The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1922-01-25
MISS SILVER LINING
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Copyright. 1891. Western Newspaper Union.
Rain, rain, and sombre clouds, an
unfamiliar village street, and q man
trudging along. gloomily. At the
farthest end Of the street, a weather
beaten house, Its faded green blinds
closed against possible sunshine, its
verandas bleak, and wind-swept.
To this uncomfortable goal, the
stranger forced his way. He
questioned passer-by as to where en-
tertainment might be found, and was
directed uncertainty, to the shabby
house at the end Of the street.
"Mebbe Miss Perkins will take you
In" offered the passer-by.~
When Philip Clogston agreed torun
out to the country to look over the
farm his elderly sister anticipated
buying, he expected to drive the fifty
odd miles. In his car. Minerva was
imperative that he should 20 no later
than Wednesday. and on this
Wednesday afternoon Of stormy
weather, roads leading to the I'M
.frequented country were almost i'm
passable. So Philip. impatient with
this new within of his whimsical sister,
boarded the train.
Upon his arrival at Lynden village,
he found that the next returning train
would not leave until eight o'clock that
evening, the farm which he was to pass
judgment upon. was four miles up an
tGII Int IA
.angrily,. to go back at eight o'clock
/ without fulfilling his errand.
What did Minerva want with farm
any way? But then why did Minerva
enter into any of the foolish business
ventures which claimed her purse and
attention.
The shabby old house was opened
by a grim-faced woman who eyed him
with hostility.
II was directed here" said the con-
fident man of big enterprises.
"Come In" said Mss Perkins, and
he followed into the dismal parlor.
II kin give you some ham an home
made bread an coffee" the woman
offered laconically. "if you want to
git warm, come out to the kitchen"
THANKS" Philip returned drily, II
will wait here" lie settled down in
his overcoat frownng. "Woman are
queer" he reflected, wherever you
happen TO meet them" His memory
of his own mother was that of an ex-
acting invalid. Minerva, with whom
he made his home was creature Of
changing, uTeasOning mood. Then
here. was this stolid, uncOncerned, vii
lage woman. He smiled satirically,
as an engraved motto caught his eye.
EVERY cloud" said the motto, has
a silver lining" "Great promise that,
IN this tomb of a ROOM" he meditated.
Then across the rattle of wind and
rain outside came ripple of soft
laughter.
"Well, that's my last splashing !
hope" called girlish voice. Philip
looking through the window saw q
young woman turn to wave to an old
man who had evidently brought her
to the shabby house in his buggy. He
heard her explaining to Miss Perkins.
II came out from the city as a sur
prise to visit Aunt Ellen, and l find
that Aunt Ellen has gone away shop
ping until tomorrow. VIII you take
me In for the night, please Hannah"
"Well, mebbe," Hannah graciously
complied, "They's a man In there,
come to supper" she added.
"Good afternoon" she greeted
Philip pleasantly, and turned quickly
to light the forbidden fire.
1--WE are going to be cheerful" she
told Hannah firmly.
Hannah" cried the girl ~ am
coming out to the kitchen to make a
fluffy omelette to go with that ham /;
you used to let me play about In the
kitchen when was little girl, and
we will toast the bread, and have our
meal here on the little table before
the fire. No, you must not object,
you shall be company this evening In
your own home"
Clogston threw aside his outer coat,
the room, all at once was full of rosy
light from fire and lamps. The visit
Ing girl hummed happily as she laid
the white cloth on the small table.
She wore a dress of vivid scarlet
which matched the color of her lips.
Its my old gray crepe" she in
formed Hannah, laughingly. II dyed
II to wear on, days like this, when I'm
alone; 1t makes me feel CHEEKY"
Later. as Hannah washed the dishes,
the girl answered bit ruefully to his
questioning concerning her identity.
"who am II Oh, am just failure.
I went four years ago to the city to
study art. ! was to be great
illustrator. Aunt Ellen still believes
In me, SO that she would sell her farm
In order to come on and help me. But
i won't have that sacrifice. so hurried
home to prevent 1t. grew up. you
see. In Aunt Ellen's care.~
MY name is Clogston," Philip alb
ruptly announced. "and yoursf"' But
the girl smiling. shook her head.
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