The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1904-12-01
CLARE'S
HOLIDAY
By EDITH N. BLANCHARD
Copyright, 1904. by Daily Story Pub. Co.,

OUTSIDE, the snow lay thick and
" white. Inside, young girl
stared out upon it with unseeing eyes.
Some fine lace that she was making
had slipped UNDECIDED to her lap, and
she did not notice the tiny blasts OF
cold that swept in through the cracks
near the window, sometimes with
such force that they stirred the locks
of her rich brown hair.
For long time she sat thinking:
then, suddenly, a sleigh dashed rapidly
by, leaving a confused picture OF splen-
did horses, flashing harnesses, fur robes
and tinkling bells. She drew back
quickly; but not before the man in
the sleigh had seen her and lifted his
cap. With a tinge of color in her
cheeks she picked up the lace and be-
gan to work rapidly, Just as the door
was thrown open.
well, Clare, working as hard as
ever, see!" was the visitors greet
ing. She was very fashionably dressed.
Even her voice had the latest fash
ionable drawL Clare thought invol-
antarily of a fashion plate as she
helped remove the costly furs and ex-
pensiVe hat
II passed the senator as came
in," she remarked, with a sharp, in
quisitive glance, seating herself on
the wide window seat, where she
could see everything inside or out
side the room. A trif1e more color
came to Clares cheeks.
YES, saw his drive by" she an
swered. Then there was silence. The
visitor drummed on the window
pane.
We'll" she finally inquired,
haven't you anything to tell me?
Isn't it settled yet? Haven't you seen
the folly of sticking here, when you
might have more money than you
could spend"
And disreputable old man thrown
int" flashed Clare. Now, let's not 90
all over the old ground again. We
have done it so often before. you
know, with no good results. l have
as much right to my opinions as you
have TO yours. You made your own
choice, and took wealth and position
and the man! But why bother
about me? You have everything you
want"
among them a sister who disgraces
mel"
Glare looked up proudly. "You will
apologize for that word, or you and I
will never meet again." she said,
calmly. Mrs. Singleton saw the dan
ger signal in her eyes.
ooh, l will, of counsel" she ex-
claimed. But l really do not know
what word to use in it's place. You
are the one thing that keeps me back.
socially; every once in a while people
mention my 'seamstress sister, Ever
since Lady Herford heard it she has
taken pains to inquire for you everJ
time we meet l was not invited to
her last dinner, either, and / am sure
it was on account Of you," she fin
ished. in an aggrieved tone.
Poor Julia!" exclaimed her sister,
half mocfingly II am not a seam
stress. But don't you think the,
would better call me one than to say
/ sold myself for gold2"
Mrs. Singleton shrugged her shout
ders.
"Tf you are going to get personal,
think I'll CO." she said. rising. But,
Clare, if you won't say yes to the
senator. please, oh, please leave all
this and live with me. Perhaps soci-
ETY. will take you back after a while"
A peculiar smile fitted across
Clare's face.
"Do you really think SOP" she in
quired. Mrs. Singleton pondered
eyes. do" she finally said "Of
course it will mean a lot Of hard
work; they won't forget for a long
while. But I think it might be man
aged"
Then Clare laughed outright, and
laughed again at Mrs. Singletons sur
prise.
LET me see. julia" she said gently.
at is now six months since father
NiCh anu SaiiO uSiS w Cdi IL oWu
living by painting and making lace.
Yes. fnow I refused to share your
home, and insisted on coming to this
questionable street And this. yon
say, has cost me my position in soci-
ETY.? VIII you open that top drawer
Of the desk? See what Is there"
"Why, It is full of letters-invita-
tions!" exclaimed Mrs. Singleton, do
ing as she was requested. What! Do
you mean to say you've been receiving
them all the timer"
Several every day" carelessly.
and you never told me! You al
ways were the oldest person | ever
saw, and-what's this? The Hon
George Verner's dinner and LOUIS
Beresford's!" she exclaimed. envious-
ly. "Lady Herford's. tool" she almos.
screamed And you refused invita-
tions that half the town would hays
given anything to get! Are you
crazy?"
"No. not quite" laughed Clare.
"But think I shall be II You do not
go soon. Julia. You get me all mud
died up" as old nanny used to say,