The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1912-12-18

The next second he was hurryilly her
away to the cabin.
Help. help" she called in mock ter
ror Hal bring the suit cases. The
mountain brigand is carrying off your
sister"
Claude Extrum deposited his guest in
a great easy chair in front of the blaz-
ing pine log on the fireplace. Then he
helped her remove her wraps. Present
~ she sat back quite at her ease. her
handsomely shod feet on an improvised
footstool, while her face glowed in the
dancing freight.
"What are you cooking. Claude, that
smells so tarnatfon good" demanded
Hal. shifting robustly asNhe found a
place for the suit cases in an uneccu-
pied corner Of the studio.
Not Christmas turkey, you young
astronomer" answered Claude. his
somberness leaving him under the
merry mood OF his two unexpected
guests. ''!t's beans-pure. unadufter-
ated beams" he added. with a tragic air:
This is, a regular bean soup even
ing observed Afdyee: ''f'na sure i
shall enjoy IT.
II want the largest bowl. ia YOUR
china eellection.'' ordered Hal. assist
Ing the artist to sift flour for the bis
cults. Mature has endowed ne with
a big sized attachment for bean soup"
"The potts full" said Claude, lifting
the lfi taEi,@ the hoy a.peep. ""butn
you advise uh extensiSn we might
bring the wash boiler into service"
It was merry meal to which they
sat down as the early dusk of Christ
mas eve begar TO creep into the rustic
studio Hal declared the bean soup
was nectar, and Aldyce herself pinned
up her sleeves sn:l made delicious cot
fee. But the reaction came TO Claude
ut the close Of the feast. He suddenly
pushed back his chair from the table
and sat raoUdily Starring into the crum-
bling enlterS ON the hearth.
Aldyce regarded the young mans
clouded countenance for a short time
in silence. :, mysterious twinkle IN her
dark eyes Then she arose and walk ed
over to the window.
"IIal," she called to her brother,
who showed symptoms OF doing IN bis
chair. the snow has almost stopped.
| want YOU to 80 out and see If the
car is still properly covered.
With Il yawn the young fellow obey
ed. wEiStlin" mcr'ily as he trudgod
down the canyon.
Quickly Aldyce opened her suit cas- g.
took out Il long envelope and laid il
before the artist.
"A Christmas gift for you" she said
simply. the mysterious smile now Turk
Ing ut the corners of her mouth open
it, Claude.''
He oheycd and a crisp check for
$1,000 dropped into his hand. Then he
read the accompanying note:
Dear Old Pal-The inclosed check is for
YOUR painting Rainbow Canyon In Sum-
r:cr." sold to the famous art collector
Mr.. Stevens Of New York. He wants the
same scene in winter at your own price
He says to be prepared for some orders
from his friends Merry Christmas!
LAWRENCE.
"Aldyce. how did You learn | was
herc:" he asked. moving toward hel.
"Lawrence tod me. was in the
studio when Mr.. Stevens bought your
picture on exhibition there. He WAS
so happy for you he let out your SO
crct that YOU were coming here to bury
yourself for the holidays" she replied
"Thrn planned-
She hr$i;atc;l. bluShcd. looking a
him with laughing eyes.
Dell Fra%ier's party" he finished
boldly
How dare You inSinuate that fab
riratpd that as an excuse to bring you
the good new; of your fortnnr: she
/ tauntci him. assuming tone OF in
. jury.
+ He :pr;:n" toward her With Il l:;tlt
! cry Of fciCnrI fright she ClEdrd hil'
! but stopped under the banging lhmi'
: where Il ,lau~!in@ spray Of ml>tIrtr
! touched her hair. Then he kissed lie