Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1911-08-26

"Ansel Peever's placer" repeated the
station agent Its three miles down
the valley. I'll have Hawkes. carry
you there TIN cost you four bits,
maam."
-Four whatY repeated puzzled
Lucy.
-Four bits--50 cents. suppose
you're from the east" smiled the man
good naturedly, and Lucy said that
she was. and she thanked him prettily
for attending TO her trunks.
Seated in the blackboard with her
trunks dashed on behind. the two lean
roam horses clattered over the road
much faster than Lucy cared to have
them.
The roans slowed down. and
Hawkes. pointed a whip around a
curve OF the road. ''Peever's place Is
Just around that bend" he said.
stop here. please!" painted Lucy.
with sudden alarm. please wait
here while go on and speak to
them"
uulNtftu AWAY thC
bend of the road. looking very pale
and fragile In her gray travelling dress
with n gray chiffon veil tied about her
hat and framing her delicate face
with its soft folds. Her heavy golden
hair lay in ripping waves under the
veil and the occasional silver threads
that time had woven were quite hid
den from view. IL Lucys cheeks had
been pink she would have looked very
much like the Lucy of old.
The pink came fast enough when
she found herself hesitating ut pref
ty rustic gate set In an evergreen
hedge Beyond was small cottage
set In the midst of flowers. Away to
the west there stretched thriving
vineyard. and beyond TO the south
there was another cottage. newer and
freshly painted. and all around this
cottage as far as the eye could see
were orange groves. Lucy could smell
the odor of the waxen blossoms. and
she could see the gold of the ripened
fruit as she made her way up the
path to Ansels house.
Her first doubt of Ansel Peever
came when she saw woman on the
porch eying her curiously. Around
the woman's skirts there chung a lit
tie child Lucy's heart almost stopped
beating Aunt Rebecca was right
after all-Ansel was married. and this
was his wife and child. No wonder
he had never come for her! What
would they think? What would Little
River think?
All these things passed through her
mind before she reached the porch.
There she stopped and looked at the
woman with appealing eyes.
II am looking for Ansel Peever's
house." she said.
This is H. but my husband Is away
Just at present. / expect him back in
about an hour Won't you come in
and rest awhile:" The woman smiled
pleasantly. but she was evidently Gu
rious about Lucy's unexpected APP
pearance.
"I'l rest little while" hesitated
Lucy. but | must go back presently.
There's carriage waiting for me
around the bend"
Lucy sat down in rocking chair
and looked so white and wan that Mrs
Peever fetched a glass of ice cold milk
and made her drink II After awhile
Lucy was able TO sit up and smile back
ut the little laughing girl who chung
to her knee.
Il cannot wait to see Ansel-Mr.
Peever. Perhaps ! will come again
some time" said Lucy at last as she
prepared to leave.
you are from the east. | am sure"
said the woman bluntly. If you are
one of Ansel's folks from Little River
he'll be mighty disappointed II you
don't stay or leave your name any
way"
You may tell him that Lucy Mellen
called 10 see him." said Lucy as she
bent down to kiss the little girl. Then.
with murmured word of thanks to
Mrs. Peever. she hurried down the
walk.
Then Mrs Peever found voice. Lucy
Mellen. Lucy Mellen! Come back
herer' she called imperatiyely.
Lucy turned "What do you wantT
she asked
wait a minute called the other
and she came running down the pat
and laid a hand on Lucy's shrinking
shoulder Il thought you wanted to
see my husband" she painted. but it's
young Ansel you're looking for, l
guess Won't he be surprised to see
you. though" She laughed merrily.
Young Ansel!" repeated Lucy daz-
eddy.
MY husbands nephew. They're
both named Ansel Peever I'm Mr..
Peever's second wife and sort OF step
aunt TO your Anse That's his house
next door all ready for you-just fin
shetland Ansel inside there rigging
himself up TO 90 east after you this
very minute. I'll run over and fetch
II