The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1916-01-20

coming fixed.
It's hardly tine" Estimated Jim.
and went back iLto tho study.
I'm terribly vexed." conided LII
Gle. stopping behind Ted's chair. and
idly tickling the back of his neck. Il
thought it would be such q brilliant
scheme to give o winter weekend
party. but Mrs. Acton is going to give
one at her country place"
Before or after?" demanded Mrs.
Davies. with vhom this Was a point Of
the utmost importance
"A week after" answered Lucille,
but he. invitations arc out. l wish
hadn't mailed mine. What can we do
to make ours notableS"
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 tool a keener interest in 1t than
any of them. The invitation list was
the most important OF all, for II was a
long and arduous way to the heaven OF
the socially elect. and 1t took genera
tons to accomplish the journey. The
Murdoch girls. Grace and herself, had
no great.grandfather. Murdoch Senior
had made his money after Murdoch
Junior was married. but in time TO
give the girls a thorough polishing in
an exclusive academy. Thus launched.
Helen had married a man with a great
great.grandfather, but Grace had mar
ried Jim Sargent. Jim was 9 dear.
and had plenty u money, and was as
good a railroader 90 0rscs's father,
with whom he had bsen great chums;
but still he was Jim Sargent. Calls
mother, who had married Jim's broth
er. had sever ancestors, but a 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 Mn.
Waverly-G Gates annual! Reaching
this point in her circle Of speculation.
Mrs. Helen Davies came back to her
starting place, and licked at the library
clock with a shock. Ten: and the xiri
was not yet home!
Rev. Smith Boyd caA~ cot Of the
study with his most active v~estryman,
and Joined the circle Of waiting les
He was q pleasant addition to the
party, for. In spite Of belonging to The
clergy, he was able to conduct himself
in Rome IN a quito acceptable Roman
fashion. Pleasant as he was, they
wished he would go home, because il
was rot 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 fen no restraint. A automobile
honked at the dooT az n u were step
ping. and she half arose; tbeo the
same honk sounded half way down the
block, and she sat down again.
I'm so worried about Call" she
stated. holding her thumb.
I'VE all are" supplemented Mrs. Da-
vies, quickly. she has been dining
with a party o; friends. and the
streets are so slippery"
81 should Judge Mr.. Allison to be a
very capable driver" said Rev. Smith
Boyd; and the ladies glared at Jim. II
ENVY them their drive on q night like
this. | wonder If there Will be good
oOasting."
Fine" judged Jim Sargent. looking
eat OF the window toward the adjoiu-
Ing rectory. That first w.was wet
and It froze. Now there's q good inch
on top OF It and. at this rata, there
should be three by morning. A little
thaw, and another freeze. and a little
more snow tomorrow, and I'll be tempt
ed 70 make a bob-sled."
III help you" offered Rev. Smith
Boyd, with a glow of pleasure in his
particularly fine eyes. Il used TO have
a tw~elye-seated bob-sled, which never
started down the hill with less than
fifteen,
Il 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 win have to hunt up your ham
mer and saw"
I'll start right &C work" offered the
young rector. with the alacrity which
had made him q favorite.
IF the sncw holds. we'll go over into
the Jersey bills. and Slide" promised
Sargent with enthusiasm. "T1i give
the party"
Il seem to anticipate a pleasant eve
ming" considered Ted Teasdaie, whose
athletics were confined entirely 70
dancing. Wen ride downhill on the
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.
l'Boyd?"
1T was correct form when I was q
boy" returned the rector. with a laugh.
He held his muscular hands out before
him as IL he could still feel the cut Of
the rope in his palms. He squared his
big shoulders. and breathed deeply, In
memory Of tbose he~aith-giving days.
There was a flush In his cheeks. and
his eyes. which were sometimes green.