The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1905-12-30

kept wondering why he had gone away so
suddenly. At times she had thought that
his eyes told a story that would have been
worth listening to; but he had gone with
out word Since she had been living
alone she had thought of him often.
The senator, and all the advantages he
could offer, being definitely refused, Clare
grew brighter, and the tired look left her
face. She often sang light heartedly, as
the days few on toward Christmas All
invitations were refused, and on Christmas
morning she arose as usual and began to
paint. Soon she threw down her brush
in despair.
"It's no use; [ can t today she said,
mournfully. II do really hate holidays
Everything will go all right tomorrow, but
for today must give it up
To pass the time away she began to look
through some of her fathers old books
but her mind still wandered off to the
laughing blue eyes. She remembered,
with start, that it was just one year since
she had seen him. There had been COM
pany-she had slipped away to the library
for a stolen glimpse of book she was
reading He had followed and they had
a happy half hour together. Then some
one called, and when at last she returned
the room was empty. She had never seen
him since What was it she had been
reading? Oh, yes, vanity Fart She
looked through the books, and when she
found it touched it tenderly. They had
discussed it together! Someway, the
laughing blue eyes seemed very near her
now
eff he had said only one word she
murmured
Suddenly something white and bulky
fell from the book to her lap. She caught
her breath as she saw that it was letter
with an unbroken seal. She knew the
writing-and her hands trembled. In a
flash she saw it all He had left it in the
book she had been reading, thinking she
would find it at once And she had not
opened the book since! As she read, tears
filled her eyes; it was the outpouring Of a
boyish soul, revealing his love, and asking
her to wait. When she reached the end
she bowed her head and wept tears Of joy.
II would rather have one letter like
this she sobbed, ethan thousand SEN
ators, with all their money! l do not think
| dislike holidays so much, after all =
Christmas evening was spent in writing
page after page Of explanations. There
were Sc many that the letter was much
over weight.
The last days of the year slipped rapidly
by. and no reply came. Clare began to
look anxious. All sorts of fears beset her
she could not account for his silence.
Finally came the last day of the year-and
still no reply.
"Another holiday tomorrow" Glare
groaned ''How | hate them - She
retired early and cried herself to sleep,
dreaming all night of deaths, sickness
murders, fires and many horrible, impos
sible things. A vigorous knocking awoke
her early in the morning.
Telegram, ma am!'' said a voice
Clare dressed as hastily as possible, ter
rible fear at her heart. Her dreams mus
have meant trouble of some kind, and she
felt that it had come. Trembling, sht
tore open the envelope.
"Happy New Year for us both. VIII
arrive today. Letter just received.
"FRANK."
"Oh, I wish | had never said such
horrid things about holidays!'' exclaimed
Clare, with solemn joy.