The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1899-08-19

He left the men and skirted the
house, avoiding the kitchen windows
and stealing in the way back, where he
removed his shoes and quietly passed
through the upper rooms and down the
front stairs, when he put on his shoes
again.
He managed to open the door. II
stuck, but he had forgotten that 1t
opened in. In fact, he never remem-
bered having opened it at nll before.
The men filed into the stuffy parlor.
some one suggested that the windows
be opened. Lyford stared for mo-
ment. There were no screens in the
windows.
"Oh. yes!" he replied, with deal of
energy. "Of course. l meant to have
them open and forgot. Mrs. Merritt
has been very busy or she would have
attended to it for me-"
His blue eyes twitched and he drew a
dows and flung back the blinds. He
saw dozen flies dart in, and he gave
quiet chuckle. His emancipation had
begun. ~.
The meeting opened. with its usual
solemnity, but it soon grew exciting
and there was a busy hum of voices.
The men had removed their coats and
they swung like draperies from chair
backs, the family Bible on the marble
center table made an excellent desk for
the presiding officer, and ballots and
papers were literally distributed over
the floor; some of the men were smok-
ing.
Lyford was making speech. 1t WAS
n very excellent speech, on the freedom
Of the individual. His audience was in
tcrested Suddenly there was n hush.
lie turned and Mrs. Merritt stood in the
doorway. Lyford gave a little gasp.
The eyes of the men were upon him,
and he Strengthened visibly.
1.-THE meeting of the committee, you
know, my dear" he explained, with the
faintest tremor in his voice. II trust
we have not disturbed you" His eyes
were bit bcseeching.
Several of the men were on their feet.
One was struggling into a coat. Mrs.
Merritt did not reply. Her keen brown
eyes swept the room and u peculiar
smile settled on her face.
~ was going to suggest"-Lyford
made the great effort of his life-'I was
going to suggest, seeing il is so very
warm, that we prepare some sort Of re-
freshment for the gentlemen, Caroline"
There was a note of inquiry in his
voice. His wife turned, and, with "A
hurried excuse, he followed. a nervous
laugh from one of the men broke the
tension of the moment.
1--WE shall have to give him an Office"
some enc suggested.
He was gone some time, and then his
wife returned with him. He carried
| big pitcher of ice tea, while she bore
n platter of spiked cake and jumbles,
which she afterward supplemented with
loaf cake and pickles.
1t was a very social intermission that
followed. Mrs. Merritt made herself
very charming, and Lyford was in the
highest spirits. Then she retired and
the meeting went on. Lyford was nom
mated for school committee. He ac-
cepted, of course. His wife had never
allowed him to run before. 1t would
make her nervous to think of his re-
sponsibility.
At six the meeting broke up. LyfoTd
escorted them to the gate and watched
them as they passed from sight. Then
he slowly returned to the house, gave a
| long look at the disordered room,
closed the door and shuffled off to the
shed. There he sat for several moments
and drew hard at his old pipe.
The supper bell rang. At the sound
be hastily started for the door. His
hand was on the latch, then he hest
lated, his hand dropped and he returned
to the bench, sat down and ran his fin
gers through his hair.
The bell rang second time. He
laid his pipe down carefully, arose, gave
his vest pull, settled his hat firmly on
his head, and steadfastly walked into
the kitchen.
His wife was sitting by the table
pouring the tea.
lie hesitated Il moment. She looked
very pretty as she sat there--pretticr
than usual, somehow. Perhaps she had
on better dress.
WAS your meeting successful?" she
queried, her eyes on the amber liquid.
Very" he replied, MS he crossed the
room to where his coat hung on the
wooden peg. They nominated me for
school committee"
She nodded her head rehcctively
you will make a good one" she said.
"They ought TO put good men in Office"
He stared at her back. I'm sorry the
parlor-" he began.
"You needn't be-" she broke in, sharp
ly. II guess" She set the teapot
down, and, arising carefully, walked
around the table and set it down at her
husbands place. ~ guess that a man
has right to do as he wants to in his
own house"
She glanced at him proudly. One arm
was in his coat sleeve.
Its pretty warm" she remarked,
seating herself again, "and, Lyford,
perhaps you'd be more comfortable il
you didn't put your coat on
He sent n keen glance in her drec-
ton, and his blue eyes twinkled. Me-
chemically he replaced the coat and