The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1911-01-20

der mother. but b av0ldeo tete'a-
tete hours with him. pleading duty
as her excuse for hurrying away
when he began to question her about
the old friends.
During the night the snow fell over
everything, and when Philip opened
his eyes and looked out Of the long
o%ld.fashioned window by his 3ed he
felt that he-and all the world-had
much to be thankful for. The pure
white blanket with its sparkling sur
face spread over everything for miles
around and the green Of the fr trees
alone lent color to the picture. The
Roland house stood far away from
garden.
Philip sat before the big cracking
logs when he heard the first sound
Of sleigh bells in the distance. He lis1
tened intently and the Jingle grew
clearer; it was coming up the lonk
driveway. He sat erect. Perhaps 1t
was Helena! Or It might be his aunt
and uncle.
In a moment the great front door;
swung open and he heard his mother
greet Helena Taylor. He went quick
ly toward the hall and met them IN,
the archway.
TITS three years today, Philip
| Helena was saying when he took her
hand.
"The time hasn't done much to you
anyway" the young man returned.
You can be thankful for that, can't
she, mother?" he asked.
Mrs. Roland looked up at the tall
girl and the eyes of both women
filed suddenly with tears. Philip
caught his breath sharply. What had
he said? He turned toward the fire.
They both followed, his mother with
her arm about the girl.
Philip" his mother began when
they stood looking down into the
flames. "the years yoy.just spoke of
have done more TOTO Helena than
you know. She-she-"
Il lost Bob two years ago, Phil"
Helena finished.
For a few minutes no one said q
word.
81 did not tell you, dear" the
mother began, because it has always
been my policy to keep everything
but happy news of home from you,
Then, a year ago, when Helena came
to stay with me for a week or two !
learned something l had never even
dreamed of-that you had once cared
for her"
Philip started as If he would have
spoken; then he drew himself to-
gether.
Later, by common If silent con.
sent, we decided to wait until to.
day toto let you know. Helena has
always been with us on this day. and
Somehow, l felt you would rather
have us tell you together, DEAR" The
little woman looked up at her big son
and understood that she had done the
right thing in his eyes.
The arrival of the other guests pre-.
cluded the continuance of the init.
mate conversation and the trend OF
things led them all to gayer channels
and holiday-making.
1t was not until uncle Joe ana
Aunt Mary had followed their hostess
to the upper regions that Helena and
Philip were alone together.
." told mother yesterday that j
would finish this year at the academy,
take one more cruise and then return
to look over any girl she might have
picked out for me to marry" the
young man said, looking at Helena.
"A capital idea," she said, gayly.
THAT was yesterday" he added.
$50 you said"
May I say further-today-to
night?" he asked. earnestly.
Helena did not answer; her gayety
had deserted her.
while l was on another cruise
years ago-you slipped away from
me. 1 lost you. Suppose this time ]
choose port duty. a home-and you'
( Will you marry me, Helena?"
And when she had promised he tolG
her 1t was his first really thankful
! Thanksgiving since he left home. for
as he explained, he had come home
only to and her and be unable to gel
her. Nothing else had seemed worth
being thankful for. he whispered t.
her.