The Utah County Democrat. [volume] (Provo City, Utah) 1898-1909, 1908-09-08

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 we're small and spare,
out here the likeness ended. AIMS
eyes were blue and faded while Alb.
OILS were black and sharp, and her de.
.ermined, energetic manner contrasted
strongly with her younger sisters hes.
tating, timld ways.
They looked long at each other. but
1either spoke. Each we'll knew the
thoughts the other strove 10 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. its pendulum swinging
contentedly to and fro, wholly uncon.
sclous that Il was soon to become the
innocent cause Of apprehension TO its
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 a 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 consciences up.
braided them, and they felt like guilty
creatures about to turn traitor to
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.
Ami what II they should object
10 the clock?"
What. what is that you said sis.
ter?" stammered Ann. valnly 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"
Yes, know" Abbie persisted, "but
suppose. Ann--just suppose that"
And besides" Ann went on, heed
less OF the interruption, did not John
oht haoiy oay ttAal We lilkuN tdht
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 Bon, their nephew's hired
man, called for them the next day.
Abble hurried down the stairs and.
before Ann reached the room, the
clock was upon the table, wrapped Sc
curely In thick shawl which shielded
II from detection as we'll as from in
Jury.
With comparatively light hearts
they were driven TO the big front door,
where warm welcome awaited them,
and their last misgiving vanished as
Ben was given the order TO take the
bundles TO the parlorchamber"
With a cordial invitation to make
themselves at home. they were ush.
cred into their room. One glance re.
vealed the fact that no pains had been
spared 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.
they drew up their chairs before the
open fire 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 a dream.
for the voice seemed to come from the |
blaze which was roaring merrlly up
the chimney; Take the old thing TO
the shed and--shl not so loud, youT
wake the old ladies!"
But the old ladies' had heard. and
the significance OF the unfinished sen.
ience was beginning to dawn upon
their sleepy senses.
After hearing the door close behind
the departing footsteps, pair of
faded blue eyes and a pair OF shiny
black ones opened cautiously and
'pohed around the room and then al
feh other Ths old clock was gonel