The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-21

to kneel before their parents and ask
their blessing"
Yes, yes; that is so, said Mr. Vail
combe. at is the old, the very old
habitude."
well, it's mighty different here" re-
marked Mr.. Sanders In this State an
section even the half-grown children give
their parents a blessin out any day in
the year, an they are so superior to them
that raised EN- that they seem to git
along mighty well wi'out a blessin' of
any kind But that's a gray boss of an
other color. This is case whar we can't
hang up stockins, an even bags is bar
red. One of Tire presents wen have the
honor to give the young lady has got so
many sharp ends and corners that it can't
be showed into anything less'n a hogs
head Havin' no hogshead, We'll have to
stand it mp by the tree"
And so the matter was arranged. That
afternoon the tree, a lusty young holly,
with a rank growth of foliage, was
brought in from the woods and concealed
in the carriage house. The next day
there were various mysterious consulta-
lions going on. Miss Johns was with
Nan, and if she observed anything out of
the ordinary she gave no, sign.
But the day before Christmas she could
hardly fail to note that something ex-
traordinary was on foot. Nan was not
visible, and when Miss Johns would play
on the piano she found the parlor door
locked, and, pausing. moment, she
heard muffled and mysterious sounds
within For a second-oh, it was the
briefest moment-a sharp pang of loneli-
ness Cor was it jealouslyO seized and
took possession of her; and then, in a
flash, she remembered her pleasant sur
roundings and all that had been done
to make her happy.
There were other things she remember
ed. too--things that brought heightened
color to her face, and caused her sensi-
tive lips to culver. She told herself that
though she ought to be happy, she was
not happy at all. She wanted to go
away, but burst not. Oh, there were
times when a wild and frightened heart
was nuttering in that innocent BOSOM
especially when Randolph Dorrington's
step was heard on the gravelled walk
She turned away from the parlor door.
If there was nothing else she could do,
she could finish a piece of lace she was
making; so she took her work and sat
out of doors in the pleasant sunshine
Nan, who had been set to watch all of
Zephcrine's movements gave sigh Of re-
lief. Thank goodness she cried.
Now I can go into the parlor without
climbing in at the window"
Christmas morning dawned bright and
beautiful
There was not a cloud in the sky or a
hint of frost in the air. The hooking
birds were singing in the orchard, and
the blue jays We're vigorously Gliding a
gray squirrel in one OF the big oaks. An
early breakfast was the rule at Shady
Dale, and Christmas morning was no
exception. The negroes were crowding
around the back door, ready to cry out,
Christmas gift" to all who came in
sight. Then Sarah Clopton made her APP
pearance, and the negroes Were soon in
possession Of the present intended for
them; and not one was forgotten.
Following this came the justly famous
Christmas tree. Mr.. Sanders threw open
the door of the parlor The room pre-
scented a very beautiful appearance. The
heavy red curtains had been drawn to-
gether to exclude the light of day. The
illumination came from the six big can
dlesticks that had done duty in the Clop-
ton family for many generations. The
Christmas tree. also, Lore 4 burden of
small candles attached to its boughs, and
was furthermore loaded with packages
of various shapes and sizes. 1t made
very brave show, indeed. 1t was placed
at one end of the large ROOM being flank
ed on either side by custains which COM
pletely concealed the corners.
From behind one of these curtains
came Peter Valicombe, who said that
everything was ready. Then, turning to
Miss Johns he said in French: "Madem-
oiselle will you please play for us
one of the songs you heard when a child,
one that your good father taught your"
Zepherine hesitated, her hands clasped
together. But why?" she asked; and
then. without waiting for an answer, she
went to the piano, drew a deep breath
and began a lifting melody that her
father had composed for his violin. 1t
was very beautiful; but few among those
who were listening heard it to the end.
The curtains behind the Christmas tree
slowly parted, and a stranger made his
appearance. He moved toward the piano,
Ills udlT was WHlle do SuOWy
but his face was that of a man in the
prime of life. His features We're at once
fine and strong, and his eyes were brill
liant.
ooh, how beautiful" exclaimed the
impUlsive Nan. Zepherine thought she
was enraptured by the melody, but Nan
was no longer listening to the piano.
For some reason or other which he
never could explain to himself Randolph
Darlington stepped forward and took the
stranger by the hand and led him nearer
the piano.
AS Flavian Dion listened to his own
music, played by the daughter who had
been all in all to him, he broke down;
the tears began to roll down his face
He fumbled awkwardly for his handker-
chief, saying: II beg you pardon. That
ees my liz girl! That ees my liz child!
have seen her, oh, not for many long
time"
When Zepherine turned around the
first thing she saw was Randolph Dor
ington holding the hand Of
Her thoughts flew no further. ooh,
what is this?" she cried. But there was
no need to tell her; she knew. She had
haoD avnna+ioor lilo this She