The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1911-06-02

ing her arrival. she felt for the first
time the rather serious step she had
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 hos.
pitality offered by this couple. They
had been longing. during the past
month for some one who might. In a
measure. fill 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 Staunton. the
only daughter of the dear couple at
Windyheath. Hugh's wife had passed
away when Martha was given to the
world.
Are You sure-absolutely that he
will not be back for another twelve
months?" Celeste asked timidly.
| 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. IL is no place for
either child or woman. Hugh says. Be
sides, dear" the older woman paused
then said tenderly. you love him still
why fear?'
Celeste turned impulsively and Mrs.
| Staunton's arms closed about her.
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. | am afraid her daddy will have
to wait long time at this idle. rate
for the miniature. ] find II difficult
to do his baby Justice" Celeste turn
ed at sound OF an imperious small
voice. Yes, darling. Celia is COM
ing" She looked whimsically at 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 elfine creature,
screaming with delight
Down toward the big entrance gate
they galloped. Celeste would have
turned the corner where the arbor,
hanging wisteria marked their resting
place, but she stopped.
man rounded the corner.
"Hugh!"
"Celie,"
The man had grown shade white
but nothing could have daunted the
brilliance of the girls cheeks nor the
light in her eyes. Her hair was tum.
bled and blown but nothing mat
tered.
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 Ariale 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.
Il rather believe she is. Hugh"
Celeste laughed. Il am afraid I have
stolen her" She turned to Martha
who chung fast 10 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 on to
acquaint Granny with The news.
When her small figure had disap-
peared IL was Celeste who trns1bled
and would have followed the child.
"Celie!" 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 | want, will you-dear?" /
! had to come. knew that somewhere I
in this vast universe could find you. /
] did not expect"
Hugh am only beginning to be 4
successful but ! want you more than
all the success In the world"
Later, when Hugh Ardale and Ce-
leste Wheeler approached the wide
veranda. Mrs. stanton arose and
tried not to show the tears In her
eyes and heart
We are not going to leave you.
dear" put in Celeste. quickly: I'VE
want to live here"