Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1890-04-04

at the gate and drew up a few yards from
the kitchen door. Then she saw they were
not alone
Something was huddled on the lower step.
Gradually as they approached it took form,
and she saw an old man sitting in the sunlight
his head supported by his hand.
"Well, | declared" exclaimed Miss Eliza
beth; land the key under the mat. If he'd
only known he wouldn't have left thing,
mebbe. You go on to the stable Peter; I'm
not afraid; I'll speak to him"
She walked nimbly up to the respondent
figure and touched his shoulder.
whats the matteri' she asked, with a
touch of impotence.
The man raised his head and looked at her
with far off, dazed expression His face
was pale and refined and bore marks of re-
cent illness He was pitifully thin and there
was the suggestion of life's disappointment
in his glance. He seemed unable to speak.
Are you slcki' she asked again, and her
voice was kinder; the dovelike sOftness had
come back to her eyes.
"Only tired, he answered, and his sad eyes
looked at her quietly, intently.
Miss Elizabeth felt uncomfortable He did
not look like a tramp, although he was mis-
erably poor. His voice was soft and pleas
ant. Why did that strange, eXultant chill
creep through her blood, What if his eyes
We're gray and pleading like a well remem
bered pair which had made sad havoc of her
foolish heart! But there was something
else about him, Miss Elizabeth could not tell
what-there was "A something.
You're an old fool, Elizabeth barrow,
she said nwardly. and hounced into the
house.
By and by Peter appeared.
you're not goin' to leave him sttin' there
all day, hope." asked Peter in what he sup
posed was a whisper; "Lucy'll be along to
tea this afternoon. Why don't you give him
some gingerbread and milk, Aunt Liz, and
let him go one
The man outside heard him.
Don't mind me, he said, staggering to hi.
feet; "Im going now, | only wanted to rest
little; and the place looked SO pretty"
/ He leaned weakly against the wooden post
and lifted his torn hat with distinctive
grace and courtesy. There is almost as much
individuality in the way man lifts his hat
in his handwriting or footstep, and the
ease and freedom of this poor wretchs ges-
ture sent another premonitory thrill through
the little spinster watching him.
She darted down the steps and took hold OF
his sleeve as he turned away.
Don't dare go. It's Easter Sunday and
couldn't have 1t on my soul to treat any one
so on the Lords day. Come in and have your
dinner"
A sigh trembled over the mans lips He
hesitated and looked at her
That's good of you; very good of you" he
said gently, and followed her in.
At dinner, however, he scarcely touched
the food.
You're ill; that's what you are said Mis-:
Elizabeth Where do you come from"
i've been everywhere" he answered. 81
have no home; I've been a rolling stone"
Il reckon you've been to seal" queried
Peter.
"Many, many times. I've been in every
country on the globe. Had to give up wher
got sick. | left the hospital three weeks ago
and I'm making my way back to New York.
"Have you no friends nor a wifer asked
Miss Elizabeth.
My wife died five years ago; am quit
alone"
"Alone," she echoed, land you scarcely
able TO stand"
She leaned over and whispered something
to Peter, then said aloud: IF you like cal
give you place to lie down in. Mebbe you'll
, feel more clipper in the morning. There
{ you needn't thank me. Tain't nothing t.
speak Of"
Q At twilight, while Lucy and Peter wer
! singing hymns in the parlor, Miss Elizabet
went up TO the vacant, cobwebby attic USE
! only as store room, made comfortable be-
1 on a cot and then called to the stranger t
/. come up
YOU'D better lie down now, You loo