The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-02-08

q grateful smile that went even To the fiinty
heart Of Mrs. Keturah.
20, Mr. Woodbridge, how kind you al
ways are to us! II were only rich-if |
could only make some return
Don't you say word about that are,
said the iarmer, rubbing his nose very hard.
'Jest you run home as fast rs ever you can
put, for it's getting most dark, and the Mo-
ycmber wind amt no ways healthy, rs | ever
heard on. And say, Jessie, if It rains to-
morrow, so you can't get to school handy,
just you stop here, and I'll give You lift in
my waggin.'
Dear old Mr.. Woodbridge solilOquized
Jessie Morton to herself, as her light steps
battered along on the fallen leaves, show
many, many times have had cause to thank
his generous heart. And to think that he
should be so distressed about the mortgage
by the agent at llardwichc Hail.
She paused II moment, to look up to where
the stately roofs and gables of the Hall rose
darkly outlined against the crimson sky. On
commanding height, and nearly hidden in
trees, many OF which still retained their bril-
liant autumn foliage, it seemed almost like
an old barOnial castle.
s'''N ~ "'"hhS, slt tDuNtu, 'NIlut uliu
silent, year after year; its magnificent rooms
untcnanted; the flowers blossoming ungather-
cd in It's conscryatOrics. Since Mrs. Hard
wiche died--twcnty years since, mamma says
the family have been away, and now the
only surviving heir is travelling, no one
knows where. | wonder il he knows how
grasplng and cruel his agent is? oh dear,
she added, softly, money does not always
come where it is most needed. Ii were the
mistress of llardwichc lIallr
She started with slight scream the next
instant; rs u tall figure rose up from mosSy
border by the road side, directly in front Of
her.
Pardon me, said voice that instantly
rcassured her, for it was too gentle to come
from any but gentleman, .but | am not
certain that have lost INV way. is this the
Elden road? was waiting for some one to
come and direct me-
'This is the Elden road said jessie. all
unconscious that the last CLEANS of the fad.
ins sunset were tightening up her face with
almost angelic beauty, as she stood there
among ihe fallen leaves.
'Ahd can you tell me the shortest foot
path to Hardwicho Hall? Hhaye not been
in this. neighkprhood since | was little
child, and am completely at fault
Jessie hcsitated a moment. 'I.could show
you better than tell YOU, for it is rather a
complicated road. shcsakl, and II you~ill
accept my services 10 guidc;it will not be
much out of my way
Il shall feel-very much honorcd, said the
stranger. Meanwhile let me carry your
basket
1t was wild and lovely walk, .winding
among moss garlandcd trees and hollows,
sweet with aromatic incense Of dying leaves.
Jessie could not hclp ndmiring the chivalric
manners and polished courtesy of her compan-
ion, and he was pleased with the bloom
inSlovcliness and girlsh dignity Of his young
guide. A few adrOit questions respecting
llardwicpo Hall and its nsghborhood, SUI
feed to draw forth spirited abstract Of the
llardwichc agent, and the impositionsle was
wont TO practice upon the tenants and neigh
bors, as well as an arch description oi most
of the characters thcrcabouls. Then he
continued to learn all about Jcsscs little
school, and her ailing mother, and he smiled
to himself, in the twilight to observe the
pride OF her mcin, when she alluded to the
high position from which. unforeseen reycrses
had compelled her mother to descend.
,rhcn,' she said, suddenly pausipg with a
feeling as If she had been almost too COM
municativc, if we could only cross yonder
lawn, the gates are close by, but we shall
have to - quarter OF mile round
'Why !" asked the stranger.
MIR. Talcott will not allow travellers to
cross hcrcA hc.Ays it is private property
Il fancy shall dare Mr. ialcac's wrath
said the gentleman, laughing Us he pushed
opci the wire gate that defended tllc forbid |
den space; 'ltfs perfectly absurd to make
people go quarter Of u mile out Of their
way for a mere whim.
They had scarcely entered the enclosure
when they met an overlooked for obstaclc.'I
TalcOtt himself, who was prowling over the
grounds on the qm rire for trcspasscrs.
'llallo here growlcd he; Just turn back
ifyou please This isn't the public thorough
fare
The stranger held Jcssic's arm under his
own little tighter, as if to rcpress her cvi-
dent inclination to beat retreat lie was
disposed to maintain his position.
Il don't see any reasonable cause why we
should not 81 ahead, he said pcrtinaciously.
There is a path here, and suppose it was
made TO walk on
Not for you, said the agent, contempt
uously, so back with you as fast as You
can y
is it possible that people arc made to
travel crcuitous and unpleasant route, for
no other earthly reason than your caprice.
sir| asked the gentleman, looking down
unon the little man, from the altitude of his
six feet, with kind oflaughing scorn. Did
it ever occur to you, my friend, that Others
have rights and cUnyenicnces as well as your. |
selfH
Cant help their rghts-nothing to me,
snarled The agent, planting himself Obstinately |
in the path. Il forbid all passing herc!'
but suppO2c Eycrard llardwiche may
have the privilege OF crossing his own land ?
persisted the stranger, still presenting the
half contcmp,uous smile that had from the
beginning made the agent 80 uncomfortable.
lalcott grew, not exactly pale, but yellow
with CONSERVATION.
MIR. liardwiclc-sir, did not know-wc
did not expect
"No-l know YOU didn't, my good man.
Beso Kind as TO step aside, and allow me to
pass with the lady. Miss Jessie, don't for
Ct that need your services few moments
yet. When We reach the house, I'll prolOng
my walk toyour cottage. Nay, do MT shrink
away from me-are We not to be very good
friends
'lhe pretticst girl ever saw in my life
was his internal comment, as he ut length !
parted from her at the little gate where
burning bushes and dark green ivy were
trained together with all u wOman's taste.
lhe Christmas SHOWS lay white and deep
on the farmhouse eaycs-the Christmas LOGS