Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-01-22

was standing stock-stlll, one awkward
lanky leg half crooked as though II
We're still running. Her skirts were alb
surdly short. Her little fists, brown and
scratched. pressed her sides. Her dark
hair hung in tangled mat over a thin,
pointed face. Her eyes We're large and
shadowy, Two tears had started from
them and We're crawling down soiled
cheeks. She was quiVering all over like
n woman struck.
Alan swung around and strobe up to
her lie put one arm around her thin
form and drew her to him. Don't cry.
| Glenn" he said don't cry. | didn't mean
to hurt you"
For one moment she clung to him and
buried her face against his coat, Then
she looked up and smiled through wet
eyes. Allan, I'm so glad you've comet"
Alan caught her hand and together they
walked down the road to the old church
The great door was locked. Alan loosened
the fastening of a shutter sprang in
through the window and drew Glenn after
him. They climbed to the belfry. From
the belfry one saw the whole world, with
Red tlill as its centre. Alan was disap-
pointed. The Hill was still half naked
almost bleak. Maple House and Elm
House shone brazenly white through bud
ding trees. They looked as If they had
crawled closer to the road during the win
ter, The Firs. with its black border OF
last years foliage, looked funereal Alan
turned from the scene, but Clients little
hand drew him back.
Clematis McAlpin had happened between
generations Alan, Nance, Gerry Lansing
and their friends had been too old for
her and Nance's children were too young.
There were Elton children of about her
age, but for years they had been abroad.
Consequently Glenn had grown to 10 in
sort of loneliness not uncommon with
single children who can just remember
the good times the half generation before
them used to have by reason of their num-
bers. This loneliness had given her in
certain ways "A precocious development,
while it left her subdued and shy even
when among her familars. But she was
shy without fear, and her shyness itself
had a flower-like sweetness that made
bold appeal.
Isn't il wonderful, Alan?' she said.
Yesterday It was cold and 1t rained and
the Hill was black. black, like The Firs.
Today all the trees are fuzzy with green
and it's warm. Yesterday was so lonely
and today you are here"
Alan looked down at the child with
glowing eyes.
And. do you know. this summer Gerry
Lansing and Mrs. Gerry are coming. I've
never seen her since that day they were
married DO you think it's an right for
me to call her Mrs. Gerry, like everybody
does?"
Alan considered the point gravely. Yes.
/ think that's the best thing you could
call her"
Perhaps when I'm really grown up
can call her AliX. think AliX Is such
pretty name. don't you?"
Clem flashed look at Alan and he
nodded; then. with an impulsive move
ment she drew close to him in the half
wheedling way Of women about TO ask a
favor. Allan, they let me ride old Dubbs
when he isn't plowing The old donkey
she's so fat now she can hardly carry the
babies. Some day, when you're not In a
great hurry will you let me ride with
your"
Alan turned away briskly and started
dowP the ladder. Some day, perhaps,
Clem," he muttered- mot this summer
Come on" When they had left the
church he drew out HIS watch and started
Run along and play. Glenn" He left
her and hurried TO the barn.
Joe was waiting. Have we time for
the long road. Joef' asked Alan. as he
climbed into the cart.
oh, yes, sir; especially II ycu dri-S.
Mr.. Alan"
q don't want to drive. Lei him GO aud
jump n"