Gilpin observer., 1912-12-19

la3t DlISorlys COmuOu uuIB0 1unAus
She put It kindly, and It Ii kind OF
her to think Of me in my destitution.
but that il what It means. Yet. isnt
IT better than cold and loneliness and
starvation? I'm tired of being dif
ferent from other people. I'll try be-
ing as common a. the commonest for
0 while."
Suddenly the great bell pealed
through the resounding old rooms
She lifted the little lamp in wonder
ment and threaded her way again
through the icy gloom. No trades
people called at the house, and Ger
tainly not at the big front doorl And
generations of superiority had taught
at the Fenway portals.
Nelson Travers stood in the porch.
the big white fakes heaped upon his
broad shoulders.
Good evening, Fanella," he said as
II he had parted with her but yester-
day. Tomorrow IL your birthday,
believe, and Christmas. too. VIII you
come for q ride with met"
Miss Fanella gasped. as well she
might. This, after fifteen years Of 81.
lence! Had 1t taken him 80 long to
| recover from the repulse Of old
Madam Fenway7
T-what will the neighbors thinkf''
she gasped.
"You are thirty-eix tomorrow. are
you not, Fanella? Isn't that old
.enough to act as you please regard.
less Of the neighbors?"
II suppose 1t is. Nelson" she ad-
mitted with smile. But where?"
"Wilk you trust me this once, Fanel-
LAT promise to bring you back
whenever you wish"
Miss Fanella looked into the white
night. Was she dreaming, or could
this unlikely thing really have hap
pened in the deadening monotony of
her Mfef
What difference did It make, any
way. Henceforth she would be only
a nursemaid. She looked back into
Nelson Travers' honest eyes pleading
with her to trust him. About her the
stately old furniture upon which her
pride had fed 30 many years, pleaded
in vain.
EYES," she said, "I'll come. do not
know how far l shall go. though"
The man stepped into the old hall
and held her coat. His lips closed
over his displeasure when he felt the
weight Of 1t.
She did not remember the worn
gloves on the hall table. and only
thought about locking the door when
she saw Travers slip the key into his
deep pocket
Wrapped IN robes, she seemed un
conscious of the storm, realizing only
the pleasant sensation Of companion
ship and warmth.
She was not even surprised when
he drew up before a low. ample house
and lifted her carefully to the door
stone.
"Tll be in in a minute" he told
her. Take on your wraps and get
warm"
Miss Fanella, her heart beating
high at her own audacity. opened the
broad door.
The wide. low rooms within opened
pleasantly together. lighted by can
dies on the mantels. and by softly
shaded lamps.
"How pleasant" said Miss Fanella
aloud. going to the open fre, and
lers pantry.
II have dreamed of you sitting
here" said Travers quietly, coming to
her. And now am going to ask you
to eat supper with me-a Christmaa
supper. you know"
'T shall be most delighted" an.
swered Miss Fanella with q smile
The Fenway pride was mute for once
1t was q quiet supper. Fanella poured
the tea, conscious that her compan
ions eyes were following her. and she
enjoyed herself with a fierce. defiant
sort Of enjoyment.
"Fanella." said the man. leading hel
back to the IRE. II will bless you for
ever for coming with me. I wanted
. you to see my home, to understand
just how simple and unpretentious Il
is. know I am only common farm
j err but I've always loved you. Fanel
la. I cannot endure 1t to see you live
Q as you do, alone In that great house
y Won't you let me take care Of you
Q dear? 1 know I am not good enough
a for you. realize what It must seen
like to you here, but"
at is comfortable and-beautiful
Nelson" Her voice broke over thu
9 words. But do not deserve It
u was not fair and honest with you
a for l cared. always. let my pride
= and my family interferel
"Oh." she cried, shaken by sudden
q fierce sobs. why did you never come
back? They always do in stories
could not believe 1t was all over wher
you went awayl"
DO you mean." said Travers, "tha
you would have given me a differen
a answer II had come back, Fanella 2
She held out her hands-true Fen