Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1912-08-15

nap.
"Huggings like that can't be called
real hygienic," Mrs. Morris gasped,
but they're mighty warming to the
heart"
On the following Saturday Mandy
received an astounding check for her
eggs, and a brief letter of explana'
ton:
Dear Madam
Your eggs are of such fancy quail
ity | have closed them out to special
customers, and have contracted for
all you can send In future. Guarantee
a price as fancy as the eggs them
selves, etc"
Mandy gazed at the check. Twelve
dollars! Why, that's forty cents
dozen! I'll be able to buy everything.
for mother and Sammy" According
to her custom she began making swift
figures on a scrap of paper. She
crossed out items and replaced them
with others, until she had list, the
amount of which tailed with the face
Of the amazing check.
See, mother!" Mandy cried, racing
into the room where her mother lay
riopped in big chair with many
pillows. See. My check, my letter
and my list"
Mrs Harrison smiled at the girls
bright chatter. took the check Imply
raised herself little, read the letter
and sat upright, then she caught the
memorandum Mandy had prepared:
But daughter" she pro ested, wip-
ping her eyes, there isn't single thing
for yourself-you've just got to get
some things for yourself!'
II will" replied Mandy promptly
next time. I'm going to buy up the
neighborhood eggs, and sell them
fancy; III be bloated bondholder oe-
fore long, and you'll see the ribbons
and things III buy myself, but you re
eoing to have a hammock and lew
things you need before | begin to lux
uriate." Mandy kissed her mother &C.
statically. It'll be just heaven W
have you around again
Mandy drove into town that after
noon. spending her money happlly'
though she did shed tears when the
doctor refused further payment for
his services.
Everybody is 30 good she muir
mured as she started down the main
street towards home. She was haltea
by the railroad tracks, the evening
passenger train having rolled H.
Mandy always liked to watch the
train and the people who Travelled up
on It. She was frankly interested IN
the drift of people who went past her
on the sidewalk Just beyond the ROAD
where her horse was halted. SUDDEN
" across her vision rose the figure OF
man, like, yet unlike the one OF
whom she had long dreamed, Inc
nan caught her look, paused, stepped
forward, then hurried to the buggy
where the girl sat dazedly looking at
him
This is surely my lucky day. cried
Jim Patterson's well-known. well-loved
voice. I'm going home with you II
you'll let me Mandy" Jim dropped
bundle into the buggy thrust his SUIT
case under the seat, and located Dig
box in front.
why, Jim!" Mandy gasped. as ne
masterfully caught the lines from ner
limp hand, giving that hand warm
pressure as he did So He chirrupeo
70 the horse until that willing crea-
ture took a pace beyond anything
within his recent experience.
Not until the vacant country ROAD
WAS reached did Jim permit the slack
ening of the horses pace now
Mandy" said Jim, winding the lines
over the dashboard, allowing the
horss to drive himself, II want TO
know why you stopped writing to me-
I thought you'd forgotten me-,
az didn't forget" Mandy STAN
mered, but l thought
"You didn't have any reason 10
think. You know I'm no writer. I'm
1ust dumb before a sheet of paper, but
I'm not tongue-tied Say, I've got
present for you, and I hope youll ike
It for twas bought to your own or
der" Jim foraged for the great Dun
dle. Look here!" He unrolled before
Mandys astonished gaze, piece OF
shimmering white silk, scattered and
bordered with the most delicate de-
sign in pink rose buds. And here's
q pair of pumps
"They're white!" cried Mandy" as
she touched the dainty things ten
derly.
"This box of stuff a saleslady |
know packed up for me. l told her l
wanted the sort Of things real lady
would want for her wedding outfit,
Jim laughed happily. Say, NANCY!
"How did you ever know, Jim?'
Jim's face became grave as he drew
from his pocket bit Of torn caro-
board, piecing 1t together carefully
DO you remember when that picture
was taken?"
eyes" she quavered, '1sut l don't
know how you ever got hold OF IT,
Then a revealing fash came to her.
"Ohl twas Mrs. Morris! She stufed
that In to tighten the filters In the
egg crate ,,
"'Twas Providence" said Jim. I've
done lust great, and though l don't
very often unpack the eggs, old
chance on that crate thank heaven!