The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-09-16
AFrHD THE SERMON.

There was a vague, almost shadowy
dght In the parlor windows. A reflect
ed glow from the dim old porch lamp
hat hung above the front steps Of the
giants castle threw the curtained
windows into dull relief.
As the hurrying trio came up the
oravel walk, their gaze was conferred
on one Of these windows, held by a
common anxiety. Not one, but all of
them knew that long used chair stood
close beside this particular window.
They were nearing the steps when
one OF the rigid curtains moved ever
70 slightly, and yet distinctly. 1t
parted from its mate an inch or two
and then became motionless once more.
The effect was weird, uncanny, almost
ghoEtly. Someone sat behind this cur
tain watching their approach; an I'M
seen kSnd held the curtains apart; a
pair OF Ntstful eyes peered out Of the
loneliness that lay In the room behind.
Horace Blagden sighed audibly.
Once inside the door, he checked his
companions with a whispered word and
the raising of finger to his lips. They
stood there for moment, listening.
Go into the library" said he, in a
lowered voice. II think your aunt is in
the parlor." Ill. -,s -. ....' ..r-... .
he crossed the hall and softly opened
the door, pausing an instant before en-
terfng. AS the door closed behind him,
Uric and Mary turned toward the IL
brary, where a light cleaned through
the tfansom. -. 49,
-Tou will not tell them tonight?'
whispered Mary, clutching his arm.
No" he replied without hesitation,
II haven't the heart. Why, he seems
happy.-actually happy"
They waited in the old familiar room,
curiously awed by its Blagdenesque
yentional disorder. Mary removed her
hat and laid 1t on the table with her
gossaner and gloves. II was an In
spired act on her part, as subsequent
events proved.
Mr.. Blagden came In a few minutes
later. holding open the door that his
wife might pass before him. There was
q contented smile on his thin lips.
There. my dear" he said gently,
waving hts hand in the direction OF the
two Midthornes: II am sure you can't
call those fine flesh and blood creatures
dream fancies. They are very real, and
won't disappear before morning, az you
say" To Eric and Mary: Your aunt
~ positive she Is only dreaming you
are here"
A wavering, uncertain smile appeared
on Mrs. BIagden's face. She advanced,
holding out her hands, almost shyly.
The young people sprang forward,
each grasping a slim white hand. Mary
impulsively threw an arm about her
aunt's shoulders and drew the thin,
shrinking figure close to her strong.
eager body. Then she kissed the
tremulous lips of the woman who had
done nothing in her hfe but hurt her.
.She's come to stay, Aunt Rena." said
Eric. ...-
Mrs. Blagden withdrew her hand
from Eric's and slowly. gently passed
q over the cheek OF the girl Her eyes
were soft and imploring.
"Oh, my dear, dear Mary" she muir
fnured. Are you quite sure that you
meant TO kiss me like that? Do you
realty mean To-"
Mary kissed her again. II do mean
Il. Aunt Rena, ! do mean it."
Il have been very unkind, very I'M
augt to YOU" said Mrs. Blagden, still
aearching the girls face with wonder
ing eyes. sssE .
II can't forget, Aunt Rena," said
Mary. quite simply. She did not COM
NIT the error OF trying to appear de-
nnitely reconciled.
Il arm sorry for all that I may have
done, my dear" said her aunt humbly
II can say no more. But--but do
love you! DO want YOU"
It was a wall from the very bottom
~ n hungry, unhappy Souls SOIL that
X tastss ~. ~ 100 stts