The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1898-12-13

a=zzE~- r24ssgla aEsiaaS - c
laughed OUT Oh tome now Let's smile up faces and
wook pweasan It'll be nicer when lights tome in Whv
don't you hab gas lectrc lights Aunt Emwine Devs de
boss!"
She glanced at him askance something passed over her
face that of the muscles if scarcely smile while
she said less fercely,
"Oh sit down, Natalie! You might as WE'LL Pattys slower
than an ox-team sandy road your won't be ready
this hour suppose may be allowed to pass the night
here% sarcastcally. "1f you had written, OFT
"Aunt, you cruel to me! Robert loved YOU He re-
membered you with his last breath and RI
Mammal! renonstrantly "s you scodin' Aunt En- wine~
Mrs Radamant smiled gently.
NO. Robbie DEAR and with hopeless gesture she turned
and left the ROOM
Robert looked after her with sad little face
IVY mamma cwles a gweat deal since my paper to
Heaben he whispered leaning thoughtfully against Miss
Emmelnes knee, and looking up her wrinkled vsage
with great brown eyes, with sympathy "Gwamma
says mus be dood an twouble her. So don't tease
but I've been telling Santa Caus what envy night up
the chimney I'm glad you've dod big chimney for he can
heah better and den will be for him to come down
on CWismas Eve. Is vat tomowwow nights?
The old lady nodded nvoluntary and leaned toward
the little fellow like one drawn by hypnotic influence
We'll, we must all hang up toclngsr with satisfied
laugh "And do hope he'll bwing me sled and twain Of
| tars! Do you pose he wil9"
"I- shouldn't wonder"
Her hard, aborknoted hand surrepttious way
until touched the dmpled bit of beauty lying white upon
her old stuff gown and something thrilled her heart as she
fet the exquisite flesh of the baby boy But step outside
made her sit suddenly poor little Robbie nearly fell
over the wofskn and his condolences were ended for
the moment memorable bedtime soon bore him awav
1t was late in the midnight watches and Miss Radamants
subers had been uneasy She woke suddenly with sense
OF dread, and distinctly heard sound the little hooded
porch OF her wing It slight clicking sound and
as she sat in bed she knew instantly some one was
trying her lock from without The sharp little noise ceased
then she distinctly heard low and hushed
Halt parazed with the sudden she otoness gaz
ing towards the door, expecting every instant to see il burst
open Again the cick-click small and yet so omnous
Wnat could she do! With her and her hating walk she
cond never steal unheard, and she dare call out
Every minute seemed hour she sat- rigid each
nerve each sense strained to ntensest The
sounds grew assured and something giving wav
She must scream, or-"Ah-h"
She breatd the relieved exclamation as childish
rent the air. followed instantly by the flare of distant LIGHT
by voices and movement With blessed sense companion
ship she reached for her and started from the But
as she passed the window she caught between the slightly
parted curtains sudden glimpse yard and street be-
You'd There, moving rapidly sadowy shapes
that showed for against the group of snornged
cedars just within the gate.
An instant later she stood her nece gaunt and e
pressonless
s the child l she asked of pretty young figure bend
ing the canopied bed.
"Oh, Aunt! You startled me- No. 1 think not Are YOU
sick, Robbie? Does your ache?"
"Nom," came sobbingy from the pillow. 81 was jeaming
fought bid giant had got Aunt Emwine cane and was
gon to pound her And called and called but yon did MT
to help us, mammal"
The old lady approached the bedside.
"Aun Emmelne SAFE Rober-thanks to you!o she said
In softer voice than natural to Sleep and don't
cry Natalie, I'd leave the lamp lighted, if were YOU
Children are often uneasy in strange house. Good night
and she retired but sleep the grew of
early down brought feeling of security.
AS the family sat at breakfast Master Robert sustaining the
major part OF the conversation Patty rushing in her