The state herald. (Holyoke, Logan County, Colo.) 1887-1921, 1910-12-23


Morleys One winter day tiny hand
drew the heavy curtains aside and a
face appeared at one of the front
panes. Everybody knew Hester Nor
ley. prim little woman of pleasant
ways, the busy president of a char
liable circle, and withal person to be
admired. She looked at the snow
which lay in the street and over the
pavement, and for moment watched
one of her neighbors who swept the
white covering into the gutter.
A boy who knew Hester's face hur-
ried past and glanced at the window to
receive a nod from her and to throw
back as he passed "A happy New Year,
Miss Hester"
The girl-she was scarcely young
woman yet-smiled at the boy and
watched him out of sight.
In anether moment the bell rang
and she turned as the maid was heard
to enter the hall
"A stranger, ma'am." said the maid,
looking into the parlor. 81 am sure |
don't quite like his looks. and"
What does he want. Ida?'
Il can't tell. He insists on seeing
the lady of the house and I've said
she wasn't in: but 1t does no good
Let him come In, then"
Hester walked over to an armchair
and seating herself waited for her New
Years visitor. She was not kept wait.
ing long. for Ida had admitted the call.
or. and she heard his step in the hall.
way.
She looked him over from head to
foot as he entered the parlor, tall,
somewhat uncouth man in the thirtles,
with strange, shufling ways, and, to
her out of place in the coy room.
Miss Wemyss, believer" he said.
bowling to Hester.
Miss Morley" was the correction.
This is not the Wemyss residence.
but"
The man looked confused.
1T used TO be. did It not?" he
queried.
Yes. sir Father purchased It
from Jacob weymss. the sugar mer.
chant, three years ago. and changed It
considerably"
And the famlly?"
Il think they left the city soon aft.
arward. The old gentleman died he
was n wldower at the time. YOU may
remember. and Miss Wemyss mar,
RED"
Married? That's not very queer
Women DO that. know. Married. you
say2 / can't quite grasp It."
Hester looked pityingly at the man.
lie seemed to have received n
blow.
Il haven't seen her for five years,
said he Il went away on New Years
day, and | came back on the same an
nlversary. So you're Miss Morley7"
Hester bowed again and studied the
face before her It was strong and
handsome. despite tho uncouthness
OF IT,
u don't look like city people yet It's
because Of my lifo in tho Mines" he
said with n smile It's not Just the
life that tends TO keep one up.toda
you sec. My name ia Sydney. You
may have reard the Wemyssos men,
ton me"
Begging your pardon. ! did not
know them personally You say you
have been living in the mincs7 ! once
had n friend who went west, took Ia
mining. too. believe But never mind
Mr.. sydney. | trust you viii find your
friend. tho once Miss WomyBs, and
permit me TO wish you happy Now
Year"
After this. misa?" smiled tho man
"Aftor coming back to the city after
ave years absence and on New Years
day. too. getting into tho wrong house
and introducing myself 20 n strange
young LADY, II seems like a dream
Hester was about 10 reply whom tho
door bell rang sharply and ldh'a voice
was heard IN tho hall
In another moment the servant was
nj the pnrlor door, her pretty fac,
quite white and her voice In Easp6.
The police. Miss uoFtorl" crlod N,
girl. and vanished,
The stranger started from tho chat
he had taken near tho IRE and threw
look Of horror toward the door
I'm sorry, miss" no said This I,
mnrrlnE an otherwise happy Nev
Years day Tor you They may b,
looking for me" md then be- inat6not
his eyes upon tho door which opened
10 admit an officer
% beg pardon, Miss Morley" raj,
tho policeman. CHANGING nrut nj Hos
tor. "ttu n queer New Years cali bu
lee duty. you soc I am under the ne
eonslty Of taking charge Of your caller
tho gentleman yondrr"
The returned miner seemed TO In
crease hnli an Inch In stature as b,