The Carlisle independent., 1915-11-25


 in whose brow the creases were be- coming fixed.
 Its hardly time" estimated Jim, and went back into the study.
 I'm terribly vexed." confded Lu- cile, stopping behind Ted's chair, and idly tickling the back of his neck. T thought it would be such brilliant scheme to give winter weekend party. but Mrs. Acton is going to give one at her country place." Before or after?" demanded Mrs. | Davies, with whom this was point of the utmost importance. "A week after" answered Lucille, but her invitations are out I wish hadn't mailed mine. What can we do to make ours notable?"
 That being matter worth consider ing. the entire party, with the excep- tion of Aunt Grace, who was listening for the doorbell, set their wits and their tongues to work. Mrs. Helen Da- vies took a keener interest in it than any of them. The invitation list was | the most important of all, for it was a long and arduous way to the heaven of the socially elect, and it took genera tions to accomplish the journey. The Hurdock girls, Grace and herself, had no great-grandfather. Murdock Senior had made his money after Murdock Junior was married, but in time to l give the girls a thorough. polishing in an exclusive academy. Thus launched, l al ho5 iod uith f.. great-grandfather, but Grace had mar ried Jim Sargent. Jim was a dear, and had plenty of money, and was as good railroader as Grace's father. with whom he had been great chums; but still he was Jim Sargent. Calls mother who had married Jim's broth CT, had seven ancestors, but a moth CTS family name is so often over looked. Nevertheless, when Gail came to marry, the maternal ancestry, all other things being favorable, might even secure her an invitation to Mrs. Waverly- -Gaites' annual! Reaching this point in her circle of speculation, Mrs. Helen Davies came back to her starting place, and loked at the library | CLOCK WllU d SuOCh. 1cuJ anu Iu6 ElTi was not yet home
 Rev. Smith Boyd came out of the study with his most active vestryman, and joined the circle of waiting ones. He was a pleasant addition to the party, for, in spite of belonging to the clergy, he was able to conduct himself in Rome in quite acceptable Roman fashion. Pleasant as he was, they wished he would go home, because it was not convenient to worry in his i company; and by this time Lucille her. self was beginning to watch the clock with some anxiety. Only Mrs. Sar- | gent felt no restraint An automobile honked at the door as if it were stop ping. and she half arose; then the same honk sounded half way down the block. and she sat down again.
 I'm so worried about Gail!" she stated. holding her thumb.
 We all are." supplemented Mrs. Da- vies. quickly. She has been dining with a party of friends. and the streets are so slippery"
 q should judge MT. Allison to be very capable driver" said Rev. Smith Boyd; and the ladies glared at Jim. q envy them their drive on a night like this. I wonder if there will be good coasting."
 Fine" Judged Jim Sargent, looking out of the window toward the adjoin- ing rectory. That first snow was wet and it froze, Now there's a good inch on top of it and, at this rate, there should be three by morning. A little thaw, and another freeze, and little more snow tomorrow, and I'll be tempt ed to make bob-sled"
 "1'll help you" offered Rev. Smith Boyd, with glow of pleasure in his | particularly fine eyes. T used to have twelve-seated bob-sled, which never started down the hill with less than fifteen"
 Il never rode on one," complained Arly. "I think I'm due for a bob-sled party"
 You're invited" Lucille promptly | told her. Uncle Jim, you and Doctor Boyd will have to hunt up your ham, mer and saw"
 I'll start right to work" offered the 1 young rector, with the alacrity which had made him a favorite.
 "If the snow holds, we'll go over into the Jersey bills, and slide" promised Sargent with enthusiasm. "Ill give the party"
 Il seem to anticipate pleasant eve hing considered Ted Teasdale, whose athletics were confined entirely to | dancing. We'll ride downhill on the i sleds, and uphill in the machines"
 That's barred" immediately pro- tested Jim "The boys have to pull the girls uphill Isn't that right, Boyd?"
 Tt was correct form when I was boy" returned the rector. with laugh. He held his muscular hands out before him as if he could still feel the cut of the rope in his palms He squared his big shoulders. and breathed deeply, in memory of those health-giving days. | There was a flush in his cheeks, and his eyes. which were sometimes green.
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