The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1908-12-21

luHtl bdfutu, Observation-Disclosures ana
vine-embowered, stood the cottage OF
Mrs. Graham. and toward this haven
Eleanor made her way. The front
blinds Of the house were closed, and
the door shut.
How lonesome II looks when Auntie
Graham is away. My ! wish she'd
come back"
Eieanor's thoughts we're checked as
she caught sight OF a blossom that
hung high over her.
Il must have that one" she thought.
To reach II from the yard was impossI.
Bile, and after a couple of Intellectual
jumps. she looked about for assistance.
No one was coming down the deserted
street Maybe ! can reach it from
the wall. I'll try, anyway" she de-
cided. Grasping the iron pickets, she
succeeded in raising herself to the top
Of the wall, and stood face to face
with a young man, who appeared to
rise out Of space from behind the
euonymus that hedged the grounds.
Obi" gasped Eleanor
"Ahl" laughed the young man.
y Just wanted to get that lilac. "
stammered the embarrassed girl; Il
didn't know anyone was here"
Mrs. Graham is away" he replied.
Il know she is that's the reason I'm
Just helping myself mean I'm not
exactly just helping myself without
lief Auntie Graham let's me have any
thing want, and just want that
one-there"
The young man raised himself on
tiptoe and loked quizzieally over at
the bunch Of lilacs that lay beside the
parasol on the sidewalk, then his
glance went back to the flushed face of
the girl who stood surrounded by the
rustling leaves Of the bush.
Upon my word. envy the blossom
to be SO ardenly longed for by one so
fair"
Again his amused glance went back
TO the gathered lilacs.
''oh. If you think I've been greedy
but really I didn't know Auntie Gra-
ham left anyone to keep count OF the
lilacs-besides. I've a right, for I've
helped care for these bushes ever
since l was young. and"
A ringing laugh interrupted her
half angry words.
Il didn't know Aunt Emmie had a
niece-you called her 'Auntie, l be-
lieve?"
Aunt Emmie! Is she your aunt?"
Yes; surely this isn't Eleanor, the
girl Aunt En- has always been writing
about-the one who Aunt En- calls
Sunbeam"
Yes, Mrs. Graham calls me Sun.
beam, and I've always called her
Auntie. Did you say she was your
aunt?"
Yes; permit me to introduce my
self. am Harry Graham, and you. /
suppose, are Miss Mackey?'
He seemed in no hurry to bring the
unexpected tete-a-tete to an end, but
stood idly Tipping the leaves of the
hedge with his thumb and finger.
Aunt Ems coming home tonight
she didn't know was coming here: ]
got telegram this morning telling me
to make myself at home; she'll reach
here at eleven"
The next morning Eleanor was
gathering violets, while the dew still
hung upon the glistening leaves. when
a remembered voice greeted her.
Are you a flower, that | always
find you among the blossoms?"
Harry Graham, hat in hand, stood
in the walk regarding her with open
admiration.
"Good-morning," she said, as she
shook hands with him across the VIC
let border.
Won't you come in? The rector is
at home"
Il can't stay now. Aunt Emmie
came last night, and she has bad
headache this morning. offered to
come for you, as you seem to be the
panacea for all her ills-won't you
come?'
Together they walked through the
quiet coolnoss of the morning. Flea
nor in her haste to reach her beloved
adopted aunt" kept just ahead Of her
escort; her petite figure moved SO
lightly, SO gracefully over the moss
lined stones, that she reminded Aim
of some fairy sprite, some will-o'-the-
wisp--always just ahead, just out of
his reach.
Really, you needn't run. Aunt
Ems not dangerously i'll; in fact, she
said to tell You to come this afternoon
If you were busy. but forgot that part
of the message until this minute"
He quickened his pace and walked
by her side.
The lilacs nodded a friendly vel
come as they passed between the
rustling bushes. Mrs. Graham stood
on the top step waiting.
How is your head feeling, Auntie,
dear?" asked Eleanor, as she threw
her arms around the neck of her life
long friend.
Better, much better Harry insist
ed upon hurrying for you. He told me