The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1899-12-17

Christmas evening In my own comfortable
chair beside the fire than driving about In
hanson. The driver entered into con-
sultatton with the solitary policeman on
point duty outside the Marquir Of CRANKY
and afterward drove straight down the
into = new suburban district Of rather
large, detached houses. each with spacious
gardens. o highly genteel neighborhood.
which had extended beyond the confines
of Brockley into what was until quite re-
Gently open fields. Suddenly we pulled up
before large, artisncally gabled house
OF red brick standing back behind we'll
kept lawn. with several monkey trees in
front. Hidden from the vulgar gaze by q
high oak fence II was one Of the largest
houses in the vicinity, and as descended
and lifted Ctssie out she at once recognized
the place, saying joyfully:
"why. this IL our house! wonder what
mother will say"
And she LEFT me. and bounded up the
well-rolled graveled path TO the door,
where she rang the bell violently.
A neat maid with long-stringed cap an
! swered. but the next instant a rather hand
some well-preserved woman In widows
mourning rushed out into the hall and
with loud cry OF JOY snatched up her
child. kissing her again and again.
II thought you we're lost. my darlingv'
she cried through her tears Of joy. The
police have been In search OF you all day"
Then. In the same breath she thanked
me, inquired how and where had found
the little wanderer and invited me inside
Won't you take on your coat and join
US at dinnorY' she said. I'VE have only
this moment commenced. and we cannot
allow you to return without thanking you"
was ravenously hungry, therefore the
savory smell OF roast turkey decided me,
and divesting myself Of hat and coat. I
. followed my hostess into the warm dining
room. 1t was q well and substantially
furnished apartment, tastefully decorated.
the table shining with silver and pretty
with floral decorations. At the head sat
smart, well-groomed man about As. In
evening dress, who rose ana greeted me.
being introduced by MrA Matheson as
Mr.. PAUL. her brother. and quickly
place was laid for me and I sat down to q
plate OF very excellent soup
Cissie sat next her mother, little worse
for her adventure, and we were quickly
very merry Quartette.
Briefly explained how had found her
crying In Pembridge square, and Of my
visit to all the Clifton roads In London.
whereupon Mrs. Matheson. with tears Of
joy still in her eyes. said:
II really don't know how to sufficiently
thank you. sir. Today has been most
anxious and terrible day to us. 1t y the
first anniversary Of my dear husbands
death, and had lost my only child. You
have, indeed, made my Christmas q happy
one, for I have recovered my darling Cis-
Me," and she stroked the child's soft gold
en- hair with mothers tender hand.
''This unexpected meeting this evening
is,'' said, Sufficient reward for any lit
tie trouble I've taken. 1t was perhaps for
tunate that found her. or some thief or
other might have stolen her diamond
bangle"
ooh, my sister has been imagining the
most dreadful things all day." her brother
laughed, II felt certain, however, that the
precious Cissie must turn up before very
long,"
"strange though 1t may SEEM" said.
"many people lost in London are never
heard OF again."
Mrs. Matheson exchanged a quick glance
with her brother, and the latter, in
rather curious voice, answered:
Eyes, that's so. Hundreds yearly, I've
heard 1t said."
Cissie's account of her straying seemed
quite correct, for the nursery governess
was called and explained how she entered
the shop in High street. Noting Hill, and
when she came out failed to discover her
charge.
Dinner was half way through. when sud-
denly heard the sound Of wheels outside.
I remarked upon 1t, when Mrs. Matheson.
with another glance at her brother. said:
"Oh, i've sent your cabman away. 1t is
unnecessary to keep him here all the even
ing. You won't go for an hour or so yet"