Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 38, Number 23, 6 December 1912 — Page 20
PAGE FOUR.
THE BICHMOKD PALLADIUM AXD STJX-TELEGRA31, FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 1912.
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Copyrht 1111, by I. J. Robinson
"SJT was late In the arternoon TM of the day before Christ
mas. The library reading room was almost deserted. Jane had replaced
the last popular fiction books that had accumulated on the librarian's desk, had put away the tray magazines that had been left on the tables, adjusted her date tamp and stood looking out of the window before venturing out into the steady pour, of drizzling rain. Finally hurrying into the busy street he mused: "It certainly is hard enough to be immersed in the worst case of blues that was ever known on sea or land on a Christmas evening, without having the elements to contend with besides. Although for weeks I've been dreading this Christmas day, I had firmly made) up my mind to keep up my courage and not, indulge in self pity, hot hese I am at the first sign of
twilight all ready for a good old-
fashioned cry. These holidays are all right for happy people, but they
were ; never' meant for depressed
spirits. If I had the remodeling of this world, my first official act would be to abolish the holiday season." As Jane trudged along in the rain a great gust of wind blew off her hat. She ran, but before she was able to reach it a man caught it and, handing it to her, exclaimed in surprise: "Of all things! It it isn't Jane!
That little bonnet seemed to have
a sort of well-known individuality about it when I saved it for you from a watery grave."
"It's a hat; it isn't a bonnet,"
laughed Jane. "But I'm so glad to see you that if we weren't on the public street, and if I hadn't been bridesmaid for your wife, and if my arms weren't otherwise occupied, I would hug you this minute."
"It is ages since we've heard of
or seen you. Where nave you Deen
hiding, little cousin, and how are you?" enquired Kurt.
"Oh, I'm I'm just splendid."
answered Jane brightly, though her eyes filled with sudden tears at 3ight of the familiar face.
"Well, you don't look it, that's
sure," said Kurt in his brusque way.
Then, taking out his watch, he went on: "Now look here, I have a littl Christmas shopping to finish up for the youngster's tree. My train leaves in just one hour and twentyfive minutes. You run on to your boarding house, dump a few things in a suit case and meet me at the station. My wife and the kiddies will never forgive me if I don't bring you home with me.". "You're a dear," replied Jane, "but I could never, never come. You see, since my husband and I have
separated I'm in no spirits to lend happiness to any family celebration, and I would only cast a damper on
you all."
"Perfect nonsense," exclaimed Kurt. "I won't listen to any 'buts.
It is plainly evident that you are
needing a good dose of cheering up,
and it is just fate or good fortune or something that I happened to be
the one to pick up your wind-tossed bonnet, or hat, or whatever it may be. Don't talk any more about it,
but meet me at the station. Good
by."
Before Jane could realise it she
was seated in the express train on
her way to her cousin's suburban
home.
The car was filled with the Christ
mas shoppers. Dignified men, who, as a rule, refused to carry even a
2x4 package, were loaded down
with mysterious-looking bundles of all sizes and descriptions. Holly and mistletoe were in evidence everywhere.
"So you are not happy, Jane,"
said Klrt, as he looked down at
the pathetic little person beside him. "I feared you would regret separat
ing from Stanton."
"Oh, I do, Kurt if you only
knew how much! It is four months since we agreed . to part and since that time I see things in a clearer
and truer light. I was just a foolish,
jealous little scatterbrain then, and
now I am a woman. I realize, when
it is too late, that I love him more
than I ever did." "Why don't you tell him so, then," asked Kurt.
"He no longer cares for me. Not
once has he made an attempt to
communicate with me since we part
ed. I don't even know where he
lives."
"But Stanton was always of a
proud nature, and when you abso
lutely refused after your separation
to accept even a small allowance
from him, and insisted upon resum
ing your library position, I judge he was deeply hurt. But cheer up.
little woman, somehow I have a feeling, as Auntie Dempster used to
say, that before many moons you
will be reunited and happier than before this unfortunate affair."
"You are such a comfortable
cousin, signed Jane. wnenever I see you I feel like dumping all my troubles right off on your broad shoulders. You have a regular big brother air about you."
On their arrival, Sue and the chil
dren devoured Jane with kisses and Sue laughingly remarked: "Bring
ing Jane home with you tonight, Kurt, is the first sensible thing
you've done in a long while."
The happy home circle, the con
genial parents, the joyous children
frolicking around the resplendent
Christmas tree, brought vividly to Jane's mind the contrast between
her friend's life and her own lot. Unable to hide the tears that would come, on a pretext of seeking, a book, she hastened to her room to gain her composure. Entering her room, she found the maid uncovering her bed and she noticed through the mirror of her dressing table how keenly she eyed her. Presently she was surprised to hear the girl burst out with: "And you are Mr. Davenport's wife, aren't you?" "Why, yes," answered Jane, turning quickly and staring at heir. "Evidently you are acquainted with him." "Well, I was after thinking I recognized you from the picture on his dresser. Shure, I know him, and a finer man never walked on two legs. I was the housekeeper at his bachelor apartment until a fortnight since and then I took this place.
OUR TOY SECTION IS A STORE BY ITSELF
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to the front again with the
Largest Stock of Medium Priced Toys in the City This year they have added another floor to toys.
Mothers--Bring your children in tomorrow and look over our many new and different toys. Also see our line of
NO CHILD CAN HAVE TOO MANY TOYS
EDollc, Books, Vehicles,
Remember, Better Values at Our Store
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Phone 1747
; 517
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L ork 'I nace f tr ?v&u I to hustle a ' S UP toy" I I ther rv, Uncf for U I ress Gas I ti"ly m. i I con, 'r It,, """"fc. f " '
My husband Is chauffeur here and we believe that man and wife shouldn't be separated," she said, with knowing emphasis. "So Stanton has my photograph on his dresser," murmured Jane. "He has that." went on the . loquacious Nora. "I guess I ought to know, because I dusted it every morning. But it didn't need much dusting, you would be thinking, if you saw how much he handled it." "Oh, Nora, does he really really really ?" cried Jane, clasping her hands, her heart beating fast. "Poor man," continued Nora, "he was so sad and lonesome like one morning I said to him, said I: "I'll be so bold to tell you. sir, I'm sorry for you, Bir," and he answered. "Thank you, you are a faithful girl. I wonder if you know how fortunate you are that you lore your husband. I would give everything I own in this world if I thought my wife loved me." "His wife does love him. Nora; she just loves him to death," exclaimed Jane, almost shaking the Cirl in her delight. "Tell me his address, quick." Jane rushed to the telephone, and in a few minutes was talking to Stanton over the long distance phone. "Will you spend Christmas with me? I am at Kurt's, and. I need you so much," she said. "Will I come?" he answered. "Just as soon as the fast express can take me. Only Ood knows how I long for you, girl." "Holidays are good institutions, after all," said Jane to herself as she hung up the receiver, "and I am sure my Christmas this year is going to be the happiest one in all the world."
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We do out- own designing And give special attention to orders 1 1
Richmond Art Store 829 Main Street
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A new store, new stock, larger stock, and better stock from which to choose your gifts. Beautiful Framed Pictures in Water Colors, Pastels, Etchings and Crayon Prints! All are strictly high class goods and every one would help considerably toward making your home more beautifuL Let us show you our line. The prices you will find are very reasonable.
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