Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1874-03-19
one day when both were quite com
Portable, Dell proposed to visit an Old
neighbor, about mile away.

iNitooiS, DSii PiNPO"~|' w ''''' we 49,"
neighbor, about a mile away.
The morning was still and sultry as
only an August morning can be. The
trees that skirted the creek over which
her way lay had no monon in their
leaves the tall prairie grass merely
nodded as she passed; even the very
birds scarcely stirred at her approach.
"We'll have a storm after all this"
said Dell to herself. "Aiter the calm
comes the storm, and after the storm
the calm again. SO in human hearts
as well as in nature There has been
dead calm at my heart So long that
| almost wish the storm might come
if only to freshen my wIthered hopes,
All! did she suspect it as she did the
clements? She crossed the creek at
the fork-a stout log thrown across
the narrow stream - and soon after
reached her friends house.
As Dell had prophcsied. the storm
came. For two hours the heavens
reverberated, and the rain fell IN tor
rents. Late in the afternooo it clear,
ed away, and Dell proposed
going home. Mrs. Clark objected.
81 am afraid the creek has raised, and
it will not be safe for you to cross on
foot. If Mr.. Clark was only at home
50 that you might have Il horse"
"Thank you; but III try it. They
will look for me" said Dell "1f the
creek is too high, | will not venture,
but will return
1t was slow travelling over the
prairie, through the tall, wet grass,
and past sunset when Dell reached
the creek. 1t was tcarfulIy swollen.
To those who never saw, it is imposS.
lille to form a correct idea Of the rapid
swell of these little streams. What
had been a narrow, sluggish stream in
the morning, was now a raging, roar
inc, broad swell Of water, swift in its
current as a mighty river. Dell saw III
moment that it was impossible to
cross, for the log which had afforded
bridge was nowhere to be seen
With sigh for the dear ones at home
whom she knew would anxious about
her, she turned to 90 back. rs she
did so, her eye caught sight Of a rldel
and horse at full gallop toward her
The fast approaching darkness made
objects indistinct; but could it be-
Yes, she was not mistaken. She
knew it was Doctor Troop.
To avoid him was her first impulse
but that was impossible, SO she step
ped aside to let him pass. Instead O
SO doing he refined up his horse, say
ing: Good evening Miss Perry
Mrs. Clark told me you had just start
ed aud was very anxious to 1eaci
home. You cannot possibly cross ol
foot, but old Gray's back is broad anc
I will willingly share with you"
He spoke in his old hurried manner
his voice q uitle sad. Dell he3itatcd
Thoughts of his lormer conduct, an(
then of the old folks at home, chase
each other conilictingly through hcI
brain. Before she could reply he ha,
jumped from his horse, saying: "Thcr,
is no time to lose; the creek is rising
every moment. Let me assist yot
into the saddle, and I will take bacl
seat"
1t was impossible to resist, and Del
placed her foot in his palm and sprung
into the saddle. 1T was aperilous ride
More than once it seemed as ii The
horse could not resist the rushing cur
rent, but at last firm land was reached
Not word had been spoken by elthe
during the transit across, but as the
feet Of the horse touched the shor,
Dell heaved sigh of relief. "Wha
ii Grey had failed us?" she said, turn
ing her white face to that Of her com
panion.
st would still have been the happi
est moment of my life, he answered
solemnly, at the same time lifting he
tenderly from the horse.
She darted keen glance at him
Was he-no he could not trifle witt
her thus. Something in her face, 81
altered since he last saw her, strucl
him. Still holding her in his arms HI
said : "Dell, we have misunderstood
each other. May | finish what be
gan to tell you so long ago?'
Old Gray had a long rest after he
tiresome journey; and when at last
they started the bridle rein hung loose
ly abOut her neck. andhe masterWall