The Newtown bee., 1897-12-03

cheeks deepening to crimson at the
words. "Hannah is calling you"
A hushed peace brooded over the
place. The logs snapped and cracked
gently, shooting their weird lights anG
shadows IN the stiffness. Candles glim
mered everywhere with soft radiance
The tall old clock in the hall stately
licked off the minutes, until it was with
in an hour of the time for the few other
guests to arrive.
Suddenly there came sharp click OF
the gate, followed by hasty, firm tread
on the walk.
"Here is note for you, Esther
Dorcas said, bursting into the parlor.
At the same time the knocker sounded,
Hannah opened the door and Burleigh
Mannis entered.
~ only gave Esther the note this
moment" Dorcas stammered.
Pardon me, Miss Keep" Burleigh
apologized, as he caught sight of Es-
ther. "There must have been a mis-
take" He looked inquiringly at Han
nah.
~ did not know you were expected, -
Esther replied in confusion, the scarlet
covering throat and brow. Then Han
nah somehow ushered them into the
room and closed the door, before the low
tones of conversation in other places had
paused.
Ten-twenty-forty minutes passed,
when the door opened. Hannah! Dor
cas!' Burleigh called in a ringing
voice, which lifted burden from those
watching and waiting. "Your assist.
ance, please"
NJ must know ali about this con.
spiracy." Esther demanded, as one by
one the culprits appeared. II think ii
was unparliamentarv, Hannah" she
blushed, halfshrinking within the pro-
lection of a clump of green.
81 will confess of APPROVAL Harris &C.
knowledged, breaking an ominous
silence. "Dorcas led me into it, nolens
volens."
"Give Harris one of your lectures on
Adam, Hannah" Jared broke in, which
opportune remark restored self-posses
sion.
sit was all the fault of the paper hid
den in the silk, I'D orcas began, with 8
pleading look in her eyes. 81 did moi
know it was secret, Esther, until reaC
it then the whole scheme came to me
I confided in Hannah and Jared, anC
when went to the city made bust
ness errand to Burleigh to reconnoiter
His interest in affairs here revealed hi
state of mind, and we then just deter
mined to have thankful Thanksgiving
1t is not necessary to disclose all of oul
diplomatic skill, Hannah. / was to Civ
you the note, Esther, Immediately. Bur
leigh sent it as soon as he arrived al
Jared's to-day, that you might decline Il
receive him if you wished. / thought
wiser not to give much time, and let yol
| settle the mistake yourselves" No.
| The sequel justifies your wisdom,
Burleigh said. 'sAnd now here is thi
lady, who promised to marry me Thanks
giving day, dressed In the wonderful
Easter silk, the guests already here, an
the clergyman on the way, asking fo
more time. maintain she cannot hav
it,
j A chorus of approval followed
moment of CONSERVATION.
s'Sartin', she can't" from Jared.
/, ssThe majority rule,'' from HANNAH
$50 that question is settled"
"And, Esther,'' Dorcas urged, sit
your right by birth TO be married first i
the best square room And-Well,
( tell the truth, we have been so much Il
! terested in our risky scheme, | have nj
thought much about myself; but I b
Iieve we are to be married tonight
with an arch look at Harris, ssand it is q
) most the hour. We are all sready, Ha
nah, and Esther and Burleigh will pr
j cede US. This Is 4 result we dare n
: hope for just yet
ri Great was the ssurprise to both CUES
. and the town, when it learn ed Of q
J double wedding; but only the few int
4 ested knew just how it came about.
!, This Is jest the sthankfullest Thanh