Daily Arizona silver belt., 1908-03-04
TT Double Glopement.
 By ANNE HElLMAN.
By ANNE HElLMA
Copyrighted, iso,. by c. II. sutcline.

I U -
 Hester Blake finished sweeping the snow from her front porch and then looked dubiously at the huge drifts ly- | ing across the road and the slaty sky above.
 "They won't come" she assured her. self Cousin Emma Il never venture out such q 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 boy to do the chores, had COW and chick ems and lived in a comfortable way on tiny income. She was Aunt Hes ter to all the young people of her ac- quaintance, which was considerable, | for she was popular, this worn woman of fifty. Her sad blue eyes and faded 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 q tender understanding and sympathy and that the confidence would go no further.
 The bright. shiny little kitchen had the inciplent smells of good things for dinner in it. and Mrs. Blake set to add ing yet another sayory odor.
 Might as well finish getting the din- ner now I've started it. ran on her low monotone. She talked to herself for company. Mercy me-slelgh bells"' hastily opening the door Charlie Brock and Elvie Lee of all people. Hurry in and I'll get you some hot cof- fee. Itll heat you up. Why Elyie, what was your father thinking of to let you ride out in such weather?"
 Father doesn't know anything about it." faltered Elvie niseraby.
 Mrs. Blake's glance went from one to the other as she poured the steam ing coffee. There were little humorous. lndulgent 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. Tt wasn't her fault. I asked her to go"
 Well. what's she crying about?" questioned Mrs. Blake severely. Didn't she consent, or did you carry hn. ax..oy ht- fatan NhocIfa 2"
 "Of course he didn't" protested FL vira. T said I'd go, but I wish I hadn't I was sorry right after we'd started. and I-l made Charlie stop here instead of going to the minister's. ought to go back home. l know fa- ther Fl he worried" And her lip began to quiver again.
 Well. 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 Hes ter.' she cried excitedly. Hell be mad at Charlie!'
 Let him. fiercely from Charlie. '1 don't knows care"
 Don't say anything hateful to him. pleaded the girl piteously, will you, CharlieT'
 Don't worry, Elvie." replied the boy soothingly II won't hurt him"
 "I didn't mean that cried Elvie, trembling and clinging to him. 'I don't want him to hurt you"'
 Would you care, ElvieY'
 Elvira sobbed hysterically, her face against his coat
 "Of course I'd care"-in muffied 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.
 "I don't want to run away" she walled, still clinging to her lover
 Over her head Charlie looked with despairing eyes at the older woman. With swift determination to help him, she took the girls trembling hands in hers. "Elvie," she demanded, do you love Charlie Brock!'
 "Of course l de-" answered Elvie, looking at her in surprise.
 Well, then, l don't knows l ought to advise it. but your mothers dead, and your pe'll never let you marry Charlie, because he's too poor, but that's no reason for separatin young hearts. You've both got love and health and strength, and, Elvie, you're twenty-four and ought to know your own mind, and if you love Charlie and ain't got the courage to stand up in front of the minister, why, just stay here and let your father take you back home. But If you want to 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 adjoin- ing room Elyie 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 it out with the squire," said Mrs. Blake as she hustled the young people out to the cutter and wrapped a warm rug around the trem- bling girl. Don't worry, Elvie. I'll