Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-04-16

length of it. Blazing tulips had sup
planted faded hyacinths; the faint green
globes Of SNOWFALL bushes we're bleach
ing hourly in May sunshine and breeze;
the lilac hedge, lining the post-and-
board fence at the bottom OF the parson-
age lot was set thick with purple and
mauve and white spikes.
"Such dear, old-fashioned gardenw
Hetty said, half aloud. ut reminds me
OF the one we had at homer Leaning
upon the orchard gate she abandoned
herself to reverie. The robins whistle
in the apple tree was low and tender;
feecy clouds, drifting toward the west,
began TO blush on the sunward side. the
blending odors OF a thousand Mowers
hung in the air. The word 'home"
took thought back-thoughts Of the only
one she had ever had, and the mother
whose death lost 1t to her. Since then,
she had stood alone, and helped weaker
people to stand. A great longing for
rest in a love she could claim as all hers
drove tears to her eyes. The longing
was not new, but the hope that softened
1t was. Hitherto, 1t had been linked
with her mothers image, only. She
wanted her now, as much, and more
than ever before, but that she might
sympathize with what she began to COM
prehend tremblingly. IIer mother
would enter into her trembling and her
joy. Especially il she had seen what
Hetty never could describe "a look
the memory OF which renewed the
shy, delicious shame expressed in the
blush March had pitied, while rejoicing
in the sight of it.
Such a boundless. beautiful world
opened to her while she stood there,
looking down the blossoming vistas Of
the orchard-solitary, yet comfortedl
She would give rein to Imagination for
that little while. 1t could harm no one,
even If it were all a chimera that would
not outlast blossom-time. And must it
be THAR What had glorified other desc
late women's lives might bless hers
Spring comes to every year. however
long and cruel may have been the win
ter. Recalling March's prophecy of
future association, she dared dwell upon
visions of his visits, of the pleasant |
familiar talks that would make them
better acquainted; of the books they |
would read and discuss; of the pictures
he would paint, with her looking on.
81 am not beautiful or accomplished" |
she said, humbly. "But l would make.
myself more worthy of him | am |
young and apt. | would make no mis-
takes that could mortify him. He should |
never be ashamed of me and, ohr'
she stretched her arms involuntarily, as
if to draw the unseen nearer to her
heart-''how faithfully / would serve
him, forever and forever"
The fight of fancy had indeed been
fast and farl
The tinkle of the dlnner-bell in Mary
AIMS vigorous hand. ended the fond
abruptly. II was the care
full housewife who asked herself, with
guilty start: what has become of
Homer and the psrsley?"
Her first step in returning was upon
hard. She picked it up.
,
Homer met his young mistress at the
back door. His weak. frrtive eyes were
uneasy before she accosted him. At her
incisive tone the red rims closed entirely
over them, his hands, grimy with
cropping in gravel and turf, fumbled
with one another and his loose Jaw
dangled
Homer. you said this afternoon that
you had been out to do an errand. Do
not leave the place again without letting
me know where you are going. and for
what"
Now" he began. wretchedly, you
wasn't at home. n. thought"
Il forbid you to think. viii do She
for this family. You knew
where to find ms II you had not, you
ought 10 have waited until l got back.
] mean what sayl-
He shifted niserahlv from o,,a 90. q,