Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1911-06-02
The Miniature
BY DOR THY DOUGLAS
(copyrirht. 1o1I, By Associated Literary Press.)

| Celeste's a grew suddenly grave.
"Ardale-I wonder If there Is any
connecticut" The girls lips were
compressed and her eyes looked
straight ahead. If by any chance
Hugh Ardale is this child's father-I
must go back Immediately"
Celeste had no more time for rehec-
ton. The wee child had let out q
scream of delight and they were driv-
ing up the wide archAd lane toward
"Windyheath" the home Of Mr.. and
Mrs. Stanton.
When Celeste saw the charming ell
derby couple on tho wide porch walt
ing her arrival, she felt for the nrst
time the rather serious step she nao
taken in obeying an impulse.
She had not been in the house two
days before she felt ashamed for hav-
ing doubted the sincerity Of the os-
pitality offered by this couple. They
had been longing, during the past
month for some one who might, n q
measure, I'LL the vacancy made by the
great Reaper. Celeste learned much
when condolences had been won on
both sides.
She learned, with mingled emotions.
that the child whom she had grown to
love. was the child Of Hugh Ardale. He
had married Martha Stanton, tho
only daughter of the dear couple at
W%indyheath. Hugh's wife had passed
away whom Martha was given to the
world.
"a. -z,, -ohoN1ufo1v that hQ
will not be back for another twelve
months?" Celeste asked tim1dly.
Yes, my dear-Hugh Is a civil en-
gineer. They are In the Canadian
| bush-that Is why we have the sun
shine Of Martha. It is no place Tor
either child or woman, Hugh says. Be-
sides, dear" the older woman paused
then said ~tenderly, you love him still
why carp"
Celeste turned impulsively and Mrs.
staunton's arms closed about 9
They were both silent for a moment.
Each had succumbed to a deep felt
want and love had triumphed over the
conventionalities.
Presently Celeste smiled. "You are
all too good to me-" she said, happily.
Even wee Martha Is prone to spoil
me and pulls the flowers ruthlessly
that 'Thelia' may have them in her
hair. I am afraid her daddy will have
to wait a long time at this idle rate
for the miniature. l find 1t difficult
to do his baby Justice" Celeste turn
ed at sound Of an imperious small
voice. Eyes, darling, Celia is com
- - CIR Ia&Lod -,h{~oo{oo11v of MrS
Staunton. you see! I have promised
to pick daisies with Martha"
All right, my dear-but mind
don't be long"
Celeste ran swiftly down the long.
avenue shaded by dropping trees to
the open field where the daisies grew
bigger and whitest. Martha was on
her back, a small elane creature
screaming with delight.
Down toward the big entrance gate
they ga11oped. Celeste would have
turned the corner where the arbor,
hanging wisteria marked their resting
place, but she stopped.
A man rounded the corner.
"Hugh!"
"Celie!"
The mar had grown a shade white
but nothing could have daunted the
brilliance of the girls cheeks nor the
light in her eyes
In a moment Hugh Ardale spoke.
This Is Martha-Martha Is my little
girl, Celia. Come here, Toddler!"
Celeste's ever ready smile came to
her lips. Hugh Ardale was far more
shaken by the meeting than was she;
his words were foolishly inadequate,
yet she knew that he was trembling
with the Joy Of seeing her.
81 rather believe she is, Hugh"
Celeste laughed. II am afraid l have
stolen her" She turned to Martha
who chung fast to Celeste's hand.
Darling, go to your Papa-don't you
remember how Granny told you all
about the nice Daddy who was coming
back to you?"
Martha needed no second bidding.
Delighted, and unable to contain
herself with Joy, Martha went OF to
acquaint Granny with the news.
"Celiei" Hugh Ardale's voice would
have called her from across the sea.
Il only forgot you for the short year
in which the child's mother was my
wife-you will not take away the only
thing in life I want, will you-dear? q
/ had to come. l knew that somewhere
in this vast UNIVERSE could find you
/ did not expect"
Hugh am only beginning to b
successful but / want you more than
all the In the world"
Later, when Hugh Ardale and Co
leste Wheeler approached tho wide
veranda, Mrs. Staunton arose and
tried not to show the tears in he.
eyes and heart.
I'VE are not going to leave you
dear" put In Celeste. quickly; I'VE
want to live here"