The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1909-03-11
A Double
Elopement

"They won't come" she assured
herself Cousin Emmall never ven
ture out such day as this. It'll be
the 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 n
boy to do the chores, had a COW and
chickens and lived in comfortable
way on a tidy income. She was Aunt
Hester" to all the young people OF her
acquaintance, which was considerable,
for she was popular, this worn woman
Of 50 Her sad, blue eyes and faded
brown hair had a 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
tender understanding and sympa-
thy and that the confidence would go
no further.
The bright shiny little kitchen had
the incipient smells of good things for
dinner in it, and Mrs. Blake set to
adding yet another savory odor.
Might as well finish getting the
dinner, now I've started it," ran on
her low monotone. She talked to her
self for company. Mercy me! sleigh
bellsl" hastily opening the door.
Charlie Brock and Elvie Lee of all
people! Hurry in and I'll get you
some hot coffee. It'll heat you up.
lxta u,ha 70
thinking Of to let you ride out in
such weather.
Father don't know anything about
it," faltered Elvie miserably.
Mrs. Blake's glance went from one
to the other as she poured the steam
ing coffee. There were little humor-
Gus indulgent reases in her face.
You are running away" she said.
Elvira hung her head and began to
cry.
Don't scold her, Aunt Hester"
burst out Charlie. 1T wasn't her
fault. l asked her to Co."
We'll, 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
Elvira. II said I'd go--but l wish l
hadn't. was sorry right after we'd
started, and II made Charlie stop
here instead of going to the minister's.
! ought to go back home. l know ia
ther'll be worried" and her lip began
to quiver again.
well, he won't be worried long.
said Charlie, turning from the win
dow. Hes coming down the road
now"
Elvira sprang to her feet.
Don't let him come in, Aunt Hes.
teri" she cried excitedly. He'll be
mad at Charlie!"
Let him." fiercely from Charlie 81
don't know as | care"
Don't say anything hateful to him,
pleased the girl piteously, will you
Charlie?"
Don't worry, Elvie,' replied the
boy soothingly Il won't hurt him.
II didn't mean that" cried Elvie
trembling and clinging to him, Il don't
want him to hurt you!"
Would you care, Elvie?"
Elvira sobbed Historically, her face
against his coat.
"Of course I'd care" In muffied
tones-"you know I'd care"
Meanwhile Mrs. Blake watched the
1oundering horse far down the road
He'll 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, still clinging to her lover.
Over her head Charlie looked with
despairing eyes at the older woman
With swift determination to help him
hers. "Elvie," she demanded, dc
you love Charlie Brock?"
"Of course | do" answered Elvie
looking at her in surprise.
well, then, don't knows | ought
to advise it, but your mothers dead
and your pan never let you marry
Charlie, because he's too poor; bu
that's no reason for separating young
hearts. You've both got love ant
strength, and Elyira, you're "a ant
ought to know your own mind. Ant
II you love Charlie and amt got the
courage to stand up in front Of the
minister why just stay here and le
your father take you back home. Blu
III you want TO marry him, you'll &c
now and have the words said before
your father can pull his horse out o
the drift-and I'll get my wraps an'
go with YOU"
AS she disappeared into the adjoin
ing room, Elvira looked up into he
lovers face. "Ill do 1t, Charlie" sh'
whispered. Aunt Hester's right, sh'
always is. III go-wherever you go.
"On second thoughts I've deter
mined to stay and have 1t out with thu
squire" said Mrs. Blake, as she hus
tied the young people out to the cut
ter and wrapped warm rug arount
the trembling girl. Don't worry, El