Iron County register., 1911-06-01
The Miniature
BY DOROTHY DOUGLAS
(cOpyrlrht. 1911. BY Associated Literary PressO

| Celeste's face 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 refec-
tion The wee child had let out a
scream of delight and they were driv-
ing up the wide arched lane toward
"Windyheath" the home of Mr.. and
Mrs. Staunton.
When Celeste saw the charming ell
derly couple on the wide porch wait
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
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.
Eyes, my dear-Hugh is civil en-
gineer They are in the Canadian
bush--that is why we have the sun
shine of Martha. 1t 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 moment.
Each had succumbed to 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 1t difficult
to do his baby Justice" Celeste turn
ed at sound of an imperious small
voice. Eyes, darling, Celia is COM
ing" She looked whimsically at Mrs.
Staunton "You see! 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, 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.
A 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.
In moment Hugh Ardale spoke.
This is Martha-Martha is my little
girl, Celia. Come here, Toddler!"
CeIeste'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.
Il rather believe she is, Hugh"
, Celeste laughed. 'T am afraid have
, stolen her" She turned to Martha
who clung fast to Celeste's hand.
Darling, go to your Papa-don't you
, remember how Granny told you all
r about the nice Daddy who was coming
back to you?"
!, Martha needed no second bidding.
j Delighted, and unable to contain
: herself with joy, Martha went off to
: acquaint Granny with the news.
} "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
in this vast UNIVERSE could find you.
| / did not expect"
. 'Hugh-I am only beginning to be
) 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. Staunton arose and
+ tried not to show the tears in her
I eyes and heart.
I'VE are not going to leave you,
2 DEAR put in Celeste. quickly; 1--WE
!. want to live here"
~%~~~~~0~@no~