The Pleasantville press., 1912-12-25

The next second be was hurrying her
away to the cabin.
''Help. helpr' 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
ly 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 tarnation good?' demanded
Hal. shifting robustly as he found a
place for the suit cases in an unoccu-
pied corner of the studio.
"Not Christmas turkey, you young
gastronomef. answered Claude, his
somberness leaving him under the
merry mood of his two unexpected
guests. ITS beans-pure; unadulter-
ated BEANS" he added. with tragic air.
This is regular bean soup even
ing" observed Aldyce. "I'm sure !
shall enjoy it,
II want the largest bowl in your
china collection" ordered Hal. assist
ing the artist to sift -four for the bis
cults Mature has endowed me with
big sized attachment for bean soup"
"The pot is FULL said Claude, lifting
the lid to give the boy peep, but if
you advise an, extension we might
bring the wash boiler into service"
1t was a 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 Aldyce herself pinned
up her sleeves and made delicious cOf-
fee. But the reaction came TO G&aude
at the close Of the feast. He suddenly
pushed back his chair from the table
and sat moodily staring into the crum-
bling embers on the hearth.
Aldyce regarded the young mans
clouded countenance for short time
in silence. mysterious twinkle in her
dark eyes Then she arose and walked
over to the window.
"Hal," she called to her brother.
who showed symptoms Of doing In his
chair. 'the snow has almost stopped
want you to go out and see If the
car is still properly covered"
With a yawn the young fellow obey
ed. whistIing merrily as he trudged
down the canyon.
Quickly Aldyce opened her suit case.
took out long envelope and laid II
before the artist.
"a Christmas gift for you.' she said
simply, the mysterious smile now lurk-
ing at the corners of her mouth "Open
1t, Claude
He obeyed and crisp check for
5000 dropped into his hand Then be
read the accompanying note:
Dear Old Pal-The inclosed check is for
your painting. Rainbow Canyon In Sum-
mer," 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
here?' he asked, moving toward her
Lawrence told me. was in the
studio when Mr.. Stevens bought your
picture on exhibition there. He was
SO happy for you be let out your Sc:
cret that yeu were coming here to bury
yourself for the holidays" she replied
suTyhou I nlouuodD-
She hesitated. blushed, looking at
him with laughing eyes.
Dell Frazier's party he finished
boldly
"How dare you insinuate that fab
ricated that as an excuse to bring you
the good news Of your fortunew she
tainted him. assuming tone Of in
jury.
He sprang toward her With little
cry Of feigned fright she eluded him
but stopped under the hanging lamp
where dangling spray Of mistletoe
touched her hair Then be kissed her