Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-11-08
CHAPTER w.

The next Sunday afternoon, Jonas out OF his
limited means hired the smartest single turn
out at the best livery stable at hartford and
drove toward Oak Hill 1. was like April over
head, but the mud was deep underfoot and he
had to walk his impetuous steed the greater
part Of the way. The day seemed to him per-
fectly beautiful, and when he was directed to
the Hayland farm nobody can describe how
pleasant and comfortable it looked. 1t was Joy
enough to be out i'll the country after being
cooped up so long in town. He had been
promising to 60 to see his mother at the first
good opportunity, but he did not feel the least
shame at this selfish use of a holiday. The
Haylands best wagon was in the side yard. they
had evidently been to church in the morning
and now for the first time Jonas heart began
to beat in an awful and even retarding manner.
He could not tie his horses hitch rein az 1t
should be tied. the knot worked wrong and he
grew redder and redder and did not dare to
look up at the house windows. Then
the door opened and hospitable
Joel Hayland came out and welcomed
him and they went into the house together.
There was Love in her Sunday dress pretty
as pink. and Mrs. Hayland was motherly and
good natured. She had heard about Jonas
from somebody who lived neighbor to his
mother and knew what good steady boy he
had always been and that he was doing we'll in
the bank now; nephew and namesake, too, OF
be pleased to have you stop to supper, Mr..
Dyer" She invited him kindly, but Jonas
thought he ought to get back early. When he
turned and looked at Love, however, he forgot
slime and space, and though they proceeded to
speak at length Of the state of the roads he felt
himself to be entertained indeed, and the last
of the long spring afternoon few by on fleet
est wings.
There was q very fresh little fire in the prim
best room. Others might have found the wide
Lam tn1 III taHn vNlao tnr
place to Sit but Jonas and Love had already
reached that stage OF interest which demands
seclusion and there they sat until the sun was
low. 1t was not art that allured them in the
shape of portrait Of Daniel Webster and the
Landing of the Pilgrims OH the parlor walls; it
was not luxury, for the hairclOth sofa had stiff
springs and sloped forward at a strange angle.
What they talked about was also of secondary
consideration. 1t was enough for Love
that she talked to Jonas and for Jonas
tina. Love listened to he words. When they
came out, trying hard to appear as if it were
an everyday visit, Mrs. Hayland stood at the
side Of the window after parting with the
blushing young visitor, and remarked signif-
canty to her husbands
Joel, just as sure's you're born them two's
goin to keep company"
LET 'em have it their own way, they're both
good child n" answered Joel, with sage smile.
Before the spring work began at Oak Hill
Jonas announced to Mr.. Pendel1 that he meant
to resign his situation, and gave no reason for
so doing Mr. PendelI, who knew the reason
from Joel Hayland himself laid the serious
matter before the directors on Monday MORN
ing. Jonas had not brooked his uncles wrath
at home by making q declaration OF his in
gratitude IN proposing to leave so promising a
financial career. The old man twisted himself
about in his chair and looked very black at the
first moment OF surprise. Then Mr.. PendeIl
said that he had some sympathy with Jonas
decision. The boy was willing and honest and
did the best he could, bu. he was not made for
bank work. He was after Joel Hayland's girl
over at Oak Hill and the old folks needed u
young. smart man on the farm-it was good
thing all round.
"Inats where the young dogs been going
every Sunday then" said old Mr.. Dyer the
uncle, with unexpected approval and SYM
pathy. They're good folks and he might
the match I'll take hold and give Jonas a little
start / won't have anybody saying that the
favor was all on her folks side"
There was an amiable grumble Of applause
at once proposed q sale of bonds which were
reported shaky. but rising in market value,
and 80 the great question Of the junior clerks
future was quickly solved. The young couple
were married in early planting time, and how
ever it may have appeared to other people for
them it was ever a miraculous and wonderful
thing that they had fallen in love at first sight
and that their thoughts had been always of one
another even while one was in the bank at
hartford and the other far away at Oak Hill
That autumn Mir. Joel Hayland dreaded the
long cold drive to town, and sent the young
people to that bank with his stout pocket book.
Jonas had persuaded his father in-iaw to make
Q safe investment in some county bonds and
went inside tho bank ratings to do a bit of
writing. As he rose from his old desk he
caught sight of Love, well wrapped and looking
for him expectantly out of the old chaise.
Their eyes met as they had met once before,
and Jonas knew that she was his wife now, and
yet he was still shy, she did look SO pretty and
30 strange, not like any body else. Perhaps the
year was all q dream!
Hathaway was standing close by; Hathaway
began to look little old and blurred in the
face, like q worn silver piece, and not so quick
and gay a. he used. He longed to say: WAS
you ever at Oak HIP" but Jonas had docks
and herds now, and wide acres were under his
rule; though he was only twenty-one he was
looked upon AZ stable citizen and one Of
growing influence. Perhaps his size was in his
favor, at any rate, the senior clerks had already
more than once declared that his room Was bet
ter than his company in the bank, he seemed
some days TO take up the whole floor.
Call down and see US, boys" said Jonas,
pulling on . new pair Of great fur gloves.
''You, too, Mr.. Pendell; 'twould please Father
Hsyland right through; he was anxious I
should make his respects to you. He's got
some FIRST rate cider tapped Well, come when
you can, any Of you. Good dayr'
Clever boy" said Mr.. Pendell; "feels more
this two clerks smiled assent
johns was never cut ont for anything but
farmer. He feels crowded anywhere except in
An open field" said Hathaway. bending over
the neat pages Of his great ledger.
Jonas and Love were driving out Of town