The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-02-13

by Mark Dabney trooped out OF kates gate and
turned down the Little Gray Lady's street Mose
Of them wore long cloaks and were mufded In
thick wells.
They talking in low tones. sianeins from
had under cloud. but the light OF the stars.
way So careful were they conceal their identity
that the whole party-there we're six in all-voald
dart into open gate, crouching behind the snow.
laden hedge to avoid even . single pssser-by Only
once were they in any danger. and that vas when
a sleigh gliding by stopped in front OF them: the
as loud IN the white
ney's new house." (evidently Q stranger. for the
saw them until they reached the Little Gray Lady's
porch.
Kate crept up hrst. followed by Mark. and
peered in: So far as she could sec everything was
.'The candle is stil 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!
don't one Of you breathe. Now: listen girls! Mark
fastened-and II she Is asleep-and ! think she
isLxe viii! all crouch down behind her until she
And another thing" whispered Mark from be-
hind his hand-"everybody must drop their coats
at once"
The strange procession tiptoed In and arranged
itself behind the Little Gray Lady's chair. Kate
poke bonnet. and long. faded gloves clear to her
shoulder: Mark had on a blue coat with brass
points Of the high collar pinchns 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 we're In their grandmoth.
er's grandfather's short and long clothes. Tom
Fields sporting tight-sleeved. hsh-colared coat.
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 out.
cry nor did she move. except to lift her head ~
wondering eyes drinking in the apparition. Mark.
hardly breathing. stood like . statue. but Kate.
long, indrawn sigh. and next the half-audib1e
words: Not isn't so-How foolish l am"
Almost hope had died in h.r se.4s
Kate. half frightened. sprans forward and flung
her arms around the Little Gray Lady.
why. don't you know him? It's Mark. Cousin
Annie. and here's Tom and Nanny Fields. and
every one of them. and make an awful big IRE
and have . real. real Christmas"
s h.s, .. cried
feet. rubbing her eyes. You foolish children!
ts.s M
fun. the spirit Of hospitality hers saying
and over again how glad she was they came.
they made her: how since they had been kind
enough to come: she would let them have . real
have to be BY the light Of one candle. but that
won't make any difference. because you can pile ON
voice rn: in Ser To-
on their own Joyous plane-'.pile on all the kind.
ling, too Mark: and Kate. dear. please run and
are. Kate! remember that very dress And you,
your father wear At the Governor's BAH. And
you. too. Tom. oh. what good time We will all
Soon the lid Of the old piano was raised. Q
spnet. really. and one Of the girls began running
her fingers over the keys. and later on 1t was
agreed that the first dance be the virginia
reel. with all the hospitable chairs and the Arc
screen and the equity old sofa rolled back against
This all arranged. Mark took his place with the
Little Gray Lady for . partner the music struck
Ss ae az. %
the hush that followed sleigh was heard At the
them. Cousin Annie. Now going to have
a great party! Let: be dancing when they come
At this instant the door opened and Margaret
put in her head. Somebody" she said. with :
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
back to the light stood broad -shouid:red man
mufned to the chin in fur overcoat. The boy
ask the mans errand. when the stranger turned
quickly and sripped his wrist.
Hush-not word: Where h she!" he cried.
open the door: The stranger stepped IN.
The Little Gray Lady raised her head
and In what q queer costume, tool"
The man drew himself up to his full hei4ht and
threw wide his coat: And you don't know me.
Annie?"
She did not take her eyes from his face, nor
did she move except to turn her head once ap-
peannsly to the room a IL she feared they were
playing her another trick
he had reached her side and stood looking down
At her. Again came the voices strong clear
voice. with note Of Infinite tenderness through IL
How white your hair II. Annie dear; and your
hands 30 thin. Have ! changed like this?"
leaned gean
There was little cry. then all her soul went
out In the one word:
Harry"
She was inside the big coat now, his strong
arms around her. her head hidden on his breast.
only the tips Of her toes the floor.
When he had kissed her again and aRafn-anA
ne did and before everybody-he crossed the room
picked mp the ghostly candle. and smotherod ~
fame.
ssI sav a Srcr. - ...ss =. 49,.