The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-12-26

any knowledge.
Her thoughts turned continually
toward the lonely mistress OF the
beautiful Grandson home. and al
last she resolved 10 hazard all, and
carry out her long-cherished plan.
She persuaded Ralph 10 leave the gay
company at his fathers home. where
they had gone for a big family din
ner at noon, and asked him to go for
a short ride
Il want to motor out TO Miss
Grandison's." she explained. II have
made her a pretty lace stock and
want to take 1t to her myself. know
she will be glad to be remembered
to-day"
Mr.. Marsden was willing enough to
get out for a while in the crisp
winter air, and brought the car up
to the door just az Clarissa came out
with a small package In her hand.
AS the car whirled down the street.
Clarissa suddenly exclaimed: "Oh,
must stop at the bakery a minute"
and so her husband obediently turn
ed into the side street and stopped
the car.
Mrs. Marsden came out OF the shop
with little George Grandson dress
ed in a pretty new blue cap and coat,
hugging a toy engine which Santa
Claus had brought him.
81 am going to take George for a
little ride" she announced easily and
putting the child on the rear seat,
sprang into the car.
"All right" agreed Ralph, as he
smiled at the little fellow, who was
chattering away about his gifts and
Christmas tree.
Arrived at the Grandson home,
Clarissa told her husband that he
would only stay few minutes. She
lifted George from the rear seat, few
with him up the steps, and was ring
ing the bell before Ralph Marsden
realized what she was going to do.
"Clarissa," he called sharply, don't
you dare to take that child in there"
but the servant was already opening
the door, and his little wife waved
her hand at him mischievously as she
and George disappeared in the hall
way.
The old butler turned deadly pale
when he recognized the child who
was following Mrs. Marsden, but that
little lady held up a warning finger
and whispered: mot word to Miss
Grandson! Where is she?"
"In the library" faltered the ser
want, who saw his young masters
veritable self before him in the little
bright-faced boy.
Then Clarissa spoke low but dis
| tinctly to the child. pointing to the
library door as she did so:
George, want to talk to this man
| about something. Take this package
to the lady in that room and stay
there until come"
The boy held his little blue cap in
| one hand, mad took the package that
Clarissa handed him in the other, and
| with the easy, unconscious grace of
| childhood walked down the hall, and
| disappeared in the open doorway.
| Clarissa tiptoed after him, fear
ing, hoping, praying, her eyes dim
| ming with sudden tears, and saw him
slowly advance into the room where
Miss Grandson sat sadly gazing into
| the blaze of the big fireplace.
| Half way down the room, the lit
tie fellow stopped and said politely:
How do you do?"
| Startled by the voice, the lonely
woman by the fire turned and saw a
beautiful little boy coming toward
her and holding out to her a small
package. She took it mechanically.
and then uttering a stifed scream,
sank back in the chair, white and
gasping.
i Miss Grandson looked again with
wild eyes that to her Keeling senses
saw the dearly beloved little brother
of by-gone years, hair, eyes, features
and winning smile all reproduced be.
fore her.
Bewildered by her actions, the
child stood absolutely motionless
looking wonderingly at her.
/ She summoned her will and sat up
demanding sharply. who are yeu?'
George Grandson" he stammer.
ed.
where did you come from?" she
asked family.
Il Mamma and live here in Brook.
dale now" he answered with child
ish candor. I'VE used to live way of
in Texas, but my papa died, and my
mamma vas sick a long time, and
now we have come to live with grand.
pa Blondon."
i. A deep groan from the lady fright.
ened the child and he turned scared
face toward the door as If to fee.
. Miss Grandson put up a shaking
hand. Don't go, child" she falter
, ed. wait a minute"
! You're SICK" cried the little fell