Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-04-16
For the Standard.
FREEMAN WINLAY.
TEMPERAN TALE.
BY LAURA HEARTES.
CHAPTER I.

longer, and the warp upon the beam
went by. The weaver worked with
wild energy as though she felt while she
beat back the threads firm and even, that
her own Iife-web was being woven, that
her very thoughts and words were its
warp and woof, and her actions were TO
give it, its color.
The warm red light from the great
fireplace fell upon her face showing
across her forehead lines of auxious
thought, while her compressed lips and
Quick painting breath would have told
one that her life-way had been very
weary, and that back somewhere on
memories walr' hung many a tear
stained picture, with the moss of time
qrowing thi"k about it, yet never quite
Hding its bare mourning look.
The outer door opened softly; the
weaver sprang from her seat, quick
joy-light iflumed her face but died out
as suddenly and there was a shade OF
disappointment in her first exclamation.
20! is it you, Cousin Geranna ?"
The new conner brushed back her
hood and shook the weavers hand laugh
ing heartily.
" Did I frighten you Ruth ? You
were so busy you could not hear my
steps 1 suppose; but l knew-no, no,
let me put up my hood myself on this
nail by yours, theEe,-I knew you were
alone for l saw Mr.. and Mrs. Howden
pass our house an hour ago, they've gone
to Uncle Jerry's haven't they?.
Yes, and 1 am glad you came Ger
anna for now l shall leave my weaving
l could not bear to do so before, and sit
alone in the stiffness, It's such gloomy
evening"
perhaps the gloom is in your thoughts
Ruth, but if it is I must take good care
to drive it away as efectually as your
weaving would. But what a fine web
you have there, how much have you
woven to-day?
Seven yards"
Dear me, seven? Why I could not
do it, cannot weave more than five al
most"
The old anxious look came to Ruth,
eyes as she stopped to pick up the shut
tie she had let fall at the opening Of th'
door. She then hung up the basket o
filling, and turned with her knitting to I
seat by her cousin.
WHO would have thought such glo
rious day as we have had, would hav'
gone out into a night like this, salt
Geranna. The clouds are blacker thai
the shadows that fill the corners Of tn
room, and the wind--why! it fairl.
braided up the grass across my path"
You are not going to light lam
are you Ruth ?" she continued seein
her rise and move toward the cupboard
Yes 1 thought l would
"Don't, you know 1 always look be;
by fire light laughed Geranna.
But those shadows l don't like, no.
you have called them into notice" sal
Ruth laughing too at her own foolisl
ness l believe ! am little nervous I
night, but they somehow seem like sue
heavy pillars of darkness"
Turn your face from them then, fc
l think the fireplace gives plenty of ligl
to talk by"
Ruth set down the lamp rnlighted, b
threw another log upon the fire, and IL
flames leaped with louder roarings I
the chimney.
Then the village news was toucht
upon and some parts were applaudt
and some condemned. Finally the ne
was dropped for the old-days of " lol
ago" when they had played together
Father Andrews meadow. This tor
was at last exhausted and for few mi
utes there was silence, during whl
Geranna glanced uneasely into Rutl
face.
Well" said Ruth at length what
the conclusion of the matter, you see
just ready to speak, but as fearful OF c
ing so as though / were stranger"
Il am afraid to say what wish'
because"
Why, am l SO terrible that l ca
be spoken to p
No, don't mean that, only wha
say would be none Of my business if
did not love you so WE'LL"
How do l know it is any of yc
business at all p and Ruth smiled lit
ooldIy, while Geranna's eyes filed "