The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-02-11


II is three o'clock. The early din
ner is over at Gorse Cottage; as Violet
puts 1t. the one excitement OF the day
has come to an end.
Before a freshly-llghted FIRE Mrs.
Widen sits enveloped in white knit
ted shawl; she has established herself
for an afternoon doze, and looks upon
the whole tolerably comfortable. The
same cannot be said OF her niece Vio-
let, who is established beside the low
easement window in a folding Amer
lean chair with carpet seat. A look OF
utter boredom mars her pretty face,
whilst her pale pink costume is mar
tistically finished off by wooden anti
macassar-striped scarlet and black;
she holds book In her hands. but
seems to be thinking rather than read
Ing, and evidently her thoughts are not
like her dress, rose colored.
Good gracious mel" cries a laugh
ing voice, suddenly breaking in upon
the silence which has reigned in the
room for the last half-hour. What is
the matter' Has everybody got colds
or what. that you are all wrapped up
like Egyptian mummies?"
Shell" cries Mrs. Widen, starting
out Of her half doze with frightened
look. what has happenedl Why have
you Gomez"
"Only freak OF mine, mother dearl
Just thought | should like mouthful
Of bracing airl" laughs Shell. as she
kisses her mother half a dozen times,
and then turns a scrutinizing gaze all
round the room.
Mrs. Widen returns the kisses with
interest--if one corner OF her heart is
warmer than another. Shell possesses
that corner.
II was afraid something had hap
pened," she says, with her eyes still
fixed lovingly on her daughters face;
but l am very glad that you decided
to join us-only you might have writ
ten. dear"
you are welcome as the flowers In
May" cries Violet. who has left her
chair. and at this juncture gives Shell
cousinly hug, only you were an aw-
full goose to comet II ever get back
to Mudford. wild horses shall never
drag me to a moor again."
But what is the matter with the
moor?" asks Shell. II thought II per-
fectly lovely as we came along-so
fresh and free and wild and breezy;
then the village itself is so quaint
could spend six weeks in sketching It."
But l can't sketch. you see." yawns
Violet; "and as to its being fresh and
wild and breezy. why. 1t is like mid
winter. l doubt IL l shall ever get
thoroughly warm again. BY the way,
did you see Mr.. Champley. and did you
bring the wraps | asked fort"
Il did; and. what is more, brought
your velveteen dress"
you thoughtful darlingl l believe !
shall find courage to go out of doors
again. now you have come"
I'VE certainly do find II very cold
here" interposes Mrs. Wilden's gentle
voice; and the house Is 30 scantily
furnished that one seems devoid OF
comfort"
Comfort" cries vi, with a laugh
| vi Bun III lhOct tiutlltdu CHAlI
represent comfort? There Is no couch
and no coal-box, the windows and
doors are simply draught-traps, and the
carpets are so full OF holes one IL ir
constant danger OF tripping. Wait til
you have seen the window curtains OF
windy night-it is a case OF perpetua
motion-and. as a climax. have only
two blankets on my bed"
Poor, prosecuted VII" laughs Shell
much amused at her cousins trasi
face. "oHw does Ruby stand It, an,
where is she?"
Here she comesl" responds VI, VIII,
is standing with her elbows on tn
broad window-sill. "She has been owe
at Meadowcroft seeing to the children.
As she speaks. Miss Widen enters tn
room-she starts slightly on seein
Shell, but there Is no look Of welcom
on her face.
What brought you here?" she ask
imprlnting a ceremony-klss on Shell
upturned face.
1.-THE carriers wagon" answers She
naively.
There issues a simultaneous exclami
ton OF surprise and horror from III
ladies present.
what In the world induced you
come by the carriers wagon?" d.
mands Ruby. with face the color I
beetroot.
1.-THE spirit OF economy" answer
Shell coolly. II found a fly would
U twelve and sixpence; / didn't feel ju
titled in spending all that on mysel
). so | came with the carrier-I and Il
parcels together were only one-an'
+ six"
you were certainly not justified
II becoming a disgrace to us all and eau
; ing the finger of scorn to be point'
at our poyertyl" exclaims Ruby hotl
. There was only one old woman b
; sides myself" explains Shell calml.
e "and | don't think she'll point Il
. finger OF scorn because she called n
'dearie' all the way, and seemed qui
70 pleasant old body"
Don't scold her kuby-the chi
y meant WE'LL" interposes Mrs. Wilde
with a smile at Shell. And how
! you leave things at home, dear?"
Ito be Continued.)
/" Awkward