Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1899-12-29

INK tomorrow. Mamma said so. didn't
you. mamma: And say"-he put up
bis lips cCLlleutiaIly aud whispered
we've cot a chicken auI some nuts
firing 10 the lamp. Kate" said
Haly,TSun hoarsply. struC- ing rp from
the cl.u-.u- child. I've got 10 dress
and GO
slipper Is nearly ready" sho said
"You.Il eat with us. won't you: II
isn't often we have you nowadays.
George"
I've got 10 20" he repeated.
She brought in a lamp as he drew on
his shoes auI fastened his SuSprn l"rs
He >t,odr to the little mirror in the
cheap piGr dresser ami Taturrrd his
face before il in silence The hoy
looked on in Interested silence as he
began TO shave himself The woman
sat upon the bed and regarded him
wistfui Y, but In silence also.
The ulor of Stcwins foods came from
the other rooms. The man uoIlrl his
head significantly toward the open
door aS his razor paused.
The np,ghborS must have scut some
thing ill.," be- said. with a bitter sucrr.
"or was it the county agent: what's
all this talk about Santa Claus any
way? Have you been mockiu- your
own child again: Aren't things bad
enough without thatE'
His tone was harsh, and the woman
smiled patheticaily. She answered
gently:
a mother doesn't mock her baby.
George will have all hr has bccu led
TO expect tomorrow anyway. And its
the New Year. George. dear" She rose
and came TO him, putting her hand on
his shoulder the New Year full
Of hope, ii not OF promise. can't we
be brave togpthrrE You always have
said you wanted only a chance; that
something must turn up. Perhaps il
will when the New Year comes"
He shook the hand away. and the
razor cut bis cheek.
You must have had windtall.' he
snarled as he stanched the wound.
w Nslih u NJ va ltlt ~ ~ a A' So
1t wasn't the neiChhorS them
- here was 10 wiudtall" she answer
ed slowly Il was only trying to hold
on for your sake and-aui bis. had
4 ring you know
Her voice faltered, and he wheeled
sharply. looking into her face. She
held up her tarr left hand and Su led
into his eyes hravrly for one fitting
moment Then she GuuE brrSeIf prone
upon the bed. shaking with couyul-
sive sohs The child ran TO her and.
buryinS bis face in her skirts, cried
too.
Halvcrson made haste TO finish dress.
ing As be hurried into his ulster his
wife rose quickly and staid him with a
gesture
You won't stay"
81 can't" he muttered surlily. Il
have an engagement"
You'll be back tonight"'
Where else could go'" he answer
ed, but his eyes evaded hers,
George" she said pleadiugly. TO
morrow will be New Years There is
something wish you would bring me
home tonight for a New Years gift.
VIII YOU His wife clung to him as
she spoke. both arms around his neck.
What is it," he asked His throat
was full of husks, but his manner
softened. The hoy crept TO him and
wrapped him tight
"A new man, George" she said bro
kenly.
He kissed her, stopped and kissed the
boy and went out without word.
HaIverson walked with uncertain.
hesitating steps eastward In the dim
bystrect to Clark. Empty cars We're
running southward. 1t was 6 o'clock.
/ The sky was clearing. and the night
promised fair. Along the great artery
of the North Side, smooth In It's new
dress of asphalt, the brilliant electric
light shouc in farfetchiug lanes q
milky way fallen to gross earth. AS
. the bell of an approaching train her
aided It's coming he felt mechanically
in his pockets for fare. There was
nothing. Struggling closer into his col
lar. he started riyerward. walking
/ more briskly now. He was shyerinC,
although we'll clad, and within block
1 he entered saloon. Tie barkeeper
was alone.
Il guess you'll have TO let me have
one on credit till next time, Dick" said
| HalvprSou. with affected briskneSS
It's pretty sharp outside. old man
/ of the shelf. please"
The harkcepcr looked at him curious
ly as be poured out glassful of wills,
| Ky and drank 1t eagerly.
/ You look Ike a ghost. sure enough.
/ his host commented as HAlverSon set
down the glass. What have you been
doing to yourself, my SON."
\ roSteriug party of young men
/ burst through the doorway before
/ HalvcrSon could answer He knew
them all, aud they greeted him "Tu
I sively.
Were out for sport tonight, Geor
/ gle. my lad Come along and see the
/ old year out. Be a good fellow" cried
one. slapping bis back with Jealous
I energy,
Halverson laughed. I'm broke TO
night. Charley he said airily, as II Il
were Joke he could not but relish.
That makes 10 difference yeUjrned
Charley boisterously. I've got enough
for both VI US. Just drew u no1iU's
pay. you know. Come on"
What d!d il matter? Since he wa
going 20 end It all. was going 10 make
bis escape. vas goiuS - sAutHe off It's
Responsibilities this uIght before ever
/ the new gear dawurd, what did Il
matter? Cnc morp night. with Il,
riot Of spirits 10 lis s&aNiDE ru'scs a
last wlrl Of The towc. 1t might hard
on his CIR, resolution, He would 60
and he went.
It was ten hours later wien a porter