The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1910-12-29

were hunting the
Morleys. One winter day a tiny HAND
drew the heavy curtains aside and 8
face appeared at one Of the front
panes. Everybody knew Hester Nor
ley, a prim little woman of pleasant
ways, the busy president of a char
table circle, and withal a person to be
admired. She looked at the snow
which lay in the street and owe the
pavement, and for a moment watched
one of her neighbors who swept the
white covering into the. gutter.
A boy who knew Testers face hur.
fled 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 a young
woman yet-smiled at the boy and
watched him out of sight.
In another 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. II am sure I
don't quite like his looks, and"
What does he want. Ida?"
i 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, a tall,
somewhat uncouth man in the thirties,
with strange, shutting ways, and, to
her, out Of place in the cozy room.
Miss Wemyss, I 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 family?"
II think they left the city soon aft.
erward. The old gentleman died, he
was a widower at the time, you may
remember, and Miss Wemyss mar
ried-"
Married? That's not very queer.
Women do that, I know. Married, you
say? I can't quite grasp it."
Hester looked pityingly at the man.
He seemed to have received a
blow.
II haven't seer her for five years."
said he. II went away on New Years
day, and I came back on the same an
aiversary. So you're Miss Morley"
Hester bowed again and studied the
face before her. It was strong and
handsome, despite the u%ncouthness
If it.
II don't look like city people yet. It's
because Of my life in the mines," he
said with a smile. tits not Just the
life that tends to keep one up-to-date,
you see My name is Sydney. You
may have heard the Wemysses men,
ton me"
Begging your pardon, 1 did not
know them personally. You say you
have been living in the mines7 I once
had a friend who went west, took to
mining, too, I believe. But never mind,
Mr.. Sydney, I trust you will find your
friend, the once Miss Wemyss, and
permit me to wish you a happy New
Year."
after this, miss?" smiled the man.
after coming back to the city after
five years absence and on New Years
day, too, getting into the wrong house
and introducing myself to a strange
young lady? 1t seems like a dream"
Hester was about to reply when the
door bell rang sharply and Ida's voice
was heard in the hall.
In another moment the servant was
at the parlor door, her pretty face
quite white and her voice in gasps.
"The police, Miss Hester!" cried the
girl, and vanished.
The stranger started from the chair
ne had taken nea the fire and threw
a look Of horror toward the door.
I'm sorry, MISS" he said. This is
tnarring an otherwise happy New
Years day for you. They may be
looking for me-" and then he fastened
his eyes upon the door which opened
TO admit an officer.
II beg pardon, Miss Morley" said
the policeman, glancing first at Hes
ter. TITS q queer New Years call. bu,
its duty, you see. I am under the ne
cessity Of taking charge Of your caller
the gentleman yonder."
The returned miner seemed to In
crease half an inch In stature as he