Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1868-01-09
an Gn9lish GStorp
The Laborer's Daughter.
[ooNorusloN,]

the well-dressed Lucy Your servant,
miss but duty's duty, ye know, and must
be carried out"
"I've done no wrongl" gasped Pearson,
while the rest stood mute with terror.
"Leastways, meant no wrong"
Don't say anything to commit yourself ="
said the sergeant, warningly. .'You're accu-
sed of stealing two hurdles, valued at eight
pence, the property of Farmer Lawson, of
Pachet Farm"
my John steal hurdles" |" cried the wife,
incredulously. "Who says such cruel
thing of him3 What should he steal hur-
dies forp"
"To burn, suppose; that's what mostly
becomes of farmers fence-poles, and fagots,
aad such like"
But not with us" Mrs. Pearson replied,
proudly.
"Why, we ha'n't had bit of fire bigger
than the palm of my hand since the Christ
mas gifts until"
This morning, she was about to add,
when Lucys purse had replenished the
woodstock; but the blaze of the preceding
night, the armfull Of sticks, procured she
knew not how, flashed into her mind; and,
bending over her husband, she hid her face
on his shoulder.
The unhappy couple disdained to attempt
any subterfuge. Pearson Immediately con-
fcssed to the deed. The hurdles-halfrot-
ten-had been lying in corner of the field
adjoining his yard for many months, and
were not worth the trouble of removing.
They were useless, except for the purpose to
which Lucy's father, in his perplexity, had
appropriated them. No one, so he argued
when tempted to take them, would miss, or
II missed, take the trouble to inquire what
had become of them, And he leaped the
low rail, which alone divided his slip OF
ground from the spot where they lay, little
dreaming that the new policeman waa ex-
ploring Patchet Mead, and watching his
movements.
"But you'll not take him to prison? cried
his wife, imploringly.
I'D utys duty, ye know, Mrs. Pearson. /"
But we can pay-leastways, Lucy will
the full value of the hurdles. Don't be
hard upon us, for the Lords sake! Think
what good name we've kept in the midst
of sore trials, and don't take him to prison
Lucy, Lucy, he'll die if he goes there!" she
vailed, as she saw the uselessness of her ap-
peal to the police officer.
''Be quiet, mother!" said her daughter,
resolutely. "Father shall never be impris-
oned, If can prevent it, / am going to see
Farmer Lawson, and arrange 1t with him.
You'll not mind waiting till come back p
Sergeant Smith; after a short consultation
with his satellite, consented to wait her re-
turn /; and, snatching up her bonnet and
shawl, Lucy sped away on her errand. 1t
wan one that dyed her cheek with shame, for
she inherited the Pearson pride in that un-
blemished character they had upheld for
many generations; and the poverty which
had hitherto troubled her 80 seriously sank
into insignifcance before this darker trial.
BY the nearest paths she went, painting with
haste, until Farmer Lawson's door was
reached. But Lucy came at an unlucky mo-
ment. The farmer, who was man of great
personal strength, and proud of his prowess.
often made bets, in the parlor of the "White
Lion" when not over sober. One of these
was to be decided this day, and some of his
acquaintance were lunching with him, de-
vouring the eggs, and ham, and dainty frit-
ters of the not over well-pleased mistress,
and sending out the dishes very much faster
than she could prepare them.
On being told that young woman was
asking to see s'master," she came to the
door, hot and hasty, and sharply answered
that Mr.. Lawson could not be seen.
But indeed, maam," said Lucy, 81 must
speak with him, if only for minute"
Must, indeed Do you know who ami
am Mrs. Lawson, and l don't understand
young women coming here to ask for him
after that fashion. Must see him indeed
You've had your answer, so you'd better
60"
Lucy was too much in earnest to be fright
ened away bya few snappish words; SC
apologizing as humbly as she could, she be.
gan to explain her business. But not mus.
Gle of Mrs. Lawson's yisage relaxed.
IF your fathers been thieving, he must
abide the consequence, the same as othel
people. I'm surprised to hear it. always
thought the Pearsons were decent folks
hut I'm too busy to stand here any more"
She was closing the door, despite the en-
treaties of the half-frantic daughter, wher
one Of the expected guests cantered into the
yard on pretty chestnut mare. He leapet
from the saddle, threw the reins to gaping
boy, and came forward, looking about hin
as if throughly cognizsnt of his well-kni
frame, and the dark but handsome featurel
beneath his jaunty wide-awake, A careless
nod and show d ye do" to the farmer
wife, and he was passing on when Lucy
anguished looks attracted his attention.
He stopped. "Why, mistress, what's tn,
matter, here ?"
But Mrs. Lawson, who did not like him
went back to her culinary duties, mutterinl
something unintelligiblc; and he looked t,
Lucy for reply to his inquiry.
Although years had elapsed since she las
saw him, Lucy recognized him. Who wa
there In Halsum that did not know Martil
oi Martins Holta The gay, reckless owne
Oh one OF the finest farms in the country
nrst in the field at the hunt or the steeplo
chase, drinking, dicing, and altogeths
mving the fast life of dissipated and ire
hgious man. AT another time Lucy woulr
nave reddened Indignantly beneath his boil
s'ahce OF admiration, but now she only say
III MN one who could be useful ifhe would
and rapidly relat;ro what to5 o,,,,rr,5 -,