Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1908-07-02

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occurred, once an elopement. Occa-
sionally a horse ran away. causing
damage to some one. But nothing had
occurred to compare with the arrival
of a supposed fabulOusly rich young
lady who came without escort, wSo
walked into and out Of stores like a
goddess, noticing no one. and who
spent money as if 1t were autumn
leaves.
A few of the Quaboag retinue fol-
lowed her about in a not-to-be-observed
tanner. Women by the dozen hastily
donned outdoor raiment and visited
stores, just to observe her. They
crossed and recrossed the street to
meet her, and a battery of curious
eyes was focused on her for two
hours.
When she returned to the hotel, the
old guard, recruited by every idle man
in town, filled the Office, awaiting her.
Uncle Joe, who had heard of her ar
rival the moment he came, was among
them, recounting her history once
more, and when she neared the hotel,
he emerged to meet her.
why, bless yer eyes, Chip" he said,
extending a calloused hand, but I'm
powerful glad to see ye once more.
Whatever made ye run away the way
We did, n what be We dom here?
Suyin' out the hull town? I've got the
,,,nn RnaA WI h,,ndIac ofpaoly tyi' uar
name on EN-"
He beaued her into the parlor, like
the ancient gallant he a He
washed, brushed his hair and clothing,
and awaited her readiness to dine,
without holding further converse with
the curious crowd. He ushered her
into the dining-room and made bold
to sit and eat with her unasked, and
when he assisted her to the front seat
in his long box sleigh, crowded with
her purchases, and drove away, he was
envied by two dozen observers.
why didn't We send us word O yer
comm he said as they left Riverton,
so l cud n spruced up some an
come down with a better rig, bells on
the bosses and new butler robes?"
There was no need of that" an
swered Chip, pleased, as well she
might be. Il am just the same girl
that | always was, only happier now
that | have more friends. How is dear
old Aunt Comfort, and every n in
Greenvale? | am anticipating seeing
them so much"
And never during all the 30 years in
which Uncle Joe had journeyed twice
each day over this road had the way
seemed shorter or had he been blessed
with a more interesting companion.
The only regret Chip had, was that
she had forgotten to buy Uncle Joe a
present. She made up for it later,
however.
At Greenvale, Chip met almost an
ovation. Aunt Comfort kissed her and
cried over her. Meier ran for Angie,
who o o appeared on the scene, and
Hannah was so clustered" she was
unable to speak after the first greet.
ing. Martin, who had heard of Chips
arrival from Uncle Joe, fastened to
Aunt Comforts, and had Chip been a
real "millionairess' or some titled lady
she could not have awakened more in
terest or received half so cordial {
welcome.
Hannah was the n who felt the
most embarrassed, however, and guilty
as well. For half an hour, while ChiE
was the center Of interest, she coulC
only stare at her in dumb amaZement
Then she stole out of the room, anG
later Chip found her in the kitchen
shedding copious tears.
I'm a miserable sinner n the
Lsrdll never forgive me-" she hal
moaned, when Chip tried to console
her. An to think We feel the way W
say, n to bring me a present, arter al
the mean things | said. It's a-heapin
Goals O fire on my head, that it is.
And the shower increased.
81 have forgotten all about them
Hannah, truly | have" Chip assured
her, and | wish you would. You didn'
understand me then, perhaps, or | you
so let us be friends now"
The next afternoon Chip, who hat
learned that Miss Phinney's schoo
was to close the day following, set on
to call on her in time to arrive at it
adjournment.
No hint of her return had reache,
Miss Phinney, no letters had been eX
changed, and not since that tearfu
separation had they met.
And now as Chip followed the lone
ly by-road so often traversed by hel
what a food of bitter-sweet memorie
returned,-each bend, each tree, eacl
rock, and the bridge owe the Mizz,
held a different recollection. Here a
this turn she had first met Ray, afte
her resolve to leave Greenvale. A
the next landmark, a lane crossing tn
meadows, she had always parted fror
I | her teacher, the last time in tears
And how long, long ago it all seemed
} Then beyond, and barely visible, wa
the dear old schoolhouse. She coul
, see it now, half hid in the bushes,
r lone and lowly little brown buildin
f outlined on the winter landscape an
. apparently dwarfed in size. Once
A had awed her; now it seemed pathetic
( The last of it's pupils were vanishin
Q as Chip drew near, and inside, and a
$ lonely as that lone temple, Miss Phil
ney still fingered.
That day had not gone well wit
a her. A note Of complaint had com
from one parent that morning, an
news that a dearly loved scholar wa
/ i'll as we'll, and Miss Phinney's ow