Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-15

on the bank and watch the children l There was no reason why she should spoil Eleanor's pleasure by staying al home; she well knew that the child was too obedient and too hospitable to go away and leave her alone A few moments later radiant lit tie figure stood in the sitting-room, laughing at the girls surprise at her transformation. The dark blue skirt hung in graceful folds almost to her ankles; the scarlet sweater, with 8 i tam-o' -shanter to match, set of her ] black eyes and soft gray hair, while the excitement of the moment had ! brought an almost girlish flush to her l cheeks.
 Shell be the prettiest girl there!" 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 ripple of excitement at the appearance of the gray-haired girl" but it soon subsided The chi1- dren were too much interested in their own skating to pay much attention to anything else
 Such glorious sport as 1t was The air was just frosty enough to pre- vent the ice from melting in the bright sunshine.
 Perfect weather and perfect icel" cried Clara, ecstatically, as she fas- tened on her own skates, and then. with Eleanor's assistance, fitted the extra pair to grandma's feet.
 Let's put her between us" sug- gested Eleanor. We'll slide her round for awhile. till she feels like trying it herself"
 By this time grandma had so en- 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 grand. ma wanted to try her skill alone.
 Down she went, with a 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.
 Tn 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 1t be that grandma had allowed herself 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, sudden fear pos sessing her. What had become of grandma?
 She caught sight of Eleanor, skat- ing with Clara and another girl, whose skirt and tam-o'-shanter looked strangely familiar. Just then the three turned, and the bright sun shone full on their faces.
 Mrs. Hoyt took a long look. then sank down on the bank with little gasp. Eleanor had caught sight of her. and skated up in some alarm. 2
 But before her daughter reached her Mrs. Hoyt had recovered her self. possession and had risen to her feet.
 Eleanor Hoyt," she exclaimed. "what does this mean?"
 Eleanor, uncertain what she ought to say, gazed helplessly at grandma and Clara. who had just overtakeu her.
 Grandma looked like the spirit of winter, her cheeks flushed with exer else, her eyes glowing with excite ment, soft little curls tumbling about her face.
 "It means" she replied, smiling al her daughter-in-law's amazement | that I have found something thought I had lost forever"
 You'll find a good attack of rheu. matism," expostulated the younger | woman: but grandma shook her head emphatically.
 'T am never again going to find anything that goes with old age" she said. "It will have to find me-and hunt for me, too."-Youth's Compan Ia