Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1889-09-26


ness of the day had begun
all along. They met two neighbors
with their market wagons on their way
TO the city, and one with a load OF
bone phosphate already returning from
the near factory. Women were opening
their front doors or drawing water in
quiet commencement of their long day 8
work.
1t was August. A little later and an
excessive heat would dawn. Even now,
before the sun had risen, it was damp
rather than cool along the dew-wet
road. Schraader had his hat off, and
wiped the perspiration from his broad
face. Schraaders was peddler's
wagon, with an umbrella over the seat
which was not meant to accommodate
three. Schraader's large bulk was de-
posted in the laps of his daughter and
Henry Verhawk, with discomfort to all.
But Henry was one of the family. He
had been ncighbor all his life, and he
was to marry Mary Schraader whenever
their tranquil, unhurrying minds should
agree upon it he WIS rast thirty and
she was twenty-six and it had been for
several weeks arranged that they should
on the day Of the Union Sunday school
picnic at Hunts Grove, twelve miles
away, give Henry lift, for Henry was
going.
Schraader had to-day new stock OF
the tin-ware and small merchandise he
sold, and he and Mary, who helped her
father on his buster trips. had made an
early start. But Henry had been ready
and waiting. He was as pleased to go
to the picnic as he would have been
twenty years back. He sat with prim-
ness that characterized him, slim form
in suit of white linen and a broad
brimmed white hat with green lining.
His face, ean-shaven and guileless,
shone with his happiness in his coming
treat. He would attain it by walking
seven miles, and twelve miles back that
night but in his bright anticipation
the cost was small. The simplicity of
his soul looked out from his honest blue
eyes.
Nobody spoke as they drove on.
They had lived their lives together till
their information was ali but indentical,
and their ideas This, added to their
rustic slowness of tongue, made it likely
that when Henry came 10 see Mary sun
day evenings they would maintain I'M
broken silence from beginning to end Of
the interview, nor feel anything but
serene content and they logged on now
unembalrassed, in the calmness of that
thorough mutual knowledge which is the
surest promise Of married happiness,
the tin-ware keeping up drowsy rattl
ing. When they reached the turn
which separated them, Henry got down.
It's going to be hotter'n twas yes
terday You better take it slow"
Schraader said and Mary turned her
serious face, broad like her fathers, and
plain, and looked after him as he
tramped ON alone.
He took off his hat in the shade of
the woods ON both sides, thick and dark
and vibrant with wild sounds, and
walked brislly. He was almost aglow
with his boyish eagerness. He had
so early start that he thought he .
should get there in time to miss none of /
it.
The rustling grove was thickly bor-
dered with the vehicles which had .
brought the picnickers hither. OF the /
latter there were in the neighborhood I
of a thousand. Nominally it was the .
yearly union picnic of the Sunday
schools of half dozen neighboring vii
lagos, but the Sunday schools brought .
with them the settlements almost entire.
Henry sat on a fallen tree in the
thick of the scene. He had been almost
the first arrival Now it was eleven, and
the picnic was we'll under way. Thus
far he had enjoyed every moment. He
had travelled round the grove watching
the constant arrivals now and then he
had embarrassed and hitched the horses
of women who had come without men,
and had taken one to the Watering
trough. He bad looked on at the cree
ton Of the various vendors stands, and
had watched the assembling of the min
listers of the several congregations ON
the Platform, before which ran a few
square rolls of broad benches. Now
there had been full activity for an hour.
I merry go round was in oreration, the
Investment stands were gaining patron
age, and up and down, in and out,
round and round, wandered the thou
sand picnickers. To Henry it was
scene. He sat with his hands
on his knees and his lips apart. uncon-
scious of all but his simple, half be-
entertainment.
w gus AAtAA OtCn 4Ot bOlIl6 lliil6 ,
stolling back and forth before him with
arms in.ertwined. Henry had seen
them arrive, with dozen other girls
and youths, in the bottom of an ever ]
green trimmed lumber wagon. A couple
of the latter ranged after them at dis
lance, exchanged occasional insinuating
sallies, but for the present held at bay
with pert, conscious independence, the
forerunner of the full and gigling sur
render intended.
They had looked at Henry as they J
passed and repassed him, breaking, with I
the titterings which marked their youth,
into whispered ridicule.
What's he gawping at2"
"Goodness knows
Looks as though he was stuck there, {
ion't he
81 guess he is. Dave said he'd been I
setting there since four o'clock this :
: orning." 4