Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1861-01-25

the blooming lovelinesS and grl.sh dignity OF
his young guide. A few adroit questions
respecting Hardwiche Hall and its neighbor-
hood, suificed to draw forth spirited abstract
Of the character of the Hardwiche agent, and
the impositions he was wont to practice upon
the tenants and neighbors, as well as an arch
description ofmost of the I" characters" there.
abouts. Then he continued to learn all about
Jessic's little school, and her ailinc mother,
and he smiled TO himself. in the twilight, to
observe the pride of her mein, when she al
ludcd to the high position from which unfor-
seen reverscs had compelled her mother to
descend. "'.
I" Then," she said, suddenly pausing with
feeling as if she had been almost too COM
municative, IF we could only cross yonder
lawn, the gates are close by, but We shall
have to go quarter of mile round.
Why?" asked the stranger.
Mr.. Talcott will not allow travellers to
cross here-he says it is private property"
:" fancy shall dare Mr.. Talcotts wrath"
said the gentleman, laughing as he pushed
open the wire gate that defended the forbid
den space. g 1t is perfectly absurd to make
people 60 quarter of a mile out of their way
for mere whim."
They had scarcely entered the enclosure
when they met an unlocked for obstacle, Tai
colt himself, who was prowling over the
grounds on the qm rine for trespassers.
Halo, herc!' growlcd he: Just turn back
ifyou please. This isn't the public thorough
fare"
The stranger held Jessie's arm under his
own little tighter, as if to repress her evi.
dent inclination to "beat retreat" He was
l;.pncaI fn ,,,o;,,to;,, ~, ,~o.;.;z,.
81 don't see any reasonable cause why we
shouldn't go ahead,' he said, pertinaconsly
There is path here, and suppose it was
made to walk on" .......
" Not for you,'' said the agent contcmptu-
ously," so go back as fast as you "
Is il possible that people are made to
travel a circuitous and unpleasant route, for
no other earthly reason than your capriccs,
sir?" asked the gentleman, booking down at
the little man, from the altitude of his six
feet, with kind Of laughing scorn. "Did it
ever occur to you. my friend, that others have
rights and conceniences as well as Yourself "
Can't help their rights-nothing to me-"
snarlcd the agent, planting himself obstinate
ly in the path. ~ forbid all passing here ~
" But | suppose Everard lIardwiche may
have the privilege of crossing his own land?'
persisted the stranger, still presenting the half
contemptuons smile that had from the begin
ming made the agent SO uncomfortable.
Talcott grew, not exactly pale, but yellow
with consternatiOn. #
"Mr. Harlwichc-sir, I did not know
we did not expect"
"No--I know You didn't, my good man.
BE so kind as to step aside, and allow me to
pass with the lady. Miss Jessie, don't forget
that need your services few minutes yet
When we reach the house, will prolong my
walk to your cottage. Nay, don't shrink
away from mc-are we not to be verv good
friends ~ tf -.av.. .u.. r.
"Thc prettiest girl ever saw in my life"
was his internal comment, as he at length
parted from her mt the little gate, where
burning bushes" and dark green ivy were
trained together with all woman's taste
The Christmas SHOWS lay white and deep
on the farmhouse eaves-the Christmas logs
cracked on the hearth, where Mr. Woodbridge
still gazcd drcamily into the glowing cindcrs.
and Mrs. Keturah's knitting needles clicked
with electric speed. .r..s....t......... ..
me-" he murmured, almost plaintively. -
I
had thought to live and die in the old place
where my father did, aforc me. The Lords
will be done, though. Somehow things hain't
prospcrcd with me- don't seem to get
along"
you'd ha' got along well enough, guess,
responded Keturah, who belonged supcrcm-
inently to that class Of people known as
!" jobs comforters," "if you'd only looked
after your p's and q's as l told you You
always Yves too free handed. and now you see
what it's brought We tcw.''
well, well, Ketury, we never did think
alike on some things" returned the old man
I" Let's talk about pleasanter subject What
do you think about our schoolma'am' mar.
rving young Mr.. Hardwichc tomorrow p
Didn't always tell you that Jessie Morton
was born to be lady9 I,nay be oHlucky
myself, but anyhow, I'm glad to hear Of little
Jesse's luck."I ~mfT
YOU'D great deal better keep your sym
pathy for yourself growled Keturah.-
What's other folks luck to you, I'd like to
know? There-some ones knocking at the
door see who 'tis p e'
twas little note, brought by one Of the
school-boys, under Jcssie's care. "Whcre's
my glassesy ] can't see as well as. I could
once. Shove the candle this way, will you,
Ketury?" And fitting his brass bowed
spectacles upon Els nose, the old man un-
folded the note and read, in Jessie's delicate
chirography -
do not let that mortgage disturb your
Christmas Day, tomorrow, dear father Wood
bridge. 1t will never haunt your hearth
stone again. Mr.. IIarwiche will send you
the nannrS soon IN fectrov 1'h;o ;v Tncc;a,c g