Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1910-12-24

then paused abruptly as Penheld ad
vanced.
mir. Browning Jack stopped
short and stared with unbelieving
eyes.
The girl laughed softly. and there
was JOY in her eyes as she raised them
to his.
WHERE did you come from?" she
asked, dropping her parcels to the
table and extending both gloved little
hands.
From the Bar t. he replied la
conically, holding her hands firmly in
his great brown palms
Explain why you are here of all
places. ! left you riding the ranges in
Montana. and see You again in the
country home of my cousins, and you
call me MIR. Browningw she said.
withdrawing her hands and removing
the heavy cloak that enveloped her.
81 was expecting Christopher Brown
ing. was sitting up for him. was
surprised when you entered"
Il am Christopher Browning" she
said saucily Don't dare to tell me
that you did not know THAT"
Il didn't know it," he admitted hum
bly,. II knew you as Kitty Brown
"Oh. the Clarks always abbreviated
It. And so you did not Know you were
waiting for me?" she said musingly,
drawing nearer the fire and holding
her hands to the comforting warmth.
1--WE been waiting for you ever since
you left the ranges. Kitty" he said
gravely.
She turned away suddenly. and her
voice shook slightly as she replied. Il
told you that you must not"
81 cannot help it, Kitty. You must
know he began. drawing nearer to
her
You may help me distribute my
gifts" she said quickly, recovering her
composure, and while we are filling
the stockings you must tell me how
you came 10 make the mistake in my
name and why you, instead of my af-
now"
Jack told his story while the girl dis
tributed the parcels she had brought
among the limp stockings. There was
even a gift for the capacious sock that
represented Dick Mason's Christmas.
II have nothing for yours, Mr.. Pen
field" she said, regretfully surveying
the remaining empty sock.
"A little note saying that you had
changed your mind he began.
But l haven't changed my mind"
she murmured family.
Are you sure?" he insisted. Your
eyes, Kitty, betrayed you when you
came into this room. You WERE glad
to see me. Say that you will go back
to the Bar Il with me in the spring"
She heSitatcd. "Oh, there is some
thing In the sock" she said .eyasively,
and she stepped forward and. thrust
ing hand into the toe, brought forth
small card, which she extended to-
ward Penfied.
He took it and glanced at the oppo-
site side. He uttered an excla nation
of surprise Then he held it out to
her.
She took it reluctantly AS she look
ed warm flush spread over her face.
and she cried impusively. why, that's
miner
1t was snapshot OF the master OF
the Bar L ranch standing in the cor
raj, surrounded by hundreds of horned
cattle.
did you take that picture, Kitty?
asked Jack eagerly.
She nodded shamefacedly
How did il get in there?' he asked,
with a puzzled look.
A merry voice called from the door
/ way: II found 1t on the floor of your
room, Christopher Kit. carefully wrap
ped in tissue paper, after you went
home at Thanksgiving. OF course |
recognized Mr., Pcnfleld when he ar
rived yesterday. and-and wanted
something wonderful to happen on
Christmas eve. and for the first time
In my life it has happened. And that's
all. except merry Christmas bothr
BLESS the childw murmured Jack
happily, gathering the abashed Chris
TOPPER into his arms.
That's what | say, too" she whis-
narad softly