The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1877-01-10
CHAPTER V.
LAOS MOOING.

She was sitting at the foot of th
tall gray calvary, beside the churct
not far from the farmhouse but th
large spreading chestnut boughs j
front of this screened her effectuaIl,
She hid her face in her hands, thong
there was 40 one 10 see the warr
blood rush up to her face
She. was struggling with a kee
dislike TO leave kerion.
This morning Mathurin had spoke
sternly to her. He said be was tire
of having her at the farm; be mean
to arrange a marriage for her withou
delay.
Il do not wish to marry the cir
said augrily aud then she blusbeC
at her words and came out to 81
under the calvary.
Since the Cures departure, La,
Coatfree bad come every day to th,
farmhouse, and Annik wondered
whether be was the proposed suitor
mo one shall choose my husband,
she said saucilv.
Old Barba had often warned An
nix that her money was not ssfe witt
Martburin, but when the girl hac
c,nsulled her only friend, the Cure
be bid her be patient.
"You cannot go out into the world
alone, nv child. aud you do not wish
TO enter a convent; you have no rel
aIives, and home you must have
be patient, then, and trust in God y
IL wonder what Monster lie Cure
will say now? cannot STAY here,
and yet it would be easier for poor
girl to 6ud home th IN for me-"
AnDik sat now with hands discon-
sOlately clasped in her lap.
All ut once a shadow came be-
tween her aud the light; she looked
up and saw Lao Coatfrse.
Good morning, pretty Annik," lie
said, and then, without waiting for
her answer, be seated himself on the
steps of the calvary.
Annik Redeemed this time with
vex4tion. If Silvestik or any other
Kerior lad spoke to her, they ad-
dressed her as Mademoiselle. She
thought Laos easy manner imperIi-
nent
She boxed rather baughty, but the
beseechIOg admiration in his eyes
soothed her. "After all, )" she thought,
"the poor fellow can't help liking me.
| need not be cross"
did you always live at Auray be-
fore you came to Kerion 2" be asked
Yes" Annik sighed, my mother
aud nv aunt all lived by the Lucn
near Auray. When my mother died,
my aunt married MathuriE GuerIk,
aud we came TO kerion."
"You must fnd this a poor dull
place after Auray," said Lao "and
"A pretty maid like you would take
pleasure in u more lively town even
than Aurav, | fancy. What dv you
say to Brest?"
Annik looked up quickly; she was
so preoccupied with her own plans
tor leaving KerioD, that she failed To
understand Laos drift.
"Brest is so far off, and it always
seems to me that people may lose
their way in great city
Lao laughed gally.
My dear little country mouse" he
said. "Brest could be put IN corner
of Paris, OF even of Nantes; but,
-mall as it is, it is full of life; it is
the sailors home, aud you need never
lose your way when you have
strong arm ready to protect YOU"
He looked meaningly into her eyes,
snd drew close beside her. But the
familiarity of his tone had startled
Annik, and when she met Lis eyes
anger rose quickly in her own.
She looked away, aud saw some
one coming up from the fuuntaln be-
youd the church. 1t Was SIlvesuIk,
bearing a large water-pitchrr; be-
bind him hobbled bent old man, for
whom be was carrying II,
Apulk nodded To both VI them.
"Good day. Jean Marie; good day,
she said; what news oi
! our cousin! 2"
She felt sure that this advance on
be part would cause the youth to
set down his pitcher aud enter ilto
ialk, thus releasing her from her un-
welcome tete-a tete; but, to her sur
prise, Sllvestlk only bent bis head
very slightly, and passed ON, leaving
ner alune with Lao.
She could hardly keep from crying.
Ever since 1t had been SAID that Sill
vestik would soon leave kerion, Au-
nix had felt troubled and restless. He
was her favorite among the youths
Of the village; he was 50 respectful,
yet so anxious to please her; be was
good looking, aud, above all, he was
liked by the good Cure. But she was
very angry with him now he had
ooked 50 sheep.sb. and it was clown
sh and i'll hammered to pass on with
1ut word.
The color rose in her cheeks, and
she pouted to herself. u have been
very silly to waste . thought on Sil-
yes,is be is foolish fellow" she
turned to Lao with smile.
Il think she spoke as IL no in-
Ierruption had come to their talk,
though she was pinehing the tips Of
her fingers to keep down vexation-
i should like to see q great city just
Tor once. want to see great church
ss and fine shops; but to live in city,
oh no! | would feel like a bird in a
a cage"
IN ope could ever cage you," be
said softly; you have spirit, can
see that, and you will always be a
rue bird; you will always be obey
ed"
The dattery of bis tone was saoth-
ing, but biz to.d sdmiring gaze made
aef eyes droop.
Women have to obey said An
nix, laughing, and she rose up,
thinking she had SAT there long
enough with Lao.
Yes, yes, my sweet one; but you
would not care to obey q mate like
yon poor frightened fool" He
pointed after SIlvestik- "Ny faith, a
maid will haze N ask that lad IN