
went back to make amends the bird
had flown, and Philip and Felicia were
lost in the great city. He broke the
silence at last.
Felicia, do you know now I have
looked for you?"
"Have you?" returned Felicia, in
expressively, though her heart was
beating.
"Have I? How cold you are.
Have You forgotten the old days,
Felicia? went back to the farm to
beg you to forgive me" flash of
Joy suddenly illuminated her face
q. n 4. 4 r.