The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1904-11-27

Conclusion. Continued from last sun
day.
CHAPTER XIX.
GRANITE.
Joshua drove through mud and rair
to bring Aunt Mary's solace from the
station.
Aunt Mary had herself propped up II
bed to be ready for the return, before
the horses feet had ceased to cry splash
on the road outside of the gate. Her
eagerness tinged her paIlor pink.
MY gracious heavens, Lucinda"Cfor
Lucinda was back now, she said, joy
fully, Ito think that I needn't look at
you for week if don't want to-"
Lucinda rocked placidly; hers was
what is called an even disposition"
If it hadn't have been, she might have
led an entirely, different life-in fact she
would most certainly have lived some
where else, for she couldn't possibly
have lived with Aunt Mary.
The hour shat ensued after Joshua's
departure was so long that it resulted
in a nap for the invalid, and Lucinda
had to wake her by slamming the closet
door when the arrival turned in the
gate.
Has he got her?" Aunt Mary cried,
breathlessly. Has he got some one
with him? Run, Lucinda, an bring her
in. She needn't wipe her feet, tell her;
you can brush the hall afterwards.
Well, why amt you hurryin'?''
Just then Janice appeared in the door
Lucinda was just behind her-a strik-
ing contrast.
You dear, blessed Granted" cried
the old lady, stretching out her hands.
"Oh, my! but I'm glad to see youI Come
right straight here. No; shut the door
first. LUCINDA, you go out an do
most anything). An how is the city?''
Janice came to the bedside and
dropped on her knees there, taking
Aunt Mary's withered hand in hers and
kissing it.
You didn't shut the door," the old
lady whispered, hoarsely. IT wish you
would-an' bolt it, too. An then come
straight back to me-
Janice closed and bolted the door,
and returned to the bedside Aunt
Mary drew her down close to her, and
her voice and eyes were hungry, in
deed, as she said:
Granite, have you got any cigarettes
with you?"
The maid shook her head sadly.
do you smoke now?'' she asked, with
interest.
NOV said Aunt Mary, IAN that's
the trouble. I'm achin' to smell smoke,
an Joshua promised his mother the
night before he was twenty-one. It's
farrih1a hnx 7
where JUS all tibet time Don't you believe
It you could get some cigarettes an
smoke 'em right close to me, an let
me lay here an be so happy while
smell. I'll have good doctor for you,
if you're sick from it,
The maid reflected; then she nodded
''Tll write to town. she cried, in her
high, clear tones. What brand do
you like best?''
''MitcheIrs." said Aunt Mary. But
you can't get those, because he made
'em himself an sealed 'em with lick
Ohi' she sighed, with the accent of a
starving Sybarite, II do wish I could
see him do it again.
Janice began to take off her hat and
cloak.
That's your room in there" Aunt
Mary said, pointing toward a half-open
door at the side. II wanted you as
close as 1 could get YOU
Janice went in, and hung up her
things.
Can you hum 'Iiawatha' % she was
asked when she came back. AR can
you do that kind of sh-sh-sh that
everybody does all together at the end,
you know?"
Janice smiled, and, placing herself in
or
ear trumpet, rendered the desired "mor-
ceau'' in style which would have done
credit TO a solofst in a Cafe Chantant
Aunt Mary's lips wreathed in seraphic
bliss.
N.Y. she said, II feel just as if I
was back eatin' crabs legs and tails
again. No oneIl ever know how I've
missed city life this winter but-well,
you saw Lucinda,"
Janice nodded sympathetically.
Il hope you brought a trunk. I amt
a bit sure when I'll be able to let you
co. pursued the old lady. ct don't be-
heve 1 can let you go until I go, too.
I've most died here alone
Il brought a trunk Janice cried in
to the ear trumpet
I'm glad" said Aunt Mary She
paused, and her eyes grew wistfuI.
Granite, she asked, do you think
you could manage to do a skirt dance
on the footboard? I'm most wild to
see some lace shake"
Janice looked doubtfully at the foot
board. 1t was wide for a footboard,
but narrow-too narrow-for a skirt
dance
But I can do one On the floor" she
cried.
Aunt Mary's features became SUI
fused with ecstasy.
"Oh, Granted" she murmured, in
joyful accents.
The maid stood up, and. going off as
far as the limits of the spacious bed
room would allow, executed a most
fetching and dainty pas seul to a tune
of her own humming.
Give me suthin' to pound whit
cried her enthusiastic audience. "Oh,