Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-05-23
CHAPTER XXI.

Upstairs lay Jenny, ln the deep Slumber which profound weari,,ess in youth begets; the solemn sleep that, like death, smooths the countenance into an expression for which human knowledge has no definition With out stir in her she lay, and the mysterious sweetness of her face was sight for love to look upon with fear.
 Suddenly she started and awoke with one of those quick leapings from sleep which the s]eepless soul will force the body into, and sat erect, with frown of bewilderment, and her beautiful eyes alarmed and eager. She had no watch to tell the hour, but upon the carpet lay streak of sunshine and the mel low glory of it was hint to draw her quickly to the window.
 The sun was high, and a splendor as of noontide upon the land. In sure belief that she had overslept the hour for the passing of the coach, she took her hat in her hand and went downstairs. The first thing she beheld was the big Dutch clock just beside the door; the hands of it pointed to the quarter past ten, so that Marples was not to be reached that day without posting.
 With her eyes fixed upon the clock, she stood on the last step of the staircase, and her baffled intentions plainly showed in the wonder and embarrassment of her face until Mrs. Walker threw open the glass door of the bulkhead dividing the passage from
  dropping her little courtesy, hoped that she was the better for her rest
 But have missed the coach, fear" said Jenny, Eff that clock be right"
 Ut is right enough, ma'am But Mrs Mead is in the parlor, and will tell thee how this happ'd, if she be not sleeping" replied Mrs. Walker, with something like a look of contrition on her face, if it were not nervous ness. .a-
 Without further words Jenny pushed open the parlor door, and thsre, sure enough, at full length upon the sofa. was Mrs. Mead asleep.
 But Jenny was in straits which would not permit of tender thoughtfulness. She wanted to know why she had been allowed to miss the coach, and what she was now to do. And so gave Mrs. Mead a push, which set the old woman talking in her sleep. HAy, ay, thee needst not bother-the Lord love 'ee-an' it's as true as this hand-yawt
 "Mrs Meadl Mrs. Mead!"
 The old woman opened her eyes, stared at Jenny, lifted her head, gave a terrific yawn, and, planting her loose knuckles into the net work about her eyes, exclaimed in a smoth- ering voice, "I've bin asleep, do believe"
 Mrs Mead, it's a quarter past ten, and the coach has been gone this long while. Oh, why was allowed to sleep! shall not get away this day; and here must stop, for have not money enough to hire post chase" cried Jenny.
 "Sit down, mistress, and think bit before ye quarrel For maybe I'll be showing ye that it's no fault O mine ye've missed the coach, and then how sorrowful would your heart be for being angry with Mother Mead, who loves you" said the old woman, contin,l- ing to rub her eyes until all the sleep was of ff,or1 Sal Iu a 1U squeaked; and on Mrs. Walker running in, Mrs. Mead exhorted her to procure breakfast at once for Jenny, and to look in upon them again presently, which was as good as say ing "Don't listen now, at all events"
 "You must not think I could be angry with you," said the girl, mournfully, "but it is sad thing for me to lose the coach; for I hoped to be with Bridget this day, and in 8 quiet place, where could think how l am to act in the future"
 "And what's to stop you thinking here~ exclaimed Mrs. Mead. "Isn't it quiet enough?-for hours together ye shall hear no the road Besides, it's nearer thy home nor Marples. And Jenny, Mrs. Jennyl I'll own to thee it's my fault ye missed t coach; and it were my wish ye should. What did I say to Zee last night? Dreadful scandal will follow you when folks hear you have room away, and will not help thee to ba foolish"
 Jenny looked at her with astonishment and fear. Whatever force the objection might still possess, she thought that Mrs. Mead had put it aside for good and all when she offered to walk with her to Winston.
 "Give yourself time to think" continued the old woman. If ye should have mind to return to your mother, 'tis an easy walk from here; if you will still go forward, then the coach will be at this door tomorrow morn. But ye be taking a mighty step in quitting home without iver letting a cratur' but me know where you've gone. It's be- cause I love you that I've let you miss the coach, and given you whole day for refec- tion wi thy home close at hand"
 My mind is quite made up," said Jenny, moving restlessly about the room. "I will not return home."
 "Well, that you say now, but by and by you will be thinking another way"
 q am grieved to have missed the coach, but am not angry" she went on, in sub dued but firm tone. "It will be dull work for me here all day; for I suppose you will l return to Greystone9"
 The old woman nodded. Jenny looked al her hard.