Gilpin observer., 1915-12-09

NOL YET, RESPONDED MrS. sargent,
in whose brow the creases were be-
coming fixed.
Its hardly time" estimated Jim.
and went back into the study.
I'm terribly vexed" confided Lu-
cile, stopping behind Ted's chair. and
idly tickling the back of his neck. Il
thought 1t would be such brilliant
scheme to give winter weekend
party. but Mrs. Acton is going to give
one at her country place"
Before OF after?" demanded Mrs.
Davies, with whom this was point of
the utmost importance.
"a week after" answered Lucille,
but her invitations are out. wish
hadn't mailed mine. What can we do
to make ours notable?"
That being a matter worth consider
ing, the entire party, with the excep-
ton of Aunt Grace, who was listening
for the doorbell, set their wits and
their tongues to work. Mrs. Helen Da-
vies took keener interest in 1t than
any of them. The invitation list was
the most important of all, for 1t was a
long and arduous way to the heaven Of
the socially elect, and 1t took genera
tions to accomplish the journey. The
Murdoch girls, Grace and herself. had
no great-grandfather. Murdoch Senior
had made his money after Murdock
Junior was married, but in time to
give the girls thorough polishing in
an exclusive academy. Thus launched
Helen had married man with great
great-grandfather. but Grace had mar
ried Jim Sargent. Jim was a dear.
and had plenty Of money, and was as
good a 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
er. had seven ancestors. but moth
er's 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 with a shock Ten; and the girl
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 rs he WAS. they
wished he would 90 home, because 1t
was not convenient to worry in his
company; and by this time Lucille her.
self was beginning to watch the clock
With some anxiety. Only Mrs. Sar-
gent felt 40 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'n SO worried about Gall" 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"
Il should Judge Mr. Allison to be a
very capable driver" said Rev. Smith
Boyd: and the ladies glared at Jim. "I
envy them their drive on a night like
this. wonder II 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 1t and at this rate. there
should be three by morning. A little
thaw. and another freeze. and a little
more snow tomorrow. and I'll be tempt
ed to make a bob.sled -"
"lll help you" offered Rev. Smith
Boyd, with glow of pleasure in his
particularly fine eyes. 81 used to have
a tweive-seated bob-sled. which never
started down the hill with less than
fifteen"
II never rode ON one" complained
Arly. Il 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
III start right to work." offered the
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. "l'll give
the party
Il seem to anticipate pleasant eve
ming" considered Ted Teasdale. whose
athletics were confined entirely to
dancing Wen ride downhill on the
sleds, and uphill In the machines"
That's barred" Immediately pro-
tested Jim The boys have to null
the girls uphill Isn't that right.
Boyd"
1T was correct form when | was a
boy" returned the rector. with laugh
He held his muscular hands out before
him as II he could still feel the cut of
the rope In his palms. He squared his
hip shouldoru and hra.thad - T..