The Ordway new era. (Ordway, Colo.) 1902-1927, 1912-12-27


1t the Fenway portals.
Nelson Travers stood in the porch.
he big white fakes heaped upon his
broad shoulders.
Good evening, Fanella," he said as
he had parted with her but yester,
lay. Tomorrow is your birthday, I
'elieve, and Christmas, too. VIII you
ONE for a ride with met"
Miss Fanella gasped, as we'll she
hight. This. after fifteen years Of 81.
snce! Had 1t taken him 80 long to
Recover from the repulse Of old
ladam Fenway?
"I-what will the neighbors think?"
he gasped
you ere thirty.six tomorrow. are
lou not, Fanella? Isn't that old
Tough to act'a you please regard.
ess OF the neighbors?"
Il suppose it is, Nelson" she ad.
hitted with a smile. But where?"
will you trust mo this once. Fanel.
al l promise 10 bring you back
whenever you wish.'
Miss Fanella looked into the white
hight. Was she dreaming. or could
his unlikely thing really have hap
I,ened In the deadening monotony OF
her life?
What difference did It make. any.
way. Henceforth she would be only
nursemaid. She looked back into
Nelson Travers' honest eyes pleading
ftately old furniture upon which her
pride had fed 30 many years. pleaded
q vain.
"Yes." she said. I'll come. do not
tnow how far shall 60. though"
The man stepped into the old hall
End held her coat. His lips closed
|aver his displeasure when he felt the
weight Of 1t.
She did not remember the worn
gloves on the hall table. and only
thought about locking the door when
she saw Travers slip the key into his
deep pocket.
Wrapped in robes. she seemed un.
of the storm. realizing only
the pleasant sensation Of companion.
ship and warmth.
She was not even surprised when
I.e drew Up boforo q low. ample house
and lifted her carefully to the door.
stone.
"Ill be in in q minute" he told
her. "Take of your wraps and get
warm"
Miss Fsnella, her heart beating
high at her own audacity. opened the
broad door.
The vida. low rooms within opened
together. lighted by can.
dies on the mantels. and by softly
shaded lamps.
"How pleasant" said Miss Fanella
aloud. going to the open IRE. and
Of her little stove in the but
ler's pantry.
II have dreamed Of you sitting
here" said Travers quietly. coming to
her. "And now am going to ask you
to eat supper with me-a Christmas
supper. you know"
IT shall be most delighted" an
swered Miss Fanella with smile.
The Fenway pride was mute for once.
II was a quiet supper. Fanella poured
the tea, conscious that her compan-
ions eyes were following her. and she
enjoyed herself with . fierce. defiant
sort of enjoyment.
"F'anella," said the man. leading her
back to the IRE, Il will bless you for.
ever for coming with me. I wanted
you to see my home. to understand
Just how simple and vnpretentious 1t
IL. know I am only q common farm.
err but I've always loved you. Fanel.
Ia. cannot endure'it to see you live
a. you do, alone in that great house.
Won't you let nc t.ke care Of you.
dear7 I know am not good enough
for you. realize what It must seem
like to you here, but"
"It is comfortable and-beautiful.
Nelson" Her voice broke over the
words. But I do not deserve it. l
was not fair and honest with you
for I cared. always. I let my pride
and my family interfere!
"Oh," she cried, shaken BY sudden.
fierce sobs, why did you never come
back? They always do In stories-I
could not believe It was all over when
you went away!"
DO you mean," said Travers. that
you would have given me different
answer II I had come back, Fanella p
She held out her hands-true Fen
way hands. Don't you know, dear,
that all women are privileged to
change their minds?" she asked.
what a fool I've been. Fanella.
eroaned Travers. holding her close
"F1fteen years! Tell me. when did you
repent your coldness?"
Before you had reached the gate,
whispered Fanella, penitently.
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For the Old Folks.