The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-01-07

of them wore long cloaks and were muffed in thick veils. &<e
 They were talking in low tones glancing from side to side, as if fearing to be seen. The moon had gone under cloud. but the light of the stars, aided by isolated street lamp, showed them the way So careful were they to conceal their identity that the whole party-there were six in all-would dart into open gate, crouching behind the snow laden hedge to avoid even single passer-by Only they in any danger. and that was when driver calling out in voice which sounded twice loud in the white stiffness: Where's MT. Dab- neys new house?" (syidently stranger M for the saw them until they reached the Little Gray Ladys porch.
 Kate crept up first. followed by Mark. and peered in. So far she could see everything was justsas she had left it.
 "The candle is still burning. Mark, and she's Oh, yes-there she is-in her big chair-you can just the top of her head and her hand. Hush! and vii tiptoe in .frst-the front door is never fastened-and if she is aseep-and think she is-we will all crouch down behind her until she
 And another thing" whispered Mark from be- hind his hand-"everybody must drop their coats and things in the hal so we can surprise her all at once." x&
 The strange procession tiptoed in and arranged itself behind the Little Gray Lady's chair. Kate was dressed in her mothers wedding gown, 6arng poke bonnet and long, faded gloves clear to her shoulder; Mark had on blue coat with brass points of the high collar pinchng his ruddy cheeks the same dress his father and Uncle Harry had worn, and all the young bloOds Of their day, for that matter. The others were in their grandmoth- er's or grandfather's short and long clothes, Tom Fields sporting tight sleeved. hsh-colared coat silk embroidered waistcoat. and pumps.
 Kate crept up behind her chair, but Mark moved to the fireplace and rested his elbow on the man tel, that he would be in full view when the Little Gray Lady awoke.
 At last her eyes opened, but she made no out cry, nor did she move. except to lift her head as does lawn startled by some sudden light her wondering eyes drinking in the apparition. Mark. hardly breathing. stood like a statue. but Kate. long, indrawn sigh. and next the half-at dible words: "No-it isn't so-How foolish ar-' almost whisper-as if hope had died in her heart
 Kate, half frightened, sprang forward and flung her arms around the Little Gray Lady. sS41
 '.Why, don't you know him? It's Mark, Cousin Annie, and here's Tom and Nanny Fields. and everybody. and we're going to light all the candles every of them, and make an awful big nre and have real. real Christmas"
 The Little Gray Lady was awake now.
 "Oh! you scared me sol" she cried, rising to her feet, rubbing her eyes "You foolish children! T. must have been asleep-yes, know was!" She fun, the spirit of hospitality hers, saying over and over again how glad she was they came, they made her; how since they shad been kind enough to come, she would let them have real Christmas .only." she added quickly, it will have to be by the light of one candle, bur that won't make any difference because you can pile on just as much wood as you choose. Yes," she con tinued. her voice rising in her effort to mee. them their own joyous plane-"pile all the kind Iing too Mark: and Kate dear please run and tell Margaret to bring in every bit of cake she has in the pantry. Oh, how like your mother you are, Kate remember that very dress. And you. Mark Why, you've got on the same coat saw your father wear at the Governors ball And have."-
 Soon the lid of the old piano was raised . ! spinet. really, and of the girls began running her fingers over the keys. and later on 1t was agreed that the first dance was to be the Virginia reel, with all the hospitable chairs and the Are screen and the gouty old sofa rolled back against the wall.
 This all arranged, Mark took his place with the Little Gray Lady for partner, the music struck up lively tune and quickly ceased. The sound of bells rang through the night air, and in the hush that followed sleigh heard at the 1 gate. 3
 Kate sprang up and clapped her hands. "oh them, Cousin Annie. Now we going to have great party, Let's be dancing when they come
 At this instant the door opened and Margaret put in her head. Somebody" she said, with a low bow, wants to see Mr. Mark on business"
 Mark. looking like gallant of the old school, excused himself with great flourish to the Lit te Gray Lady and strode out In the hall with his back to the light. stood broad-shouldered man muffed to the chin in fur overcoat The boyl was about to apologize for his costume and then ask the mans errand, when the stranger turned quickly and gripped his wrist.
 "Hush-not word! Where is she?" he cried Z
 Mark gave low whistle of surprise and pushed open the door. The stranger stepped in.
 The Little Gray Lady raised her head.
 "And who can this new guest be?" she asked and in what queer costume, tool"
 The man drew himself up to his full height and threw wide his coat: And you don't know me, l Anne?''
 She did not take her eyes from his face nor did she move except to turn her head once ap- reangly to the room as if she feared they were playing her another trick. ss-e-ss
 He had reached her side and stood looking down at her. Again came the voice-a strong, clear voice, with note of infinite tenderness through it.
 How white your hair is, Annie dear; and your hands so thin Have changed like this?"
 She leaned forward. scanning him eagerly.
 There was little cry, then all her soul went out in the one word:
 'Harry!" #l
 She inside the big coat now his strong arms around her, her head hidden on his breast only the tips of her. toes on the floor.
 When he had kissed her again and again--and he did and before everybody-he crossed the room. picked up the ghostly candle, and smothered it's flame. N 3
 'I saw 1t from the road," he laughed softly that's why couldn't wait But you'll never have to light it again, my darIing!' M