The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-02-02

slightly got his feet and hands into a
less tense posture, and wiped his ewes ON
his coat sleeve. The farmer picked mn
his basket, and went out 10 feed his
horses; the visitor sneczed with a kind
Of bray, and left the pods.
I'D better be a-goin'." he remarked 70
the girl standing near the steps.
What's your hurry she asked. with
a quick, troubled expression in her ewes.
DO you think a man orter wait tell
ole Gabe blows his horn in his year fore
he takes a hint? My rooms wuth more'n
my company in this shebang," he re-
piled angrily.
Il caynt hep it, Berry" she answer
ed with a sigh. Eve done all / kin.
You oughtn't TO blame me fur it,"
well, 1t makes no odds I'll meet
you at mcetin' tomorrow night, anil
fetch you home. No, I'm TO blame furt
all, but you'll see. You've said you'd
try me, an you shan't be sorry
His tone was very serious, and he
walked away without another word.
II is no small wonder that such a man
as Berry Bradley could have won the
maiden-the most eligible in every re-
spect in Sprout Hollow. Reckless and
improvident as this man was, void of
physical attractiveness or educational
advantages. he held the girl in his power
by her heart cords, and through her he
held her parents.
Reluctantly the old people consented
TO the marriage. Berry renewed his
promises TO reform with doubled earnest
ness, and the wedding day drew to hand.
People for miles around gathered at
the Compton cabin that bright summer
afternoon. The cabin was not large
enough TO accommodate the guests, so
the space under the trees in front Of the
house was utilized for their accommodate
ton. Neighbors brought chairs and
stools; planks and rails were laid across
stones to make benches. and various
other articles Of household furniture and
outdoor rubbish adapted to the purpose
were brought into use for seating the
crowd. Many Of the men stood up; some
sat on the rail fence of the COW LOT near
10y.
Everything became 50 still when the
parson stepped from among the crowd
into the entry that the drone Of the bees
around the hives at the end of the cabin
could be heard. Berry led his bride from
one Of the rooms, and they stood before
the preacher. Her gown was Of plain
white muslin. A mass of glossy brown
hair fell in waves over her shoulders.
4 few smiles, such as touch faces at
fashionable weddings, even though void
of sincerity, would not have been out Of
place. now that the girls step was ire
vocable: but the simple minds Of the
spectators were unlearned in such subtle
arts, and the upturned countenances
mutely and firmly spoke disapprobation
of the match. and sympathy for the
parents, for the bridegroom's character
was well and unfavorably known by
them all
At the feet Of the bride sat her parents,
their gray heads uncovered In the spray
Of dancing sunshine which fell through
the tree branches. Truly pitiful was the
feeble semblance of approval which they
strove to keep in their care worn faces.
The ceremony was over. The most
friendlysof the neighbors shook hands
with the newly married pair; then the
throng melted away. Intense and en-
barrassing silence came to the household
with the departure Of the guests. Martha
was to 90 forthwith 10 the cabin that her
husband had made ready for her on
some land a few miles distant, which be
had rented for the next year
Berry brought out Martha's box and a
bundle Of neg quilts-her dowry-and
put them in a buggy The young bride
kissed her speechless mother. and twined
her arms tightly around the wrinkled
neck, With eyes brimful Of tears she
went 10 her father, as he leaned over the
fence looking hredly at nothing.
lie turned when her hands touched his
arm and put his rough, sun Drowned
hand against the side Of her face. lie
did not kiss her she did not intend to
kiss him. Such a mark Of affection had
never passed between them but deep
feeling was evinced in his dispirited di-
meanor, and revealed in the dimmed orbs
beneath the shaggy gay eyebrows, that
more than suihced.
You'll be over soon, you an your
YOU an Berry. ] reckon" he said dis
connectedly. with twitching lips. You're
ally's welcome as long as men your mo
Their has roof above us. III have lobe
Sanders drive your COW over early in the
mOrnin'. You'd better take Sock, ]
reckon, che seems to be your favorite.
She's q good mich COW, anil give moren
enough milk for you two
For a few moments after the bride
and bridegroom had driven away Farmer
Compton remained where she had left
him. Mrs. Compton sat ip the entry
alone. She rose firmly and went 90 kin
die fire i'm the chimney. Her husband |
approached her as she knelt in the ashes
on the wide hearth.
"Neyer mind, mother" he said, plain
lively. IL haint hungry Lss make out
with a cold snack this time. It's been |
many year sence we've gone 'thout
warm supper, out 1 uoh ieei inuo" i.N'
satiu'. an / reckon you don't nuther.'
Nothing reluctant she consented. They /
sat in the door and watched the sinking /
sun draw away MS gold from the
clouds. and saw the cleaning aarken
the low lands and drape the hills ~
gray. They sat closer together than they
had sat for years before.
Berry began his m~Sied life ~ mpch
more exemplary manner than was ges'
orally expected Of him. His cabin was
well equipped for occupany. He straight
way went TO work 20 bring his soil into
Rt condition for the planting Of crops
Winter passed; spring rolled brightly
on. Martha sas happy. Her husband
was. indeed, very kiad and attentive,
and she loved him more than ever, and
secretly enjoyed the knowledge that her
friends wore now finding out the errors
Of their prophesies concerning her wei