The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1912-01-26

why. ! think that would be very
pleasant We might as well make the
best Of the time-and haven't been
beyond Main street in more than two
years"
Once more Mr. Hanson hurried out
this time to return with a comfortable
vehicle Then followed the task Of
helping Mary get ready. which he full
| filed dutifully
Your bonnet doesn't look very well
and your coat isn't what il ought to
be; you'd better get some new things
when you feel like looking around a
little" with his voice full Of mo-
mentary hope that Mary's strange
fancy was passing even now as
quickly as It had come. Not so, how.
ever.
THE hat and coat are well enough
for one more wearing" Mary an.
swered. significantly.
Carefully Mr.. Hanson lifted his wife
into the carriage to take the ride un.
der these most unusual circum-
stances.
Wen go first and hunt up Han.
nah and see II she will come back to
work." he proposed. Times are 90.
ing to be better now" he added lame
ly.
Mrs Hanson smiled responsiveiy
at the better prospect for the world
in general. but conveyed the impress
sion that times. good or bad, could
never again affect her personally.
Aloud she said. II think myself
that Hannah would do as well for
you as anyone; she knows the ways
of the house and is honest and faith
full"
After they had satisfactorily ac-
complished this domestic errand the
ride progressed without further Incl.
dent. while Mr.. Hanson furtively
watched the quiet woman at his side.
1t was dusk when they reached home
and Mr.. Hanson. with increasing fear,
assisted Mary into the house. then
left her again just long enough to re-
turn the horse to the stable and leave
word for DR.. Jones to come to the
Hanson house that evening and be
prepared to stay all night. The sub
ject Of supper was not broached. Mr..
Hanson made lights. which instead OF
cheering only revealed those dreadful
preparations everywhere.
The time dragged wearily until the
doctor came. then James recited the
facts of the case and told of the fate
ful end predicted by Mary. DR.. Jones
looked puzzled and thoughtful
Mary lay quietly and comfortably
in her bed but Mr. Hanson was now
on the verge of a collapse and needed
constant reassuring, which the doctor
supplied with a patience acquired
through years of experience.
Slowly the hours dragged by.
The night is not over yet" Mary
would warn them occasionally, and
the clock ticked on
Finally James detected the first ray
of light IN the eastern horizon.
Mary" he cried joyfully. THE
night is over and you are still here!"
why, so | ami in apparent sur
prise. 1T was such a strange idea
that | had. James; it seemed to pos
sess me through and through Well.
l had a real happy day yesterday.
with the ride and getting ready for
4
Dr. Jones rose and started wearily
for home AS the door closed after |
him MIR. Hanson said tenderly: Nov
you lie still and rest. Mary, and by
and by Hannah will bring you up
some breakfast" Then he added. not |
without a pleased anticipation in his
own voice, And, Mary. I've been
that perhaps It would do |
you good If we went away for a little
trip. believe that with the house.
work and making over the carpet and
the summer boarders maybe you've
overdone a little without realizing IT,"
He hurried away to send Hannah
up with the breakfast and left Mary
looking affectionately after him with
a strange smile on her face.
Then. Maybe l didn't realize It and
again maybe ] did" she whispered