The Washington herald., 1908-01-12

Hester blake HEiiEntQ SNtNH-4AH tt4N
snow from her front porch and then
looked dubiously at the huge drifts lying
across the road and the slaty sky above.
They won't come" she assured her
self. Cousin Emman never venture out
such a day as this. tn be the first
Christmas I've ever spent alone" She
sighed unconsciousiy as she re-entered
the silent house.
Mrs Blake lived In the outskirts Of
the village Of Clifton, She kept "a boy
10 do the chores. had a COW and chick
ems, and lived IN comfortable way on a
tiny income. She was Aunt Hester
to all the young people Of her acquaint-
anoe. which was considerable. for she
was popular this worn woman os fifty.
Her sad. blue eyes and faded brown hair
had a compelling charm, even under the
rusty black hat which she wore in win
ter and summer alike, and when she
smiled your heart went out 10 her. You
could have told her your most intimate
troubles. sure Of a tender understanding
and sympathy, and that the confidence
would go no further.
The bright, shiny little kitchen had the
incipient smells Of good things for din
ner in it, and Mrs. Blake set to adding
vet another savOry odOr.
Might as we'll finish getting the din
ner now I've started it. ran on her low
monotone. She talked 10 herself for com
pany. Mercy me. sleigh bells. hastily
opening the door Charlie Brock and
Elvie Lee, -of all people. Hurry in and
IN get you some hot coffee. It'll heat
you up. Why, Elvie, what was your
father thinking of 10 let you ride out in
such weather.
Father don't know anything about IT,
faltered Elvie miserably."
Mrs Blakes glance went from one TO
the other as she poured the steaming
coffee. There were little humorous. in
dulgent Creases in her face. You are
running away" she said.
EIvira hung her head and began 10
cry.
Don't scoId her Aunt Hester" burst
oat Charlie. TT wasn't her fault,
asked her to co."
We'll. what's she crying about?" ques-
toned Mrs. Blake. severely. Didn't she
consent. or did you carry her away by
force, Charlie?'
"Of course he didn't" protested Ell
vra, Il said I'd go-but I wish l hadn't.
I was sorry right after we'd started,
and II made Charlie stop here instead
of going 10 the minister's. / ought to
go back home, I know father'll be wor-
ried," and her lip began 10 culver again,
We'll. he won't be worried long, said
Charlie, turning from the window. He's
coming down the road now"
Elvira sprang to her feet.
Don't let him come in, Aunt Hester"
she cried excitedly. Hell be mad at
Charlie"
LET him." fercely, from Charlie, Il
don't knows I care"
Don't say anything hateful TO him.
pleaded the girl piteously. will you.
Charlle?''
Don't wOTry, Elvie." replied the boy
soothingly, II won't hurt him"
II didn't mean that" cried Elvie,
trembling and elinging TO him; II don't
want him to hurt youl"
Would you care, Elyie?"
Elvira sobbed hystericallys her face
against his coat
"Of course I'd care"-in muf1ed tones
you know Td care"
Meanwhile Mrs, Blake watched the
floundering 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 wall
ed, still clinging to her lover.
over her head Charlie looked with de-
spairing eyes at the older woman. With
swift determination to help him. she
took the girls trembling hands in hers.
"Elvle," she demanded, do you love
Charlie Brock?'
"Of course do answered Elvie, look
ing at her in surprise
well, then, l don't knows I ought 10
advise It, but your mothers dead. and
your pan never let YOU marry Charlie,
because he's too poor; but that's no rea-
son for sepsratin' young hearts. You've
both got love and heath and strength.
and, Elvira, you're twenty-four and ought
10 know your own mind And If you
love Charlie and amt got the courage
to stand up in front of the minister, why
Just stay here and let your father take
you back home. But IL you want te
marry him. you'll go now and have the
words said before your father can pull
his horse out Of the drift-and I'll get
my wraps and go with you
AS she disappeared into the adjoining
room, Elvira looked up into her lovers
face. "I'll do it, Charlie she whispered.
Aunt Hester's right, she always is; I'll
go-wherever YOU go"
On second thoughts I've determined to
stay and have II out with the squire"