Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-08-12


and station to appear to know so humble a
fact.
"What do zee say" cried Polly.
The doctor repeated his question in a loud
imperious manner.
GAY, do he" replied Polly, evidently as
| tonished at his ignorance. "Are ye in want
Of hing
81 wish to see him; show me in" exclaimed
the little man with a frown
The girl made way for him to pass, and for
love Of his frill gave him q wide passage;
closed the door with turgij attention to the
catch Of the latch, and left the doctor planted
against the wall, to escape all touch OF her,
while she went to announce HIM
Mrs. Strangtield came hurryiug out, with
a wild look Of sorrow iii her face, and her
eyes sore with weeping
But at sight of the fine frill, and naughty
mouth, and twisted forehead, and silk waist
coat, God bless her! she CONTESTED to the
ground.
Mrs. strangfeld's courtesy made III.
Shaw phebl9 thing
81 have the pleasure, madam, of address
ing-l'
And the doctor made bow that twisted
his figure into a note of interrogation
any name IS Mrs Strangfeld, sir 1
know you to be Dr.. Shaw, and may God
send you have come to bring us tidings of
our grill" replied the poor mother, in her
tearfulest voice.
Il am here on a very special errand-one
that concerns us all closely II your hus
band is visible | should be glad to see him.
"Oh YES sir, he is in this room; pray walk
in, Dir. Shaw" said Mrs. Strangfeld, Won
dering that her fearful face should provoke
no expression of concern from the doctor,
and herein exactly showing herself to be the
daughters mother, for on the very previous
day had not Jenny herself fallen into the
same wonder over the little mans glazed
manners.
He followed her into the parlor, and within
pace of the door stood to deliver his cool,
collected bow to Mr. Strangdeld who half
rose from his armchair to return the saluta-
ton.
"Good morning to you, DIR. Shaw Pray
take chair, sir This fine weather is very
promising for the farmers, and there be talk
of grand harvest this year." said the ship
wright, remaining half risen out of his chair
until the doctor was seated
Mrs. Strangfeld looked at her husband
with an expression of helpless, eager despair
How could he talk of the weather: how
could he receive the doctors visit so easily /
Why did not he ask him at once his object in
callingl Great Lord! how did he know but
what the schoolmaster was come with shock
ing news Of Jenny! But upright she sat,
with her hands tightly clasped.
81 am ont betimes this morning" said Dr.
Shaw, with a short glance around the homely
room bat then, Mr.. Strangfeld, from your
occupation ! naturally conceived You an
early riser. and my dety would not permit
me to delay my visit.
Had you come two hours ago you would
have found me risen," replied Strangfeid.
who had gathered his forces together for
this unexpected interview, and was now
again wearing his hard face and speaking in
his stern, deep tones
II am here, Mr. Strangfeld, in compliance
with my promise to give you all news at the
earliest opportunity that should enable you
to use your own words-to sift this bust
ness Of your daughter to the bottom, began
the doctor, pulling out his suuff-box for no
other motive than to toy with it, strange
things come to pass in this world, which
truly is much smaller than we can get to
conceive it by estimate of geographical mem
suration; and | apprehend," said he with
his suaYe smile, that our respected ncighbois
win be not little surprised to hear OF
visits exchanged between Dr. Shaw and Mr..
5trangfield, whose strong objections to the
schoolmaster's theological opinions are toer-
ably well known"
Strangfield looked at him keenly under his
| frowning eyebrows and appeared about to
speak, but dismissed his thoughts with a
wave Of the hand and sank back silent
"Oh, Dr. ShawN cried the mother, incapa-
bic Of holding her tongue, however awed by
tho cold fencing between the men, 81 wish
that difference Of religious notions was all
the trouble 'twixt You and Michael, sir.
Your name hath a sorrowful sound in it
to my cars God knows; and this
morning hath made it more bitter
than my heart well knows how to
bear" And she hung her pale face to hide
her tears.
"Janem exclaimed her husband, sternly,
I "there is no need for thee to put in. Or.
shaw is here to give Us some news; we can
await his leisure. Keep thy tongue quiet.
/ It's q SIGN Of a light head to fret over the
( past Whom 10 upbraid we know; but DR..
Shaw hath no hand in our grief. -
"Madam, said the doctor haughtily, not
to be Modified by the deacon's admissiou-for
the manner was offensive, though the words
were kindly" between YOU and me there
should be silence in the matter Of reproach.
/ L YOU have 70 mourn over daughters de-
/ ceit, have 20 lament sons folly. And
there | stop; fer the world shall judge who
is the greater sufferer
Neither husband nor wife answered him.
Mr. Strangfieldn he continued, turning
quickly upoa the deacon, with the sudden
contrite air of mal who feels that b. IS
wasting valuable time. II have left my
home early this morning expressly to bring
you two items of news, one oe which should
properly be delivered BY mn only First,
as 70 my sons disappearance:
There came man to my house late last
night to inquire after me He was man
belonging 10 the preventive service, and he
said, being at IN ale house in the town not
two hours before there were persons there
talking over the disappearance OF DR.. Shaws
son, and likewise the impressment of three
men out Of Greystone on that night or there
abouts, rs il is concluded, Of my sons going
Now, it is very exactly known that three
men were impressed; for no other man is
missing, unless it be NV son. This coast
: guard sat considering what he had heard,
/ and, taking particular note OF the conjectures
concerning my son thrown out by the gossips.
+ he came round TO my house (havins finished
his- glass, and being off duty for the night