The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-10-18

She could stay cn the bank and watch
the children. There was no reason
why she should spoil Eleanor's pleas
ure by staying at home; she we'll knew
that the child was too obedient and
too hospitable" to so away and leave
her home
A few minutes later a radiant little
figure stood in the sitting-room,
Mughing at the girls surprise at her
transformation. The dark blue skirt
hung in graceful folds almost to her
ankles; the scarlet sweater, with a
tam-o-shanter to match. set off her
black eyes and soft gray hair, while
the excitement of the moment had
brought an almost girlish flush to her
cheeks.
She'll be the prettiest gEl here"
cried Clara, enthusiastically. We'll
pull her to the pond on your sled, so
that she won't be tired before the
skating, begins"
Upon the sled they bundled her, and
away they raced to the pond.
There was a ripple of excitement at
the appearance Of the gray-haired
girl" but it soon subsided. The
children were too much interested in
their own skating to pay much atten-
ton to anything else.
Such glorious sport as it wag! The
air was just frosty enough to prevent
the ice from melting in the bright
sunshine.
Perfect weather and perfect ice"
cried Clara. estatically, as she fastened
on her own skates. and then, with
Eleanor's assistance. fitted the extra
pair to grandma's feet.
Lets put her between u.s." suggest
ed Eleanor. well slide her around
for a while, till she feels like trying it
herself"
BY this time grandma had so ell
tered into the spirit Of the fun that her
intention to stay on the bank was quite
forgotten. The trio skinned over the
pond: then grandma wanted to try
her skill alone.
Down she went, with suddenness
that quite took her breath away; but
by the time the frightened girls had
helped her to her feet she was ready
to try again, assuring them that she
was only out of practice.
In the meantime young Mrs. Hoyt
had returned to the deserted house, and
was wondering what had become of
her mother-in-law and Eleanor. Could
it be that grandma had allowed her,
self to be taken to the pond to watch
the skaters? Eleanor ought to know
better than to sacrifice the poor old
lady to her childish pleasure.
Her mind filled with such thoughts.
Mrs. Hoyt started for the pond. The
merry shouts of the skaters reached
her ears while she was still some dis
tance away. There was no lonely lit
tie figure on the bank. Mrs. Hoyt'
quickened her pace, i sudden fear pos
sessing her. What had become Of
grandma?
She caught sight Of Eleanor, skating
with Clara and another girl. whose
skirt and tam-o' -shanter looked strang-
" familiar Just then the three turned,
and the bright sun sh1ne full on their
faces.
Mrs. Hoyt took "a long look, then
sank down Oh the bank with little
gasp. Eleanor had caught sight Of her,
and skated up in some alarm.
But before her daughter reached her
Mrs. Hoyt had recovered her self-pos-
session and had risen to her feet.
Eleanor Hoyt," she exclaimed,
what does this mean?"
Eleanor, uncertain what she should
say, gazed helplessly at grandma and
Clara, who had just overtaken her.
Grandma looked like the spirit Of
winter. her cheeks flushed with exer-
else, her eyes glowing with excite
ment, soft little curis tumbling about
her face.
1T means" she replied, smiling at
her daughter-inlaw's amazement.
that have found something I thought
I had lost forever"
you'll find good attack of rheu-
matism." expostulated the younger
woman; but grandma shook her head
Il am never again going to find any
thing that goes with old age" she
said. "It will have to find me-and
hunt for me, too" - Youths Com
panion.