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

Snu tue cOiOr on nss cneeh ueepeneC
with vexation as be followed the
strong dark gaze down bill and saw
on whom it rested. He went on pas
the strange man, and then turned bacl
and looked in his faee-only to bt
seen by direct front view, for the
mans high shirt collar hid the lower
part of his features, and bis long darl
hair fell over bis eyes and cheeks
The eyes were deep-set and unpleas
ant in expression. They scanned ths
priest searchingly; then the mar
pulled off bis hat and smiled awk
wardly.
Good morning, father; you have
forgotten Lao Coatfree, it seems"
The priest started, and then, while
be returned the greeting, locke d in
tently at the hard, determined face
1t vas handsome. perhaps, as regard
ed color and features, but there was
no beauty Of expression-the lower
nature reighed supreme.
Lao, is it indeed Lao 7" and then
the Cure stood silent He looked dis
turbed and hesitating. as if be wished
to speak. and yet was withheld by
prudence.
Meantime Laos eyes had Travelled
back to Anuik. He said abruptly
Father, who q the young girl be
side the cottage! / have been away
so long that the young ones have
gown out of remembrance"
Again tie Cure looked disturbed
"You are not likely to remember thai
Young women, Lao; she is not g
Kerion girl; she comes from Auray
Her aunt married the widower Guerik
YOU remember him at the farm
here He looked back at the stone
farm house. sHis second wife and
her niece, Annik came from Auray
and when the wife died, year ago
the niece remained with Guerik"
Lao shrugged bis shoulders, but
bis dark ewes cleaned with curiosity
II hope she has enough to keep
her," be said. earelessly. "Guerik
as | remember him, is not man who
would care to be burdened with a
child who is not of his blood"
The priest was too simple to see
Laos drift. His cheeks flushed a
little as be answered-
"Aunik lives With farmer Guerik
because she is his niece by marriage,
and because she is alone in the world.
She has no blood relations. but she
has gooa sum put By for her, and
the pretiest little COW in Guerik' s
stable is Annik's. One has only to
look at ber aud see that she is no beg
gar; and she il good; yes she is very
good
His voice saak to faint murmur.
As be ended, the coed father sudden
ly remembered tbe admiration be bad
surprised 10 laos ewes He felt be
was saying too much, and be wished
be had not praised Annik or said a
word about ber money
"And where have you been all
these yearss ?" he said quickly. I'VE
heard that you bad gone to sea you
must have been away eight years or
more"
About that time. Monsieur, | went
to try the fishing, aud then | heard OF
nv mothers deathp-here Laos eyes
dropped under the priests gaze
"and then | went away to foreign
parts; and now, to-day, ! have come
back to see my grandmother"
The Cure crossed himself
IL am sorry TO say your grand
mother is not good companion for
old or young, Lao; age does not mend
her. She despises all that you were
taught to reverence when you were a
bow"
That is a long time ago, Mon
sieur," Lao laughed. 81 love the
poor old woman; she is all l have in
the world to care for; | sm sure there
is no harm in her; but she is more
clever than ber neighbors, and so
they are spiteful."
The Cure looked stern as we'll as
grave.
Il judge no man or woman from re-
port, Lao. | know that Ursule does
not fear God; and | warn you against
her influence"
Lao laughed, and then be hitebed
up the broad leather belt be wore,
and stopped 10 his walk.
Good day to you, father. | must
go and see my old gossip Guerik. "
And be turned toward the farm
house.
The priest went on with trouble on
his usually placid face As be reach
ed the bottom of the slope Annik
locked round.
She rose when she saw the Cure,
and at her smiling greeting his face
cleared.
Good day, my child. | am going
away, but only as far a. Concarneau /;
so You will know where to find me,
if should be needed"
Going awayl' Aunik's eyes open
ed 10 wide wonder She had not
lived many years in Kerion but she
could not remember the dsy when
she had not seen Monsieur lie Cure.
'Is there any reason why | should
stay at home, my child? If there is,
tell me . and be smiled.
NO: oh, no. forgive me-" Aunik
blusbed with confusion. The change
will be good for Monsieur, but-we
shall be glad to see lin back"
And | glad to return, dear child "
He put bis hand on her head. Il
have said | will stay till Saturday,
morning, but | may return on Friday
knows? Gro and see Jeanne
ton sometimes. Farewell"
The cir. knelt down in the dusty
road to receive bis fatberIy blessing.
The Cure gave it, aud then be passed
quickly on his wsy to Concarnesu.