The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1910-12-30

MOrleyS. One winter Gay d ',nS manu-
Nv, ,.ov the heavy curtains aside and
s..o anpeared at one Of the front
n ,arr Everybody knew Hester Nor
isv prim little woman Of pleasant
rovs the busy president of a char
@shle circle, and withal person to be
admired. She looked at the snow
which lay in the street and over the
nayement, and for moment watched
oue of her neighbors who swept the
white covering into the gutter.
A boy who knew Hester's face hur-
ned past and glanced at the window to
receive a nod from her and to throw
hack as he passed a happy New Year,
Miss Hester.
The girl--she was scarcely a young
voman 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,
boxing into the parlor. Il am sure
don't quite like his looks, and"
What does he want. Tda?"
q can't tell. He insists on seeing
th4 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
g. and she heard his step in the hall
Eay.
She looked him over from head to
foot as he entered the parlor, tall,
somewhat uncouth man in the thirties,
with strange, shutting 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 1t not?" he
tueried.
Yes, sir. Father purchased 1t
from Jacob Weymss, the sugar mer-
chant three years ago, and changed 1t
considerably"
And the family?"
7 think they left the city soon aft
erTard. The old gentleman died, he
Eas widower at the time, you may
remember, and Miss Wemyss mar
fied--"
Married? That's not very queer.
Women do that, | know. Married, you
say! can't quite grasp it."
Hester looked pityingly at the man.
Ee seemed to have received a
bIoW
I haven't seen her for five years, "
said he, Il went away on New Years
DAY, and came back on the same an
llYersary. So you're Miss Morley?'
Hester bowed again and studied the
lace before her. 1t was strong and
aandsome, despite the uncouthness
ait
] don't look like city people yet. It's
because Of my life in the mines" ne
aid with smile. tits not just the
Ne that tends to keep one up-to-date,
foa see. My name is Sydney. You
ray have neard the Wemysses men
ion me-"
Begging your pardon, did not
nov them personally. You say you
AVE been living in the mines? once
BAD a friend who went west, took to
inning, too, believe. But never mind
" Sydney, / trust you will find your
flend, the once Miss Wemyss, and
Rfmit me to wish you a happy New
lear"
After this, miss?" smiled the man
Alter coming back to the city after
lse years absence and on New Years
g too, getting into the wrong house
I'd Introducing myself to strange
Rung lady? 1t seems like dream
Hester was about to reply when the
a0cf bell rang sharply and Ida's voice
vas heard In the hall.
u another moment the servant was
t1e parlor door, her pretty face
saie white and her voice in gasps.
Inc police, Miss Hester!" cried the
Nl and vanished.
Inc stranger started from the chair
g aad taken near the fire and threw
lOOk Of horror toward the door.
n sorry, MISS" he said. This I:
saiFlng an otherwise happy New
asats day for you. They may b.
eAlng Tor me" and then he fastened
y eyes upon the door which opened
admit an officer.
peg pardon, Miss Morley" sait
s posleeman, glancing first ct Hes
IS us a queer New Years call, bu
y eusg, you see. am under the ne
ss'sy Of taking charge Of your caller
ssnaeman yonder."