St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1908-09-19

cleared away and the kitchen re-
stored to it's characteristic primness
and neatness, Ann and Abbie drew
their chairs close to the little table
and rested their worn, wrinkled hands,
idle for the first time during the even
ing hour, upon the spotless linen
cloth.
Both women were small and spare,
but here the likeness ended. AIMS
eyes were blue and faded, while Alb
bis were black and sharp, and her de-
termined, energetic manner contrasted
strongly with her younger sisters hes
itating, timid ways.
They looked long at each other, but
neither spoke. Each well knew the
thoughts the other strove to hide, and
each saw the inconsistencies the other
was trying bravely to overcome.
The stiffness was unbroken, save
by the ticking of the old wooden clock
on the mantel, it's pendulum swinging
contentedly to and fro, wholly uncon-
scious that it was soon to become the
innocent cause of apprehension to it's
aged mistresses.
This was the last night they would
spend in the old home for many
months, for they had accepted their
nephew's kind invitation to spend the
winter with him in the village His
residence overlooked the valley where
stood the little old black house which
was the only home the maiden sisters
ever knew.
No good fortune like this had ever
before come into their uneventful
lives, and they were grateful for the
invitation, for the little cottage in the
valley was old and leaky, and the win
ter winds blew through the cracks and
crevices with relentless cruelty.
Many years since, their winter
chores had become hardship and
they realized that, which they would
not acknowledge even to each other
that they were growing old and feeble.
The house had never been left
alone, and, as they looked lovingly
around at each beloved object each
felt pain Juggling at the heart as they
pictured the old house standing alone,
silent and deserted throughout the
long, dreary months stretching before
them Their tender conscienees up
= eJrufdca them, ana tlzsg- feTr AeSguilty
creatures about to turn traitor kto a
friend who had given them shelter.
At last Abbie spoke, her shrill voice
breaking the silence between them So
abruptly that Ann, whose mind was
wandering far into the past, started,
beWildered at the suddenness of the
recall.
"Ann! what if they should object
to the clock?"
What, what is that you said, sis
ter?" stammered Ann, vainly trying
to collect her scattered senses.
Abbie repeated the question.
AIMS composure returned as the in
consequence of the remark dawned
upon her slowly returning conscious
ness. and made answer in her usual
complacent manner: why, Abbie,
how can they? the clock is one of the
family"
Eyes, know" Abbie persisted, "but
suppose, Ann-just suppose that"
'And besides" Ann went on, heed
less of the interruption, did not John
and Mary say that we might take our
necessary personal effects?"
Eyes, Ann! but did you notice the
emphasis they put on necessary, Mary
repeating it after her husband to make
sure we UNDERSTOOD
well, let's not worry about it, Alb
bic. twill be all right, am sure"
When Ben, their nephew's hired
man. called for them the next day,
Abbie hurried down the stairs and,
before Ann reached the room, the
clock was upon the table, wrapped Sc
curely in a thick shawl which shielded
it from detection as well as from in
jury.
With comparatively light hearts
they we're driven to the big front door,
where a warm welcome awaited them,
and their last misgiving vanished as
Ben was. given the order to take the
bundles to the parlor-chamber"
With a cordial invitation to make
themselves at home, they were ush-
cred into their room. One glance re-
yealed the fact that no pains had been
shared to make them happy and COM
Portable. The easy chairs, the soft
couch and the plump bed bespoke
thoughtful care and consideration, and
the aunts felt truly grateful to their
benefactors.
After arranging their belongings,
thew drew up their chairs before the
omen ire and settled themselves COM
fortably.
The soft cushions felt good to their
frail, tired bodies, and, as they sat
lazily watching the curling flames and
listening to the familiar tick OF the
old clock, drowsiness fell upon them,
and they were soon fast asleep.
The sound of voices disturbed their
slumbers. Of course it was dream,
for the voice seemed to come from the
bIaze which was roaring merriiy up
the chimney: take the old thing To-
the shed and-sh! not SO loud, your
wake the old ladies'"
But the old ladies had heard, and
Tho significance Of the unfinished SEN
fence was beginning to dawn upon
their sleepy senses.
After hearing the door close benlna
the departing footsteps, pair OF
faded blue eyes and pair OF SHINY
mack ones opened cautiously ana
looked around the room and then at
each other. The old clock vas gone!