Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-03-25
CHAPTER XXIII.


 A very happy little group it was that until long after the stars came out that night.
 So many changes had taken place; there was SO much to talk about that it was ten o'clock before they once thought of the time, and still they talked on for another hour before retir- ing--the family to their beds and Eras- tus to a bunk on the floor.
 The young man remained three days with them, and during that time they talked over all matters relat ting to fam lily affairs past. present aud future.
 Mrs. and Mir. Parsons of course gladly gave their consent to the en. gagement of the young people, but it was necessary to postpone the wedding until Erastus could get his place irri- gated and in shape to produce living.
 It seemed very Lard to part again so soon, but since he could no: take Lucy with him, every day spent away from his own ranch delayed their mar riage that much the longer.
 And then there would be the pleas ure of writing and receiving letters, which, of course. they would do every week at the farthest,
 The project of selling the mountain ranch and al going to the Slough to live was talkel of, and Mr. and Mrs. Parsons agreed that when Erastus got his place Irrigated and was ready to marry, if he was satisfied with the country and the prospect. tht y would sell their own home and buy again as near him as possible, and if not thoy would both sell anu go elsewhere and buy together.
 And thus all were comforted by the thought that Lucy's marriage, whom it should occur, would, instead of sepa- rating her from her parents. reunite them ali with Erastus, and it is prob able that for these three days the in- mates of the shanty upon the mount ain side were as happy as it often falls to the let of people to be.
 Certainly John Parsons was happy.
 Lucy and Eristus wandered about the place, and through the gulch and up the mountain side together.
 Together they went for the COWS, as Lucy had done alone the night Erastus came.
 Erastus helped Mr. Parsons sprout the grape-vines, and Lucy helped Erastus; and if occasionally, as they worked to- gether at a vine. their hands met and their fingers inte, twined it was no more than the tender tendrils of the vine they were trimming did.
 If, as they walked hand in hand over the mountain. or sat to rest in some quiet nook, his lips sought hers and drank deep of loves nectar, they only followed the example of the birds that near them billed and cooed. and talked of where their next years nest should be.
 And have not you. dear reader, done the same? Then have you not known the sweetest and the best thing that life has to give?
 will not describe the parting, when at last the day and the hour came, and the roan horse stood ready to be mounted at t e door. There is enough of sadness and suf- ter ng in this true story without dwell ing upon the parting of those loving hearts.
 It was noon when Frastus started on his retu Il; it was night on the fourth day when he led the roan into his stall at the Slough and ate supper with Eir. and Mrs. Johnson. to whom he frankly told the purpose and result of his visit, and from whom he received hearty con- gratulations
 The he>t morning he went back to work on the ditch and if his compan- ions were ready Witt their ioEe', he was in far too good a humor with the world