The aegis & intelligencer., 1906-12-14

| Idlly slOOu lHcIcI WILHSuE prise anu ulS-
appointment plainly written on her ex
pressive face.
"Where-where is"-she began in be-
wildered way.
David came forward. 81 don't know
where he is" he said "IfI did I'd get
him for you, Miss Saybin."
''Nou?,' she asked.
"Yes. I'm little David's successor.
Will you forgive me for growing older
and larger, Miss Saybin?"
For a moment the sensitive mouth
quivered. She had anticipated so much.
Then she held out her hand and said,
with smile, IL suppose you can't help
it but you don't look much like your
picture"
ooh, that's it! Grandmother showed
you that small boy photo. did she?"
Patty nodded and smiled again After
all, this David had pleasant eyes. quite
like the little fellows. Il am glad that
you came" she said Hospitality. My
brother and are often lonely, and John
will be delighted to entertain some one
of his own age. | hear him coming
now" And she arose and went to the
door to meet him. 'John," David heard
her say, "Mr. Terrell is here"
"Mr Terrell ?" the answer came, land
who is ne, Patty"
Hush! He'll hear us. 1t is little Da-
vid. Don't laugh so loud, john" She
slapped her hand into his and led him to
the sitting room, and in few minutes
the three young people were on the short
road to friendship.
Late in the evening they adjourned to
the dining room for little lunch. Patty
had forgotten the high chair and its ac-
compartments, and it was with feeling
of dismay that she saw their visitors
eyes travelling in that direction.
Are these things for my use" He
asked laughingly.
what things?" Patty said innocently
"This high chair, tin tray and so on. :"
"Oh," she said. with guilty glance at
John, "those belong to my brother"
John stared at her in amazement. His
face grew crimson with suppressed mrth
when Mr.. Terrell said, How old 10 your
little brother ~
"Twenty-seven," Patty answered de
murely, and John exploded with laugh
ter.
"No good pretending, Patty" he cried.
"Better show him all of my old posses
sions, including the trundle bed, but We'll
not ask him to occupy it."
The morning of the golden wedding
dawned clear and bright. 1t was day
filled with happiness for all who gath
cred at the old home. At 10 that night
David Terrell gave John and Patty full
account of "the gathering of the clans" !"
as he called it. In conclusion he said, 81
shall have toask you to keep me another
night. but after that there will be room
for me at Elm Dale
81 thought you said Won must 60 to-
morrow" John exclaimed.
Eyes, that's so. but since then and
he glanced quickly at Patty-"I've made
other arrangements. My brother and
are partners, and Jim is willing that
should have my summer vacation now"
oh" Patty cried, Pm 30 glad I
Aren't you, John p
eyes. he said heartily, but this sudden
change of plans made him suspicious.
David made good use of those four
weeks. His grandmother laughingly ac-
cused him of spending half of his vaca-
ton with the Saybins.
The last day came, and David walked
over for farewell visit. He found Patty
alone on the vine shaded porch. John
was away on business, she explained.
"Never mind" David said cheerfully. at
is you l wish to see" Her clear eyes
were raised to his inqui.ingly.
"Will you keep your word" he said
gently, "and take me ?"
My word" she murmured wonder
ingly.
Yes. Before l saw you heard you
tell Lizzie that you were coming down
stairs and YOU would take me YOURSELF
There was mischievous light in his
eyes now.
Patty's face flushed. "You know l
didn't mean''-she began.
He interrupted her anxiously. But
you will take me, dear, on trial for the
sake Of little David :"
She smiled into his honest eyes, so like
those Of the child in the picture. Yes, "
she said, "f5r the sake Of little David 5
| successor"