The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1870-08-06
he front, and he also heard voices.

And the little old man chuckled agair
and muttered:
"Whoover this Harriet Sinclair is, sh
is getting up quite stir among these folks
| rather like her, There goes that othe
one again. suppose it is Maria Daltor
but she's made slight mistdhe"
"What do you suppose John Haywar
cares for you? You have not even a pref
ty face to recommend you and, then, 20,
are nothing but beggar! Bah what
ninry you are'
"Will you tell me one tLing?" came il
a faint pleading voice care you and
John going to be married %
There was quite pause, and the mar
at the door grew impatient.
p Then came the answer, sharp and ma
liclols:
yes We are
'Oh p
This exclamation came from Hatty, and
it was so full OF pain and despair, that the
old man involuntarely stepped into the
room.
'The weather appears to be unsettled"
said he to himself, and shall not be sur
prised if some of these folks get wrecked
| in the storm. What hornets nest it
must be ! And there's the queen herself
he added, as his gaze fell upon Maria Dal-
cons dark, handsome face.
She stood in the door leading into the
great entry, with hand raised threateningly,
and her black eyes flashing anerily. while
Hatty Sinclair stood by the window with
her back turned to her tormenter, that she
might hide the tears which were streaming
down her flushed checks.
Neither of them saw the old man, and
he spoke to make his presence known.
Good day, ladies. I've been taking alittle
tramp hereabouts, aud,as got rather tired,
| thought I would stop in and rest little
You are welcome, said Hatty, turning
her fearful face toward him.
But Maria spoke tartly
I'VE do not keep hotel. You will find
one at the village.
But am not at the village" saiG the
man, cody taking seat, and chuckling to
himself as he saw the dark cloud gathering
on Maras face. 4 am very tired, too, and
quite hungry
The cloud grew blackr; but ere the
storm burst, John Hayward entered the
room.
Instantly Maria's face was all sunshine.
Storm is past for the present., thought
the little man but there is no knowing
how long we shal! have fair weather, so I
will make the most of it, Then to John
Hayward: q just stopped in to lest
moment, and get bite to eat
You are welcome, sir said John frank
ly. 'Hatty will, you get him lunch Or,
perhaps you will stay to tea, sir p
FThank you, sir but l will go on to the
village, where that lady tells me there is a
hoteln
Maria shot him look out CT her fash
ing eyes that called smile 70 his face.
But John did not see it for he was watch
ing Hatty as she fitted here and there,
preparing the lunch for the visitor. Then
he and Maria left the kitchen.
The man was apparently very hungry
judging from the length of time required
to satisfy himself. And all the while he
mas plying Hatty with questions about
herself and her parents, till the poor girl
began to think he was crazy. But at length
ne rose to go and with many thanks to
Hatty, and promise to see her again
'oOn, he took his departure.
A week passed, and the old man again
tood at the door of the HAYWARD farm
house, 1t was quite dark, and he sat
iown on the stone step, listening to the
oyOus music and happy laughter that
'ame from the house
Presently little figure fitted past him,
md he recognized Hatty Sinclair. He
hurried after her, and soon overlook her.
you have left them at last p said he
nquiringly where are you going?'
4 cannot teli,' said she stopping and s
ooking back to the house.
Poor child She had not thought of t
hat. ... |
you can go with me- said the man,
father was my brother, Hatty | am
our Uncle james, c
Hattv Unva n olod aru hut tba oovt