Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1912-12-19

The next second he was hurrying 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
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 goodT demanded
Hal, shifting robustly as he found n
place for the suit cases in an unoccu-
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. Its beans-pure, unadulter-
ated BEANS" he added, with tragic air.
This is a regular bean soup even
ing" observed Aldyce. I'm sure
shall enjoy it,"
81 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
a big sized attachment for bean soup.
1.-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 Claude
at the close Of the feast. He suddenly
pushed back his chair from the table
and sat modify staring into the crum-
bling embers on the hearth
Aldyce regarded the young man 5
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 1.-THE snow has almost stopped.
want you to go out and see if the
car is still properly covered"
With yawn the young fellow obey
ed. whistling merrily as he trudged
down the canyon.
Quickly Aldyce opened her suit case,
took out long envelope and laid it
before the artist.
"a Christmas gift for you,' she said
simply, the mysterious smile now Turk
ing at the corners of her mouth. open
II, Claude"
He obeyed and crisp check for
$4,000 dropped into his hand. Then he
read the accompanying note:
Dear Old Pal-The inclosed check is for
your painting. Rainbow Canyon In Sum-
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 he let out your Sc
cret that you were coming here to bury
yourself for the holidays" she replied
Then p lnned"-
She hes tated. 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 fortuneT she
tainted him. assuming a tone of I'm.
jury.
He sprang toward her. With little
cry Of feigned fright she eluded him.
but stopped under the hanging lamp.
where dangling spray of mistetoe
touched htr hair Then he kissed her