The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1912-12-24

The next second he was hurryfng her
away to the cabin.
Help. help!" she called in mock ter
ror. Hal. bring the suit cases. The
mountain brigand Is carrying or 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
handsomely shod feet on an improvised
footstool. while her face gIowed In the
dancing Hrelight
What are you cooking Claude. that
smells so tarnation goOdT demanded
Hal. smiling robustly as he found
place for the suit cases In an un0ccu.
pied corner Of the studio.
mot Christmas tur.ey. you young
gastronomer." answered Claude. his
somberness leaving him under the
merry mood Of his two unexpected
guests. ITS benns--pure. unadulter-
ated beans." he added. with tragic air.
This is a regular bean soup even.
iuEs oDNtINtu htuyNSs I" outC
shall enjoy It."
~ want the largest bowl in your
china collection" ordered Hal. assist.
Ing the artist to slft -four for the bis.
cults Mature has endowed me with
a big sized attachment for bean SOUP"
"The pot is full" said Claude. lifting
the lid to give the boy peep. but II
you advise an extension we might
bring the wash boiler into service"
II was II merry meal to which they
sat down as the early dusk Of Christ.
mas eve began to creep into the rustic
studio. Hal declared the bean soup
was nectar. and Aldycc herself pinned
up her sleeves and made delicious cOf-
fee. But the reaction came to Claude
ut the close Of the feast. He suddenly
pushed back his chair from the table
and sat m0odily staring into the crum.
bling embers on the hearth.
Aldyce regarded the young mans
clouded countennnce for n short time
in silence. u mysterious twinkle In her
dark eyes Then she arose aud walked
over to the window.
"Iiai," she called to her brother,
who showed symptoms Of doing In his
chair. 1.-The snow has almost stopped.
l want you to go out and see II the
cur IL still properly covered"
With IL yawn the young fellow obey,
ed. whistl!ng merrily rs he trudged
down the canyon.
Quickly Aldyce opened her suit case.
took out long envelope ana laid It
! before the artist.
"A Christmas gift for you" she said
simply. the mysterious smile now lurk.
, Ing ut the corners Of her mouth. "Opep
II, Claude"
He obeyed and crisp check for
$1,000 dropped Into his hand. Then no
read the accompanying note:
| Dear Old Pal--The incloscd check 10 for
your painting, Rainbow Canyon In SUM
mer" sold to tho famous art collector
Mr.. Stevens Of New York He wants the
same scene In winter at your own price,
He says TO be prepared Tor some orders
| from his friends. Merry Christmas!
/ LAWRENCE
"Aldyce. how did you learn I was
here" he asked. moving toward her
| sOtu was tuu
studio when Mr.. Stevens bought your
picture on exhibition there. lie was
50 happy for you he let out your 80.
cret that you were coming here to bury
yourself Tor the holidays" she replied.
Then I planned
She hesitated. blushed. looking at
him with laughing eyes,
Dell Frazier's party" he finished
boldly.
How dare you insinuate that l fab.
ricated that ns an excuse to bring You
the good news of your fortunef" she
tnunted him. assuming a tone OF In.
jury.
lie sprang toward her. With little
cry Of feigned fright she eluded him.
but stopped under the hanging lamp,
where u dangling spray Of mlstletcs
touched her hair Then he kissed her.