Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1911-12-14
Vi Il ~, ,i.'w ca, Us r. 90 some bar
rem island in tie West indies.

her lover WAS alive NJ W0U.u come TO
her that niiht. Surely there would be
good news awaiting her at the post
Office. God would not forget that she
was alone now. He would give her
back her lost sweetheart. II could not
be that Elbridge was dead. She would
never believe 1t. The future held 40
much for them-they were to he mar.
ried In the springtime. and she was to
sail away as the wife Of the captain =
Elbridge Bennett was to have cap
tain's berth-sail away into the mystic
rious sea world that still fascinated
her in spite Of the fact that it had
swallowed up her happiness.
Orilla saw none Of this. Her eyes
were fixed at the single light that hung
at the end Of the Long road the Light
In the postoffice. Dusk came early.
and when she reached the main street
a pale moon was showing above the
treetops.
A little crowd about the postofice
door deferred her from entering then.
and she went across the street to the
stores. where she chose Christmas
present for Cousin Phoebe. When the
knitted shawl and generous bag of
peppermints had been rolled into par
Gel Orilla hung wistfully above glass
case where various articles were dis.
played to advantage. She wanted to
buy present for Elbridge against his
coming home.
Under the quizziral eyes Of the
young shop girl she bought a silver
shaving mug Inside II was lined with
gold and outside 1t was engraved with
curious design in sea shells. She
was quite penniless when she tucked
1t under her arm and turned away.
At the postofiice her box was empty.
As she passed out Of the door excited
voices were speaking.
"And Peter Jones and Elbridge Ben
nett was the only ones saved said
one loudly.
"And Elbridge. he married the cap
tain's daughter, and he's bringing her
home" interrupted another voice.
Down the Long road trudged Orilla
with her Christmas bundles. Some
times her feet stumbled, and she near.
ly fell into the snow, for her eyes
were always fxed straight ahead ut
the dark botch at the end of the road.
There was home. She would always
live alone with Cousin Phoebe. with
the sound Of the sea in her ears and
not even the memory of faithful lover
to console her loneliness.
Elbridge had come home-she WAS
not surprised Mt that: she had expect
ed it-but her faith had been mocked
because he had brought home wife.
She could never 20 to church again
after that. God had deserted her.
When she entered the lighted sitting
room Cousin Phoebe gaZed curiously at
her. Orilla'S dark hair was tumbled
about her face. and huddl, In her red
shawl was silver mug.
Orilla placed 1t Oh the table with a
little laugh II bought myself n
Christ pas present" she said reckless
ly. ITS to keep flowers in" Then.
with disregard of Miss Mills as
tonished visage. she turned toward the
door. "Ive got to go back on the road
I've lost something" she said
"Have you heard the news?" blurted
out Cousin Phoebe.
"Yes." said Orilla. She closed the
. door and went back to the Long road
to search for Cousin Phoebe's Christ
mas gift. At the farther end light
shone-the postofflce Orilla shuddered;
hap onotn
Presently another light appeared be-
side the first 1t melted into the other
and then detached itself and came
twinkling along toward her. Some one
was coming down the Long road-some
Of aCousin l'hoebes folks probably.
Orilla found the bundle where she had
dropped 1t and then turned homeward,
weary and oppressed. She hoped the
lantern bearer would not overtake her.
She wanted to be alone until she be-
came accustomed to the fact that FL
bridge Bennett had Il wife.
Somebody was whistling-w whistling
Nancy Lec' with variations whis-
Ting as only one man could render
that rollicking air. Orilla's knees
trembled. and she commenced to run.
"Ahoy, therew shouted a strong voice
behind just as Orilla stumbled and fell
a detected heap in the snow.
"Orilla-Orilla. I've come home
again." he cried joyfully as he picked
up her slight figure and pressed her to
hts breast.
"Let me go-let me CO." struggled
Orilla fercely. Don't you suppose l
know? I've heard about your Wife
But Elbridge only held her the tight
er. you're the only wife III ever have.
Orilla Drayton. Them confounded fools
have got 1t mixed. It's Peter Jones as
has married the captains girl. You
see, we was wrecked of one Of them
little islands. and only Peter and me
was saved Then Captain Smith he
saved us. and Peter
II don't want to hear any MORE"
sobbed Orilla. "Pve been awful wick.
ed, Elbridge lost all faith. I'll tell
you about 1t when we get home. |
hated Christmas and everything after
l heard what they said. | even hated
the Long road"
II came down the Long road" whis
pered Elbridge suggestively.
II shall never hate 1t again" said
Orilla softly II can never hate any
thing that God has made, he has been
30 good to me. Wen never have just
such a Christmas as this one. FL
bridge"
AS they turned into the path that led
to the door most wonderful thing
happened The door suddenly opened
and a broad band of light streamed
over the snow and revealed their
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