Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1910-12-30

/ An passing lew are tuey VINO speak,
Wild. stormy month in praise OF
thee"
March winds are very chilling. and
March sunshine is of an elusive quail
ity that does not suggest in vivid
way the source OF heat. And yet it
is not altogether unloyely. 1t gives
Gs long, bright days,
And it has joined the gentle train,
And wears the gentle name OF
Spring"
The family at Hollyhurst welcom-
ed it eagerly. DR.. Gardner had been
deyising through the long winter
evenings some changes and improve
ments in house and barn, and he
now held frequent consultations
with Perez in regard to them. Mrs.
Gardner and Sophronia had already
plans on foot for an early house
cleaning, in order that they might
be more at leisure in the pleasant
days Of later spring. Rose had been
reading Vick's magazine for hints on
flower gardening, some Of which she
meant TO try during the coming sea-
son, and Reginald was considering
how best to increase his strawberry
crop. Tim, of course, welcomed
anything that seemed to tend toward
warm weather. Though born in the
north, he was yet true son of the
south. lie had stayed at Hollyhurst
through the winter. DR.. Gardner
had told him that he could not af-
ford to pay him high wages, but If
he chose he could stay and be on
hand for an increase in the spring.
'Doctah's no hand to pay high
wages" he said to Perez, but then
l find it conf table here. Miss
Gardner said l could have little
stove to put in my room, and she's
a mighty good hand to Tx cotton bats
for rheumatis. If twasnt for rheu-
mats ia get along furst rate. Ey'ry
thing is lovely here but the climatic;
tbs powerful cold here in winter"
Cold is good for folks" replied
Perez; braces EN- up. Folks ain
half so smart down south where it's
always warm. In good brisk
morning like this l feel as though l
could do most anything"
Il want born that way" answer
ed Tina remark which had
deeper basis of truth than he sup
posed.
But all the expectations and pre-
parations for the coming summer
We're rudy broken in upon by blus-
tering and prolonged snow storm,
such as is described by Whittier in
Snow Bound" For a day and a
night the wind ratified the easements
and howled and roared down the
chimneys. The air was thick with
dying snowfakes. They chung to
the windows, making it dark within;
they plastered the buildings until
they looked like huge drifts. Snow
that had already fallen whirled up.
in clouds to meet that descending
from above. Gradually the fences
we're covered, the roads and path
ways obliterated, the outlines Of
buildings became dim, then vanished
altogether. Everything seemed to
be melting into one misty, whirling
chaotic mass.
Mrs, Gardner did not like such
storms. They filled her with a kind
Of terror. She could sympathize
with Tim, who said:
Il can't get about to do nothin' in
such mis- able weather"
The others seemed rather to enjoy
It; only Rose said:
Il am glad there are so many Of.
us here, and that everything is safe
and comfortable I hope none of us
will have to go anywhere until it is
over"
Il hope no one else is out" said
Mrs, Gardner. In case there should
be we will leave the curtains up, so
that a friendly CLEAN may shine
across the snow. I suppose it can't
be seen far tonight, however"
She had scarcely finished speak
ing when they heard a knock at the
door. Reginald started to go. but
before he reached it the door opened.
A man stood there-a snowman he
seemed almost to be, so large and
white he doomed in tho doorway.
Reginald drew him in-the flying
flakes rushed after him, and a gust
Of wind nearly put out the light.
I've lost my way, and I'm beat
out came in a muffled voice from
beneath a snow-crusted mustache.