Morgan County republican., 1912-01-18


pleasant. We might as well make the
best Of the time-and haven't been
beyond Main street In more than two
years"
Once more MIR. Hanson hurried out
this time to return with a comfortable
vehicle. Then followed the task Of
helping Mary get ready. which he full.
filled dutifully.
Your bonnet doesn't look very well
and your coat isn't what 1t ought to
be; you'd better get some new things
when you feel like looking around
little." with his voice full Of mo.
mentary hope that Mary's strange
fancy was passing even now as
quickly as 1t had come. Not SO. how.
ever.
"The hat and coat are well enough
for one more wearing" Mary an
s~ered. significantly
Carefully Mr.. Hanson lifted his wife
into the carriage TO take the ride un-
der these most unusual circum-
stances.
Well go first and hunt up Han.
nah and see II she will come back to
work." he proposed. "Times are 60
ing to be better now." he added lame
ly
Mrs Hanson smiled responsively
at the better prospect for the world
In general. but conveyed the impress.
sion that times. good or bad. could
never again affect her personally,
Aloud she said. 81 think myself
that Hannah would do as we'll for
you as anyone; she knows the ways
! Of the house and Is honest and faith
full"
After they had satisfactorily ac-
complished this domestic errand the
ride progressed without further incl
dent, while Mr.. Hanson furtively
watched the quiet woman at his side.
1t was dusk when they reached home
and Mr.. Hanson. with increasing fear.
assisted Mary into the house. then
left her again just long enough to re-
turn the horse to the stable and leave
word for DR.. Jones to come to the
Hanson house that evening and be
prepared to stay all night. The sub
ject Of supper was not broached MIR.
Hanson made lights, which instead of
cheering only revealed those dreadful
preparations everywhere.
The time dragged YEARLY until the
doctor came. then James recited the
facts of the case and told OF the fate.
full end predicted by Mary. Dr. Jones
looked puzzled and thoughtful.
Mary lay quietly and comfortably
In her bed. but Mr.. Hanson was now
on the verge OF collapse and needed
constant reassuring, which the doctor
supplied with a patience acquired
through years Of experience,
Slowly the hours dragged by.
"The night Is not over yet" Mary
would warn them occasionally, and
the clock licked on,
Finally James detected the first ray
OF light in the eastern horizon.
Mary" he cried joyfully. THE
night is over and you are still here!'
why. so l amr in apparent sur
prise. 1T was such a strange Idea
that ! had. James; It seemed to pos
sess me through and through. Well
had q real happy day yesterday
with the ride and getting ready foI
company"
Dr. Jones rose and started wearily
for home. AS the door closed after
him Mr.. Hanson said tenderly: "NoW
you lie still and rest. Mary. and b,
and by Hannah will bring you uI
some breakfast" Then he added, MOI
without a pleased anticipation In hi
own voice, "And. Mary, I've beer
thinking that perhaps 1t would dc
you good II we went away for little
trip. believe that with the house
; work and making over the carpet ant
the summer boarders maybe you've
overdone little without realizing 1t.
: He hurried away TO send Hannal
/. up with the breakfast and left Mar,
looking affectionately after him Will
; a strange smile on her face.
Then. Maybe ! didn't realize It ant
again maybe did" she Whispered
oracularly