The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1877-01-03

| propose to her; and, indeed, ther,
are but few to choose from in KerioI
who have money This one is rich
I can see it even in dis walk'-b'
stood watching Lao Coatfree out o
sight-"and there are no relations to
make troublesome inquiries about the
interest on Annik's hoard. | know
too much about Ursule she will not
meddle, and | shall ask no question:
about Lao. Yes; he marries Annik
He wants some ready money, aud bt
I likes the girl, and he will take hel
right away to the West She will
marry him fast enough; how can she
refuse a 6ne fellow like that? and ]
shall be rid of her, and of Monsienl
lie Cures visits | am tired of being
watched over and talked to as if
were sick woman"
He stuffed both hands into the pock
cts of bis breeches, which were pear
shaped, and made Of unbleachet
coarse jean gathered into innumera
bic tiny plaits; his black cloth leg
gins, trimmed with faded embroidery
were buttoned with very small meta
buttons down to the ankle.
"Annik!" be called, in his harsh
voice-"Annik, have something tC
say" Guerik turned toward the
house, but there was no answer
i The road had been empty since
Lao departed but now, here was
Annik coming up from the church
and down the road above, which Lac
had taken, came tall young fellow
walking briskly, wbistliDg as he came
Looking straight before him. mo.
meDt ago this bright haired happy
faced youth bad fearless, honest face
which won the beholder but as the
young girl stepped up into the road
his fearless look faded into timid
almost beseeching glance, his we'll
knit limbs moved less freely, and bis
head was less suucily erect; aud as
Annik saw him, and nodded, and
then moved across toward the farm
house, the young man redeemed and
stopped swkwsrdly in the middle Of
the road, as be said ''good-day."
You called me, uncle !" said An
nix.
The farmer had turned, and saw
he timid greeting exchanged He
answered gruffiy
"Yes-yes. JEFF has need Of help;
go, she waits
A little pout closed the girls lips.
She gave a lingering look over her
shoulder, and then went slowly into
the house. As she passed her uncle
she said drily:
jeff did not need help when / left
her. She is growing lazy"
Then she held up ber pretty head,
aud walked on with the air Of d young
queen.
II am tired of these airs, +" the far
mer murmered :" it is not pleasant
that young chit like Annik should
be so independent-she shall be tam
ed Ah, good day, Silvestik you
have left work early to-day; why
so ?"
"Yes, ] have left work early,
Mathurin Guerik Ny cousin, the
miller of Nixon, is i'll, and be has sent
to say that am to go and help him,
that | am to be his son, and that
when he dies the mill, and all. that
be has, is to be mine"
Some folks count chickens through
the egg-shell, Silvestik. Well, go
your way, and prosper better at Nixon
than you have prospered at Kerion.
Lao Coatfrec, who went away in dis
grace, and who you all said had gone
to the bad, has come back to-day
rich and prosperous. Go and do like
wise"
Silvestik looked sharply at the far.
mer.
Lao Coatfrec has come back ?
Well, fear bis riches are not fairly
got; if. indeed, be is rich. He is a
smuggler; every one knows it, and
ugly things have happened to him
and to bis crew"
Guerik's sullen face grew purple,
and he growled fierce osth between
bis teeth
LAO is not milkshop, and so be
is mark for evil tongues. Take nv
advice, young man." be went Oh
harshly, keep your mouth shut, or
you may find stones in your teeth.
Lao is my friend"
Silvestik looked troubled. lie had
plenty Of intelligence, but be was
slow in piecing facts together; and at
this moment bis head was so full OF
An"ik, that be had no insight into
the extent of Guerik's anger.
Il did not know that" be said SIM
ply, cor | should have held my
tongue tor | would not willingly
grieve you, Matburin." He stopped
and looked sheepish, then be forced
out the words, "lf all goes as | wish,
some day l hope to call you my un-
cle."
Guerike broke into a coarse, deris-
i've laugh.
Some folks are bent on seeing
through the egg-shell. Go your way
Silvestik. Nv niece Aunik is not for
a penniless lad with scarce q heard
for the barber Go, | tell you,"
Guerik roared out the last words.
The young mau's eyes flashed, and
he made step forward toward the
farmer. But Guerik did not notice
either look or movement; as be spoke
be turned quickly into the arched
doorway, aud pushed the hall-dooT
violently, so as to prevent any follow
ing.
Seeing this, Silvestik paused aud
unclenched his fists.
Il am as foolish to be provoked by
bis bluster as be is TO show it. He
has no power over Annik If |
were richer | would speak to her TO-
day, before 1 60 to Nizon as it ia,
if | were more sure-but she never
gives me smile or word that she
does not give to another. If |
thought | had a chance. then in
deed
He went slowly down the road.
past the cottage 10 front of which