Farmers' champion. (Elgin, Okla.) 1912-1922, 1912-12-19


believe. and Christmas. too. VIII you
come for q ride with me?"
Miss Fanella sasped. as we'll she
might This. after nfteen years Of ST.
lence! Had II taken him 30 long to
recover from the repulse Of old
Madam Fenwayf
''I--what will the neighboSs think?"
she gasped
you are thirty.six tomorrow. ara
you not. Fanellai Isn't that old
enough to act ~ you please regard
less Of the neighborsf"
Il suppose II 10. Nelson" she ad.
mitted with . smile. But where?"
"Will you trust me this once, Fanel,
LAT promise TO bring you back
whenever you wish"
Miss Fanella looked into the white
night. Was she dreaming. or could
this unlikely thing really have hap
pened In the deadening monotony of
her life?
What difference did II make, any
way. Henceforth she would be only
a nursemaid. She looked back into
Nelson Travers honest eyes pleading
with her to trust him. About her the
stately old furniture upon which her
pride had fed 30 many years, pleaded
In vain.
YES" she said. "Ill come. do not
know how far shall go. though.
The man stepped into the old hall
and held her coat His lips closed
over 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.
conscious Of the storm. realizing only
the pleasant sensation Of companion.
ship and warmth
She was not even surprised when
he drew up before u low. ample house
and lifted her carefully to the door
stone.
"Ill be in in a minute" he told
her. Take of your wraps and get
warm"
Miss Fanella, her heart beating
high at her own audacity. opened the
broad door.
The wide. low rooms within opened
pleasantly together lighted by can
dies ON the mantels, and by softly
shaded lamps.
How pleasant" said Miss Fanella
aloud. going to the open fire. and
thinking 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
J supper. you know"
Il shall be most delighted" an
swered Miss Fanella with a smile
The Fenway pride was mute for once
1t was a quiet supper. Fanella poured
the tea, conscious that her compan
ions eyes were following her. and she
enjoyed herself with q fierce. defiant
sort OF enjoyment.
"Fanella," said the man, leading heI
back to the fre. II will bless you for
ever for coming with me. I wanted
you to see my home. to understand
yunS uoW Siiupto ouu uupIctcutIOuS u
: is. know l am only common farm
er. but I've always loved you. Fanel
la. / cannot endure It to see you livs
as you do, alone In that great house
Won't you let me take care of you
dear? know l am not good enough
for you. realise what It must seen
like to you here, but"
1T 10 comfortable and-beautiful
Nelson" Her voice broke over th'
, words. But do not deserve It.
was not fair and honest with you--
for l cared. always. I let my prid,
and my family interfere!
"Oh." she cried. shaken by sudden
: fierce sobs. why did you never com
back! They always do in stories
3 could not believe It was all over whel
) you went awayl"
do you mean." said Travers, "tha
you would have given me differen
answer II had come back, Fanella? Z?
!. She held out her hands-true Fer
way hands. Don't you know. dear
that all women are privileged 3
change their mindsf" she asked.
"What a fool I've been. Fanella.
J, sroaned Travers. holding her clos.
Fifteen years! Tell me. when did 20
}: rspsnt your coldness1"
!, Before you had reached the gate,
u whispered Fanella. penitently.
r .~0n