The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1906-02-24


after they had departed. and only
Stella Phinney and Martin remained,
the was still sObbing. To leave the
room Tor the last time was almost az
much IL tax as parting from the school,
for the ten years had imprinted every
nook. Granny, and outline Of that lit
tie temple on her heart. and when the
door was closed and locked by Martin
and the three drove away, she was
still unable to speak,
The affair was 4 tribute she might
we'll be proud of. for never before had
it's like occurred in Grccnvale. and yet,
when the hOrsc's hOOfs struck the old
red bridge on their way home. TO Anglo
they sounded like the rapid fall Of
clOtlS upon a coffin.
II can't undo my hcartstrings," she
said to Martin that night, land to-
days experience has made me feel that
] am like IL ship without a rudder. l
have lived with the growing ambitions
OF my little men and women SO long,
they have chung to me, and loved me,
and them, all these ycars, that they
are part of my life. ! am snrc | shall
feel like the prisoner who, after SPEND
ing 10 years in one cell each night.
was rcleased, only TO 30 back there in
a month and beg for the privilege Of
entering it again."
But Christmas day brought another
mood TO this more than lOvable girl,
and also Il surprise to Martin. He had,
ms might be expected. almost filled her
home with presents for all It's men,
hers, n list too long for mention, and
they bad all eaten banquet dinner at
the doctors and with music and
games passed the afternoon. It was
not Il day celebrated as Thanksgiving
was, and when nightfall came, Aunt
Comfort led tho way bOmewartl.
u shall see you this evening. hope,"
Angie whispered TO Martin ere she fol-
lowed; lat least | want to. I've lit
tie Christmas present waiting for you."
What II was he could not even guess
in fact did not expect any. His
evenings there were usually passed in
the sitting room. for the parlor was
slow to warm now winter had come,
and Aunt Comforts presence was no
,ar to conversation with Angie. She
alsO--lilie the wise mother she was
retired early. and did so tonight.
Then, for Il charming hour, Angie and
Martin had the room to themselves.
No mention Of his own feelings or
hopes was made by him-hc had since
the first abandoned that subject-and
the school farewell, with books and tho
latest gossip, furnished topics. 1t was
almost time for separation, and yet no
mention OF the Christmas token had
Leen made by Angie
II thought was to receive a pres
ent." he said at last, "or was it a joke?"
1T may prove sorry one" she an
swercd. but have one Tor YOU, and
will go out and get it. When I return,
III knock; You must then arise, close
your eyes. and promise not to open
them until say tho wOrd'
Somewhat mystificd. he promised.
and for a long half hour he watched
the fire and listened to the clock. And
thst half hour seemed likely to never
end.
Al last came the knock, and he arose
and slutifully closed his Dyes. Soon
he heard the door softly open and
close. then a gentle, rustling step, and
when. Now 'you may look" was
whispered. he opened his eyes. And
what vision greeted him, for there,
glowing with bushes and half con-
cealed beneath veil STOOD Angie, q.
bride in dress and pose. with hands
folded and eyes downcast. A woman
beautiful as sculptor's dream!
Here is your present." she whis-
pered at last, raising her love-lit eyes
to his, you have robbed me of my
sch0o-and-and-I must have some
one to care for In place of it,
And now did he. or did he not con,
slider that veil superhuous? Let me
assure you, kind reader, TN never tell,
=. 80 Be ceglinusAl = = 49,.