Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1911-12-21

Two hours afterward when he ~
turned heavily laden, the windows Of
the farmhouse glowed pleasantly and
seemed to offer a welcome. As he
stamped the snow from his feet at the
side door he heard Miss Anne's voice
raised in warm approval.
well, now. Grace. I believe the poor
fellow will be tickled to death to get
that pin book; he said the didn't have
any folks-he seems honest enough"
Loring stumbled into the warm
o and let his packages down on to
the round table. He held his cold fin.
gers to the heat. Il didn't lind the
white rooster. but I did corral the
plumpest little white goose you ever
saw: It's such a long time since I've
prepared for Christmas that once
started | couldn't stop. 80 ! went
on through the village and bought all
the rest of the fixings-s hope you
won't object-oh, we'll. Miss Anne-T
shall just take my packages snd have
Christmas by myself in the woods"
Miss Anne's sensitive pride had
prompted her to wave aside the
proffered edibles. but as Loiing re-
placed the packages in the basket she
watched him all unconscious Of the
fact that her eyes were wistfut. First
went the plump goose and following
It were turnips and potatoes. eranber.
ries and onions and celery; 3 bag Of
white grapes: another Of nuts and a
large and tempting box OF candy.
With his basket on his arm. Loring
turned to the door. II must thank you
for your Kindness" he said gravely.
You have taken me in snd permitted
me to rest when l was cold and tired:
and you have offered me the sweetest
hospitality. I wish You and Misc
Grace the most joyful Christmas you
have eve known"
His hand was on the knob when
Miss Anne stopped him. 81 don't like
to have you go like that. cir. You are
welcome to remain until you can re-
sumo your journey and to our fare
plain as 1t is-the Leightons have al.
ways prided themselves on their hos.
pitality. but OF late years"
"Leighton!" interrupted Loring,
placing his basket on the floor and
opening his overcoat. Are you Miss
Anne L%eighton?"
Miss Anne's round eyes opened wide.
"Yes-why do you ask?"
Loring took a letter case from an
inner pocket and searched carefully
In its depths. You are a cousin 10
Mr.. Josiah Leighton. of Boston? Yes?
Very we'll. my search is ended then.
I am Mr.. Leighton's private secretary,
Robert Loring. and he SEN me to seek
you out and present this letter. be-
lieve 1t contains a Christmas gift as
well rs an offer to make your future
home with him. BY Jove. but it's the
merest chance that led me here. |
reached the station all right and hired
a man to drive me to your place. He
lost his way and we travelled half a
day; then he managed to upset me
into a now bank and he made of,
leaving me to find my way back to
civilization as best | could. You see
fate led me here" He was looking at
Grace's downcast face rather than at
Miss Anne's excitedly bobbing figure.
Grace Leighton-here we were
watching for the expressman. thinking
Cousin Josiah was going to send his
usual presents of silk waists-and
here Is his letter and a check for $50.
You wished US a joyful Christmas. Mr..
Loring; | guess it's going to be one!"
Il have a feeling" said Loring. de-
~liberately. that 1t is the beginning of
many happy Christmases for me-"
He was still thoughtfully regarding
the sweet profile OF the young girl
bending yer her bright silks.