The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1908-12-19

she explained for my benefit. "and We
got to know each other very we'll, ~
people do on shipboard. Where IL
Mrs. Graham, and may I not go and
see her this morning."
Mr.. Graham hesitated perceptibly,
but l settled the question by holding
out my hands for the letters and an
nouncing that l meant to take a short
cut to the cottage, and would see them
again soon.
AS usual. the girls wcre on the
veranda. and l dropped the mail in
Elizabeth's lap and flung myself ex-
haustedly into the hammock.
Il don't like paying visits" I re-
marked. and just hate taking walks
with other peoples husbands"
"Oh. l don't know" replied Gabri-
ellie. Il rather like married men-they
are SO safe. They never suspect you
of designs on them If you are pleasant,
you know, and"
Why" interrupted Elizabeth, who
had been turning over the mail,
what's this? What have you been
buying. Elise? I'm going to look
at it,"
She held in her hand small tissue
paper package about the size OF an Or
diDary note envelope. and before l
could disclaim any responsibility for It
she had opened it and was examining
the contents.
oh" she exclaimed, look at this"
And, nothing loath we joined her
on the steps and looked also. The III
tie package contained a small piece OF
blue ribbon, and carefully fastened to
1t was ring of yellow hair. Such
pretty hair it was, too. 1t might be.ve
come from the head of little child, 1t
was so soft and curled SO daintily. In
the sunshine it glittered like spun
gold.
Elizabeth put her finger under the
shining ringlet and looked at me
doubtfully.
Where did you get It," she In
quired, 'and what are you going to do
with it?"
Il never saw it BEFORE" l replied,
thoroughly puzzled.
Gabrielle lifted the ribbon. which
was attached at the top to a piece Of
white note paper. evidently for the
purpose OF holding it straight.
There is writing on it," she An
nounced, and we literally put our
heads together to decipher the words
closely written in pencil.
81 need you.'" read Elizabeth. do
not delay"
There is more" l continued; ''lis.
ten:
And another voice is calling.
Oh, 1t cometh from the sea,
With an undertone Of danger
But there's work for you and me-"
What does it mean?" questioned
Gabrielle. Elise, you brought it here:
you must know"
Indeed l don't. 1 got the mail
and"
l paused as a sudden light dawned
upon me.
IT'S his" exclaimed lucidly; and
went on to explain that Mr.. Graham
had given me our mail very hurriedly.
as Lady Edith was waiting for him.
and doubtless the little package had
slipped in between two letters.
Elizabeth was folding the tissue
paper carefully duOuI tue pleCe VI
ribbon.
1T is his, OF course" she said. land
we must return it. But. oh. dear! INV
| wish had not opened it,"
What l want to know" remarked
Gabrielle, who was of very inquirina
disposition, '.is this: Why does Mr.. Gsa
ham carry a piece Of yellow hair
around in his pocket, when his wife's
hair is almost black"
II wish l had not opened It," re-
peated Elizabeth. who was really
troubled. How shall l ever explain
doing 1t? And to whom shall we re-
turn it?'
We discussed the question long and
anxiously. and finally determined to
inclose the package in an envelope
addressed to Mr.. Graham, and send It
to the cottage by Mary Anne. with
verbal message that he had given It to
US by mistake.
And" concluded Gabrielle, I'VE
won't ask any questions as to whose
hands 1t falls into. although I should
like to know all about IT,"
fTa M CnNrTN,v1En