Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1890-08-04
CHAPTER xxx.

a DChueAuA amy AIlu=
shine falling full upon two travellers who
lounged against the gate Of q railroad
station in the South of Devonshire. As
they waited for their train they fell into
conversation, chattering of where they
had been and whittier they were going,
as travellers naturally do, even il their
acquaintanceship be only few minutes
old, as was the acquaintanceship of these
two.
One was very young in appearance,
scarcely more than boy, and carried q
tshing-basket slung across his shoulder.
The other was young man, too, want
ing two years Of 80; but he had the
look upon his face of one who had lived
through the cares and disappointments
OF life. Such handsome face it was,
though-bearded and sunburned, with
strength in every feature, yet with the
gentleness and refinement which, added
to strength, form the most essential
manliness with brave, fearless eyes, in
which there lay always, deep down, q
steadtast quietude which seemed to set
this man apart from others of his age.
Gerard-for it was he-Was listening
while his companion idly told of a vii
lage which he had gone out of his way
to visit, and the young fisherman gra-
ciously accepted the eager attention as
tribute to his powers of description.
Naturally; for how could he know that
this apparently well-seasoned traveller
gave always the same rapt attention to
any one who would tell him of village
which he had not yet visitedp
eff you had not been coming on to
Penzance," the young tourist said,
glancing with unconscious admiration
into the listening face above him, "I
believe you would really have been
tempted to find out this dull and samey
little place, which 1 should never have
gone near but for knowing that the
rector (having been my tutor once)
would never forgive me if / passed
within access Of his place and did not
turn aside to see him. But if you do
find the temptation irresistible, I will
direct you across the country"
This was said in laughing irony, and
the speaker opened his eyes wide indeed
when Gerard gravely accepted the offer,
and turned to leave the station, simply
waiting for the proffered directions.
They were given in much amusement
and surprise and, when Gerard had
shown that he understood them, the
travellers parted with Jest,
"Good-morning. II you mean to go
out of your way to visit on foot every
village and hamlet that you hear OF,
winter will comfortably have set in before
you see St. Michael's Mount"
"No matter" answered Gerard,
pleasantly. 81 would rather visit vii
lage I've never seen before than st.
Michaelis Mount, which I've seen hun
dred times; and I'm strong enough to
walk any distance. Good-morning, and
thank you"
And so, half laughing, he started on
bis way, the old hope, which had lived
through the sad experience of many
years, making his step light, though day
after day he had been wearying himself
to meet only defeat and disappointment.
The sun was pouring its hot beams
upon the white highway, when at last
the gray tower of a village church shone
out among the trees, silyery in the sun.
shine. Gerard's heart throbbed as he
neared it but, then, SO many times be-
fore had his heart throbbed with hope
that he felt that there was Just the pos
sibility Of his engrossing, long-ngrsed
wish meeting its fulfillmelit.
On the outskirts Of the village he
passed handsome red house in q lawn.
Then came the cottages, scattered here
and there on the roadside; then high,
square house, with pillars at the door
and brilliant sign-board above
Pleasantly returning the galutetion Of
the camsly landlord Of this comely vii
lage inn, Gerard walked ON toward the
church. 1t lay hundred yards farther
on, separated from the road by O high
railing, the gate in which stood now wide
open. Gerard, with his foot upon the
step, and his hand upon the gate, stood
. moment, breathing quickly. Before
him was an old wood porch, With lean.
ing cross upon it below that a solitary
graYestone lay In the footway; and these
things-so strange to him, yet SO farnil-
iar-mads his pulses throb, and dimmed
his eyes as no tears could dim them.
An old man, working in the church.
yard, saw him stand SO for long min.
utes, and waited curiously for an oppor-
tunity to open Q conversation, as old
sections have delighted In doing ever
since (if not before) the days Of Hamlet.
"a fne old church, sir Do'ee wish
TO see it'2"' '''' '''' y
He had taken heart Of grace, and ap-
preached Gerard, rather taken aback.