Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-01-23

Hester Blake finished sweeping the
snow from her front porch and then
looked obviously at the huge drifts ly
ing across the road and the slaty Sky
above.
''They won't come" she assured her
self. Cousin Emma II never venture
out such Il day as this. It'll be the
first Christmas I've ever spent alone"
She sighed unconsciously as she re-
entered the silent house.
Mrs. Blake lived in the outskirts of
the village of Clifton. She kept n boy
10 do the chores, had a COW and chick
ems and lived in a comfortable way on
4 tiny income. She was Aunt Hes
ter to all the young people of her ac-
quantance, which was considerable,
for she was popular, this worn woman
| of fifty. Her sad blue eyes and faded
brown hair had compelling charm
even under the rusty black hat which
she wore in winter and summer alike,
and when she smiled your heart went
| out to her. You could have told her
your most intimate troubles, sure of Il
tender understanding and sympathy
| and that the confidence would so no
| further
The bright, shiny little kitchen had
| the incipient smells of good things for
| dinner in it, and Mrs. Blake set to add
| ing yet another savory Odor.
Might as we'll finish getting the din
ncr now I've started it," ran on her
| low monotone. She talked to herself
for company. Mercy me-sleigh bells"
] hastily opening the door. Charlie
Brock and Elvie Lee of all people,
Hurry in and I'll get you some hot cot
fee. It'll heat You up. Why, Elvie,
what was your father thinking of to
let you ride out in such weather.
Father doesn't know anything about
it," faltered Elvie miserably.
| Mrs. Blake's glance went from one
to the other as she poured the steam
ing coffee. There were little humorous,
indulgent creases in her face. You
are running away" she said.
Elvira hung her head and began to
cry.
Don't scold her, Aunt Hester
burst out Charlie. 1T wasn't her fault.
| asked her to GO
We'll, what's she crying about?"
questioned Mrs. Blake severely.
Didn't she consent. or did you carry
her away by force. Charlie?"
"Of course he didn't" protested Ell
vira. Il said I'd go. but l wish I
hadn't. l was sorry right after we'd
started. and IL made Charlie stop
here instead of going to the minister's
| ought to so back home. l know IA
Their II he worried" And her lip began
to culver again.
well. he won't be worried long
said Charlie, turning from the window
Hes coming down the road now"
Elvira sprang to her feet.
Don't iet him come in, Aunt Hes,
teri she cried excitedly. He'll be
mad at Charlie"
LET him. fercely from Charlie. u
don't knows | care"
Don't say anything hateful to him.
pleaded the girl piteOusly, will you
Charlie:'
Don't worry. Elyie.' replied the boy
soothingly. Il won't hurt him.
Il didn't mean that cried Elvie
trembling and clinging to him. 81
don't want him to hurt you"'
would You care. Elvie:'
Elvira sobbed Historically, her face
against his coat.
"Of course I'd care"-in muffled tones
-"you know I'd care
Meanwhile Mrs. Blake watched the
laundering horse far down the road.
Hell be here directly" she warned
You'd better get ahead of him."
But Elvie shrank back.
Il don't want to run away" she
walled, still clinging to her lover.
Over her head Charlie looked will
despairing eyes at the older woman
With swift determination to help him
4 she took the girls trembling hands il
: hers. "Elvie," she demanded, edo yol
%, love Charlie Brock"
/ "Of course | do" answered Elvie
!. looking at her in surprise.
/ We'll, then, l don't knows l ough
i to advise it, but your mothers dead
/. and your pa'll never let you MARI,
J. Charlie. because he's too poor, bu
III bDsit hO 'NtlEpAi ipi II itAa 'A'iAi N''A''
j hearts. You've both got love an,
n health and strength, and, Elvie, your
twenty-four and ought to know you
own mind. and if you love Charlie ant
amt got the courage to stand up il
front of the minister, why, just sta
here and let your father take you bacl
home. But if you want to marry hin
you'll go now and have the words sal
= before your father can pull his hors
Il out of the drift, and I'll get my wrap
and go with YOU"
AS she disappeared into the adjoiT
ing room Elvie looked up into he
&c lovers face. "Tll do it, Charlie" sh
S, whispered. Aunt Hester's right. Sh
i'd always is. I'll go-wherever you CO.
ION second thoughts I've determine
to stay and have it out with tn
squire said Mrs. Blake as she hustle
s, the young people out to the cutter an
wrapped warm rug around the treu
bling girl. Don't worry, Elvie. L
make it all right with your fathe
to Mind you come straight back here ft
your dinner she urged smilingly q