Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1912-09-26
nor. deliberately oostumed, made her

those sacred portals; but Donald Ware
did not appear. nor did she learn
aught of him in answer to her few
diplomatic inquiries.
The next day Elinor sought to de-
spatch her household duties at an
early hour. Mrs. Porter, her house,
keeper, bemoaned the souring Of tho
cream she had intended to use for q
delectable short-cake.
why, I'll run right over to the
Hammonds and get some cream" said
Elinor briskly. 1--WE shall not be
cheated out of our strawberry cake
for dinner"
She caught up sunbonnet as she
passed out at the side door; her ruff
fled white apron patched the front Of
her plain cambria morning gown, and
she hastily buttoned the cuff bands
as she walked between the lilac BUSH
es and swung open the gate. Across
the road was the Hammond turn-stile
and the pathway leading to the rear
OF the house; but, as Elinor paused
for an instant to glance up and down
the wide driveway, she beheld sight
that made her heart leap and then
seem to cease beating, while an Icy
fear chilled the life current In her
veins.
| A big touring car was rapidly ap-
preaching around the bend of the
street. and, just opposite straying idly
into the dust Of the roadway from
the high grass that skirted the Ham,
mond fence. was the tiny figure of q,
child, bareheaded, wide eyed, unaware
of any danger. In swift glance ELL
nor took In the figures at the distant
front gate, unrecognizing, but desper-,
ately aware that they were too far
away to lend assistance Like a,
monster. the big car bore down upon
the small fodder; and then, with the
shrill tcot OF the horn, rose the pierre
ing cry of womans voice, as Elinor
darted forward to meet the child. AS
she hurled herself at the small FORM,
with outstretched arms, she felt the
impact Of something heavy and crush
ing, as If the monster had leaped from
Its tracks to overtake her flying body,
and terrific, triumphant metallic
shrek was the last sound she heard
as consciousness deserted her.
Slowly and painfully, Elinor came
back to a realization of her surround-
ings. She was lying on the lounge I'M
her sitting room, with cretonne cush-
ions under her head and some one
holding her hand 1t was q clasp
new yet not quite strange; there was
an unmistakable reminiscent thrill inl
the touch Of those strong, encirclingi
fingers that drew her gaze downward
as soon as her lids consciously lifted.
A muscular brown hand with signet
ring on the little flnger-and then she,
looked wonderingly along the dark,
sleeve to the leaning shoulders and
anxious face Of Donald Ware. A swift
flush dyed her features. and she,
closed her eyes again: her hand flut.,
tered as II to escape, but he held IL
fast.
"Elinor, you know me? It's Donald.
Thank God you are all right You are
all right, aren't your"
Her answer came family. IT think
SO. How did 1t happen? Oh-but tho
little one?"
Safe. Elinor-it was splendid
thing to do! And you might have,
been -crippled-killed!"
IL thought was. Such shockit
I'm not sure yet that no bones are
broken" But she was smiling, and
her eyes were turning toward him
again. Donald Ware rose and threw
back his shoulders.
| ut
changed much? Oh. should have
known you anywhere"
She suddenly became conscious Of
her working attire and her disheveled
hair. She thought of the trailing pale
blue gown and the pink rose and tho
ringletted couture. and she laughed
softly.
Donald" she said whimsically,
you are just grown-up boy. You
should have been fat and stamped
with high living. And why have you
kept away from all your old friends
since you came to Beverly?"
Il was not sure which of my old
friends might want to see me. was
making few quiet inquiries first; for
knew nothing Of Beverly affairs, you
know. Then l have been negotiating
for little property. I am going to
build and settle here"
"Oh!" With sudden thought Of
what that might mean. Elinor's face
blanched, although she tried to smile.
Swiftly, Donald Ware resumed his seat
and caught her hands impulsively.
"Elinor. l have been alone for two
years. I came back to inquire about
you'll have never forgotten. But
was afraid to meet you until-dear
heart, you understand? I want the
rest Of our lives to be spent together.
Do you know whose child you saved
to day."
Her serious eyes widened with
startled comprehension. yours, Dom
ald-oh. I'm so glad! Where is her"
Mrs. Porter Is ministering to his
needs. You shall see him presently.
Then, Elinor, you still have a place
IN your heart for me-for us both?"
She stretched out her arms and
drew his head downward till her lips