Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1908-02-20
II Double
Glopement.
By ANNE HEILMAN
Copyrighted. 1907. by C. II. sutclfe.
By ANNE HEILMAN.


snow from her front porch and thel
looked dubiously at the huge drifts ly
ing across the road and the slaty SIX!
above.
''They won't come" she assured her
self. Cousin Emma III never vehtur
out such a day as this. tn be thu
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 comfortable way or
tiny income. She was Aunt Hes
ter to ali the young people OF her &C
quaintance, which was considerable
for she was popular, this worn woman
OF fifty. Her sad blue eyes and faded
brown hair had compelling charm
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 O
tender understanding and sympathy
and that the confidence would 90 no
further
The bright, shiny little kitchen had
the incipient smells OF good things for
dinner In 1t, and Mrs. Blake set to add
ing yet another savory odor.
might &C well finish getting the din
ner now I've started It," ran on her
low monotone. She talked to herself
for company. Mercy me-sleigh bellsP'
hastily opening the door. Charlie
Brock and Elvie Lee Of all people!
Hurry In and I'll get you some hot cof-
fee. It'll heat you up. Why, Elvie,
what was your father thinking of to
let you ride out in such weather."
Father doesn't know anything about
It," faltered Eiyie miserably.
Mrs. Blake's glance went from one
to the other as she poured the steam
ing coffee There were little humorous.
indulgent creases In her face. You
are running away" she said.
Elyira hung her head and began to
cry.
Don't scold her, Aunt Hester
burst out Charlie. ut wasn't her fault.
asked her TO CO."
"Well. what's she crying about?"
questioned Mrs. Blake severely.
'Didn't she consent. or did you carry
her away by force, CharlieY
"Of course he didn't" protested FL
vira. Il said I'd go. but l wish l
hadn't. was sorry right after we'd
started, and IL made Charlie stop
here instead of going to the minister's.
I ought to go back home. know IA
Their III be worried" And her lip began
to culver again.
swell, he won't be worried long"
said Charlie. turning from the window.
Hes coming down the road now"
Elvira sprang to her feet.
Don't let him come In, Aunt Hes
terri she cried excitedly. Hell be
mad at Charlier'
.Let him" fiercely from Charlie. II
don't knows care"
"Don't say anything hateful to him, =
pleaded the girl piteously, "will you,
Charlie?'
"Don't worry. Elvie," replied the boy
soothingly. II won't hurt him.
II didn't mean thatr' cried Elvie,
trembling and clinging to him. Il
don't want him to hurt your
"Would you care, Elvier
Elvira sobbed Historically. her face
against his coat.
sOf course I'd care"-in mufled tones
--"you know I'd care"
Meanwhile Mrs. Blake watched the
Houndering horse far down the road,
Hell be here directly" she warned
you'd better get ahead OF him"
But Elvie shrank back.
II don't want to run away" she
walled. stilI clinging to her lover.
Over her head Charlie looked with
despalrlng eyes at the older woman
with swift determination 10 help him
abe took the girls trembling hands III
hers. sElvie,r she demanded, do you
love Charlie Brooke"
"of course do" answered Elyie
looking at her In surprise.
"Well, then, don't knows ought
60 advise II, but your mothers dead
and your pan 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 II you love Charlie and
amt got the courage to stand up II
front Of the minister, Why, Just stay
kere and let your father take you bach
home. But II you want to marry him
you'u 50 now and have the words said
before your father can pull his horse
ct " The drift. and IN get my wraps
and 60 with you"
~ nhe disappeared into the ad1oln
1ng room Elvie looked up into hel
1oyer'n face. I'm 40 Il, Charlie.r I'll
whispered. aunt He0ter's right sh'
olWayu =. III CO. wherever you go.''
~On second thoughts I've deternInel
e stay and have Il out Win u
eouire|r oaid Mn. nlAke a. me hustle'
10 young people out to De cutter an'
vrnpped Wnrul rug around he treu
n7ln9 IN. "Don't worry, Uv1e. ~
1neSe i< III xiGht with yeur fatheI
X 1r1nd you corne gtxaixhf back ham "A
Z ~r 6lnner." ~ urgod urnllingly Z
S1cw frove rapidly avoy.