The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1904-12-22

why, bless mel Why-Miss Lett
tia!" he cried, recovering his umbrel-
la, which the shock had knocked from
his hand. and gently assisting her to
regain her feet. you out in all
this storm-and without any protec-
tion! May / not take you homer"
"Oh, mol" cried Letitia, noting with
a faint thrill even in her agitation that
he remembered her first name. at is
Letty-my niece, little Lefty She has
run away, Mr. Hollister-that is, she's
gone-out in the rain somewhere
don't know where! Could you-oh,
could you help me to find herr"
Help you'll" said the minister. with
an energy that filed Letitla with as
tonishment. His ardor literally took
her off her feet, for he turned about,
tucked her hand roughly under his
arm, that he might better protect her
from the rain, and started off down the
street at pace which left her cling
ing brea.hless and helpless to that
strong support Now, which way did
she go?" he demanded with masterful
sternness.
Il don't know" said Letitia. "She
was-she had been--disturbed and
she ran out without stopping for
anything. She is so quick--she never
waits to think-and she is delicate,
Mr.. Hollister, and must find her."
Her voice was broken, for her eyes
were blind with other drops than those
which the storm swept numerically
into her face. The minister's voice
grew suddenly gentle, and he lowered
the umbrella over her dropping head.
We viii find her. Miss Letitia,' he
Said quietly. Never fear. You may
depend on me"
Needless Of the storm, In her girlish
passion of grief and anger, she had
flown out to the rocks by a path which
Letitia took almost instructive
", knowing it to be favorite walk
Of the girls at all seasons Of the year.
And there. when the first violence Of
the storm had spent itself. they found
her, crouching in a sheltered corner,
drenched and shivering.
She sprang up when she saw them
coming, and faced them with little
laugh Of surprise. half vexed, half de-
fiant.
Why, Aunt Letitia." she cried,
what did you come out in this storm
for? Are you looking for me? Don't
you know / always come out to the
rocks whenever have chance, rain
or no rain? | love them!"
IN such a storm as this? And with
out rubbers or waterproof You must
love them indeedl" said Mr.. Hollister.
But the girls face was beginning to
CULVER, and he turned away while she
and her aunt looked at each other
speechless. Then Letltia rallied and
spoke. grayely and gently.
1T was a wild prank. Lefty. and we
we're worried about you; so came
to look for you. and met Mr.. HOLSTER
on the way-which was fortunate, as
he is the only one OF us who has an
umbrella forgot mine. Come, child,
we must hurry and get you home"
Il wish you aaSa't come!" cried
Lefty. laughing and frowning petu.
lantly in the reckless excitement Of
her mood. 4 was having such a good
timel I'm a duck-did you know it.,
Mr.. Hollister?-and can go out in all
weathers without any harm to me or
my plumage. But since you haye
come. we may as well 60 home at
once. suppose. Come, Aunt Letitia.
we mustn't keep the minister and his
precious umbrella waiting! don't
need II, but you do"
She ran ahead Of them lightly over
the slippery rocks; and as they hur-
ried home. she laughed and talked
with willful gayety, and bade the min
lister a blithe and rallying goodbye
when he left them. draggled and drip
ping, at their door. But once within
the warm room the reaction came,
and she fell back, suddenly faint and
white.
Then, carrying her away from Le-
titia, who insisted upon being left to
dry and warm and look after her onn
exhausted self, Harriet and Josephine
took the girl in hand, put her to bed
and cared for her with sturdy skill
and tenderness, and as much explana-
ton as would suffice to quiet her trou-
bled mind and relieve their own feel
ings, full to Overlooking.
She was still upstairs in her little
bed. resting. when Letitis4 who had
slept over" too, came down into the
sitting-room. and standing beside the
table, where the sunshine streamed
over the cheerful morning order OF
book and paper and basket, began to
speak very quietly, though with GER
tain tenseness in her voice and face, to
her sisters, who went on with their
sewing while they listened.
4 want to tell you" said Letiua.
how It happened. We haven't said
anything about It yet. but OF course
know we've got to. know what you
think. It isn't the same as If was
a young girl like Lefty, but / know
you disapprove Of me-you think it
was q very strange thing to do and
that I'm very selfish and secret and
queer"
Il should think you might as well
admit that you we're secret, at least"