News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1910-12-21

then paused abruptly as Penfeld ad-
vanced.
Mr.. 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 Browning" she said,
Withdrawing her hands and removing
the heavy cloak that enveloped her.
Il was expecting christopher Brown
ing. was sitting up for him. | was
SIl ~ lNtt WIN NOu ShlCltb.
Il am Christopher Browning" she
said saucily. Don't dare to tell me
that you did not know THAT
II didn't know it," he admitted hum
bly,. Il 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.
I've 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"
Il 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 TO make the mistake in my
name and why you. instead of my af-
now "
Jack told his stnry while the girl dis
tributpd the parcels she had brought
among the limp stockings. There was
even gift for the capaciOuS sock that
represented Dick Masou's Christmas.
Il 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 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 90 back
TO the Bar T with me in the spring"
She heSitated. oh. there is some
hing in the SOCK" she said evasively,
md she stepped forward and. thrust
ny hand into the toe, brought forth
| small card, which she extended to-
ward Penfield.
He took it and glanced at the oppo-
lite side He uttered an exclamation
If surprise Then he held it out to
Ter. r
She took it reluctantly. AS she look
d warm flush spread over her face
nd she cried impusively, "Why, that's
Miner
1t was a snapshot of the master of
he Bar T ranch standing in the cor
al, surrounded by hundreds of horned
attic.
Did you take that picture, Kitty?"
sked Jack eagerly.
She nodded shdmefacedly.
How did il get in there? he asked,
With a puzzled look.
A merry voice called from the door
7ay: Il found it on the floor of your
Dom, Christopher Kit carefully wrap
ed in tissue paper, after you went
ONE at Thanksgiving. OF course |
Mr.. Penfeld when he ar
wed yesterday, and-and l wanted
wonderful to happen on :
hristmas eve. and for the first time {
my life it has happened And that's
i. except merry Christmas both!'
Bless the child"' murmured Jack
apply. gathering the abashed Chris {
,pher into his arms.
That's what | say, too" she whis-
cred softly.