The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-11-23


the sharp voice Of the mistress of the house
In the open doorway.
Barbary made an awful sign, which
meant keep silent. to Seth and disappeared
on her errand.
ohes up already" she reported. re-
turning in n few moments perhaps she
came down the front way IN ez a-clearin
up the settin room. as 'twasn't put ter
rights last night"
"Delphiny," called Mrs. Long Justify,
"Delphiny, where be your warnt you
to git breakfast"
But there was no response, and after re-
peated searching and calling the lady
finally decided that her daughter must
nave run over "tew Caroline's tew get tho
snowdrop tablecover, which she promised
TO lend her for tho important occasion so
near ut hand. Caroline said we'd rot to
send for it early, COZ she was goin tew the
Corner to spend the day, but there wasn't
no need of SIGH dretful hurry. The stage
don't start till half past g." she remarked,
as she vigorously turned the crank of the
coffee mill. Barbary, still stationed under
the brass kettle, smiled loudly
Delphine heard it and quaked with fear.
Tor Barbary never shifted without mean
Ing. She gave utterance to volumes in this
peculiar, rasping, uncouth sound. Even
her mother WINGED before it, and Seth n
lover, who hoped and despaired by turns,
was driven to the verge of suicide when it
was directed toward himself Could it be
possible that those sharp eyes had discov-
cred her hiding placer
Mrs Long whisked into the kitchen,
siamming the door after her. Barbary
turned toward Seth, who was istlessly
preparing food for sick COW, and slowly.
carefully opened her mouth.
"Ruther queer at Delphiny should put on
her travelin dress IN her best bunnet tew
go over t. Aunt Caroline's to borrer a table
kiverp'
Shol what marster han fur kalilatin
you be- Barbaryl"
But you jist keep dark. Let Mis- Sam
find eout herself; she's baound tew afore
long. but hope 'twont be till the pore girl
gifts well eout the way. don't know ez
Use ever 'spressed my opinion freely afore,
but ha'n't no doubt but tibet there elder,
piousity n all, ez a regular old crockerdile,
Mis- Sam she's so masterful she runs on an
ldee at Delphiny wouldn't dare 20 a'gin
her commands IN run away tew git rid of
marryin him. He may be kivered over
with the gospl shell, but Lor, there ha'n't
no more gospil inside or him than there ez
inside the skin or puff ball"
"Oh, Lordy," exclaimed Seth, aghast Mt
such bold heresy,
Delphine's three aunts were hastily sum-
moncd, and like Jobs comforters they
gave their opinions "Lawsa massy," said
the afflicted mother Pm feared she's
gone and drowndcd herself She's as like
her poor diseased pa rs two peas"
Eff her pad been alive she wouldn't hev
been driven to this" said Aunt Jane Sc
verely.
The Widows eyes flashed through her
tears. but the only reply she deigncd to
give was to rise with great dignity and
place her chair so that she should be seated
with her back squarely to the offender
what's the elder a-goin t. dewf" ques-
toned Aunt Jane after this very emphatic
pause.
Dclphine strained her ears to hear the
reply to this direct question. 1t was Just
what she wished to inquire herself.
He says it's his dooty to find her in spite
of everything, for fear if she ha'n't areddy,
she should fall under the inflourince Of
some unconverted N ungodly person, IN
stray eout ov the fold ov the gospil IN the
paths of peace"
Hero Barbary's sniff echoed loud and dis
tinct from some unseen corner. Mrs Long
started. The four aunts turned and fixed
their eyes upon the "help" with severity.
What If he can't find her?" queried
Aunt Loisy, swapping her needles.
The elders terrible understandn
man ez WELLS good man." remarked
Aunt Jane as if she had been contradictcd,
and with her stern gaze still fixed in the
direction of Barbary. quite ignoring Aunt
Loisy.
"Hev you looked everywhere raound
here?" came from Aunt Polly, who evil
IDENTIFY feared open war was near and was
anxious to avert it.
Yes, everywhere; they're searching in
the woods now, s'pose." sighed the widow
dsmally.
but, Lor, she ha'n't there! shouldn't
wonder if she was married to Tom Bar
rington afore this time" said Aunt Loisy
with an aggressive quicker.
The day passed. Night came on and
Barbara could get down and ease her
cramped limbs. The wedding day lawncd
and its hours wore on. Tom did not come
Delphine's heart grew heavy.
Late in the afternoon she heard her
mothers quick, energetic step across the
floor and pause in the open doorway For
some moments she stood there quietly
The crickets were singing dismally under
the rude plank floor. A pale, amethystinc
mist had settled round the distant hills
The sun, which was nearits setting, looked
like great crimson wheel through the
thin, floating haze.
Delphine trembled in her hiding place
but the next moment the sound of wheels
reached her and she saw some one driving
at breakneck speed. In two minutes more
Tom was standing before this startled pair
Indignantly demanding of them what they
had done with Delphine.
"Oh. Lordy, hain't Delphiny with you
after allY screamed Barbary, rushing in
from the kitchen. "Oh, where kin the pore
girl be2 I've been consolin myself all the
while a-thinkin she WIZ with YOU" And
for the first time in her lfealmost she burst
into tears.
"Here am, Barbaryl Here am. Tomr'