The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-10-10

They chatted while, tho young man
saving that his horse had cast a sh)e,
which was being reset at the landing, snd
that he had gone on on foot to do slch
business as he had.
"Then YOU will return this way by e1en-
ing" said the Squire. "Stop and take
your supper with us | would be glad to
talk more with you of the war. You learn
more in your large town than we can here"
Then he went away.
Later in the day the maid was busiy
employed with her wheel, when horseman
refined in abreast the window. He called
to her in gentle tones: mistress Faith,
Mistress Faith, may dismount?"
When she heard that voice she looked up
with joy and spoke with cordial greeting:
"Why, Nathan is it you? We should be
greved did you ride by. Stable your lorse,
Nathan, and then come in to see wESt a
greeting will be yours"
The youth, slender, 1.-THE lad, leapt
from the saddle to the ground, and then
led the dusty horse somewhere away.
Presently he returned, and found Faith
awaiting him, standing on the great
cracked milestone that served for Jub-
stantial doorstep. She extended both
hands, a smile of welcome on her facgthat
was worth many miles of riding to receive.
The youth took her hands, and held Nhen,
and though he stood on the ground anb she
on the doorstep, so tall was he that their
eyes were on a level as they gave and re-
ceived reciprocal glances of pleasure. The
bloom of tender youth was on the yong
mans cheeks, which were almost as fair
as those of the maid. His eyes were large,
dark, and good to look into, for they b.
tokeneS honesty and courage, WhsKS tss&-
had exchanged the first few words on
greeting she led him, her hand in his,
within,
"The ride was dusty, and the day is
sultry Faith" said he, "but l minded not
these dscomforts."
"You must have had a peaceful mind,
then"
"You know did, for it was on my mind
that before the night should see myFaith
again"
"Did chat thought give you so much con-
tent"' she asked, gently.
at did, and always does. 1t will give
me content for the year that must pass be-
fore we meet again"
$50 much time:" she asked, with an
accent of reproach.
Eyes, Faith. 'Tis my last year at the
college. | am now on my way there, After
that year shall be free to make good use
of my learning, so that by and by when l
come | may take you with me-"
"You are looking far ahead, Nathan"
said she, with such bewitching eoyness
that he was impatient for the passage of
the months and years.
81 wish that the time had come. But we
must be patient. God has some business of
Importance for me in this world. OF that
| have conviction, and | must be prepared
for it. Besides, long to have so well i'm
proved such gifts as God has bestowed
upon me that you may be proud of me-"
He was seated by her side, his hand still
holding hers, and for time both were ST.
lent. Then he said musingly: "StOrmy
times are preparing for my country.
have part therein. | thank God that He
has permitted me to be born in time to act
that part as He Intends"
"What were you saying, Nathan? You
speak so strangely, as though not to me at
all, but to some one invisible to me whom
your eyes are fixed upon"
"Was l so absent minded, Faith: Mind
it not. To be with you is peace for me,
and my mind has been filled with troub-
lous thoughts of late"
"What trouble, Nathan? You are always
sedate but to-day you seem almost anx-
ious minded. Am l not here by your side
now?"
eyes, and it is peace to have you here
But should see your parents. This even
ing, when the sun is set, we will sit togetF-
used to do" b
Squire Lelfingwell was pleased that this
young guest should be there. 1t had been
Nathan's custom, as he passed back and
forth between his home in Coventry town,
twenty miles away, and the college in New
Haven, to spend night with these people.
The rigorous old man was well impressed
by the youths learning, sObriety of habit,
and by his manly rectitude of character.
So that, being wise father, he had with
pleasure observed that an attachment had
grown that promised to give his tender
flower, Faith, a strong protector in good
time. On this day he talked much with
Nathan of the clouds that were gathering
over the country; of Sam Adams and his
stirring words, and of the brave deeds of
their brethren of the Massachusetts, colony
in Boston. The old Squire perceived that
Nathan was most seriously minded about
these things, and that an ardent patriotism
commanded him. But when Nathan, with
unusual enthusiasm and excitement, said
'Slr, God has a special part for me to do
In the days that are near" so convincing
was his manner that the old man was con.
WINGED as well, and he said: Nathan, |
believe it, and you will do it we'll"
1t happened that just before the hour for
the evening meal their old neighbor, Mr..
Benedict came in.
Nathan" said Faith, tour old neighbor
and my big playfellow is here. Mr. Bene-
dict, the friend of whom spoke has hap
two men by name to each other.
In after years, so long as she lived, re-
membered the girl this strange meeting
that took place before her. The young
men seemed for an instant to have seen
something in each other, some hint or
premonltion of what afterwards would
happen, some revelation that intuition
suggested, that caused them to be unmind-
full for an instant of the formalities of the
occasion. The elder fixed his piercing ewes
upon the younger student, not rudely but
yet strangely, and then, recovering him
self, bowed low. The younger, as firm and
manly spite of his youth, returned the
strange glance with almost strained ex-
preston of inquiry. Then he returned the
salutation. Neither spoke. At the table con-
versation turned upon the threatened
revolt of the colonies.
at will come" said Mr.. Benedict, land
what an opportunity for glory and Se2'
brave exploit will there not be for our
vigorous young men. Is it not so?" he
asked of Nathan.
"It will come" said Nathan, with
solemnity of tone, "and what opportunity
may there not be of doing service for our
country"
The elder with as much display of con-
tempt as was possible for one to show who
cultivated good manners, turned to Faith
and said
"Your young friend is a dreamer"
But when they came to the parting with
MIN, Benedict said to Nathan. "Some-
thing tells me that we may be both heard
from If the war comes. That impression
seized me as Mistress Faith presented me-"
at is strange that |, too, was similarly
impressed" replied Nathan coldly.
In the early evening of the next day, as