Sullivan republican. [volume] (Laporte, Pa.) 1883-1896, 1893-05-26


II beg your pardon" she began. 81
thoughf'-but something familiar in
the mans face stopped her.
As for him, he knew from the first
moment that it was Leah Hastings.
With all the change that time had
wrought in her-and they were not
few-he could not mistake that long
remembered face. In moment, she,
too, recognized him, doubted fully at
first, but with growing certainty in
her face as she studied him.
He realized with some satisfaction
that he had the advantage of her in
self-possession. since she could have
had no thought of seeing him, while
the meeting was to him quite within
the realm of possibilities when he ar
rived in Maine.
swell, Miss Hastings" he began,
.'this is indeed an unexpected pleas
ure. Who could have thought that
yours would be the first familiar face
1 should see on my return to the old
placer
As he spoke he advanced towards
her, holding out his hand. She put
hers in it, saying composedly;
s'Am indeed the first? Your COM
ing is unexpected, then."
"You do not say that you are glad
to welcome me back. But remem-
that you never would be conventions
al" he said, taking a subtle pleasure
in the confusion which he could see
she was trying hard to conceal.
But those few words, half in mock
cry, half in challenge, put Leah at her
ease. Looking him directly in the
face, she responded:
"Why should we be expected to
welcome people whom we have long
learned to live without, and whom we
never expected TO see again? 1t is
like the sudden stopping of train;
it gives you backward jerk that isn't
altogether agreeable.
"True," he answered, rather sadly,
81 suppose I've lost all claim to any
ones interest down this way. only
hope my brother won't think so, too,
when walk in on him unan-
nounced."
There was moments silence.
Mark looked at the woman before
him, noticing the changes in her. The
beauty of nineteen had faded, but
enough of it yet remained to make.
with the added strength and character
of later years. face that was at
tractive.
al said Miss Hastings. :" began the
lawyer again. "Was l right, or have
you laid aside the old name with 9TH
er relics of the pastr'
There was the faihtest possible flush
on her cheek as she answered.:
al have kept my name, with my un-
conventionality."
al had fallen into quite a reverie, as
I sat here, over old scenes and faces.
Do you recollect the first day taught
school here, and what peck of trouble
those little tow-headed Briggs children
gave me? 1t was long Struggle, but
| subdued them before the end of the
term"
He went on reflectively and in an
Indifferent tone, as if he were talking
of some one else:
..There was another pupil, though.
who gave me more trouble than any of
them and whom l never fully con-
quered. What little hrt you were
anyway, Leah!"
"You know l never was that" she
said gravely.
eWell, no, TO do you justice, you
weren't. / believe you really thought
you were In earnest for a while. Yes,
I'll do you the justice to think you de-
ceived yourself as we'll as me-"
His tone was more serious now and
he glanced furtively at Leah to see
how she was taking his words. But
she remained silent. nor could he read
her thoughts in her face.
"Leah," he began, abruptly, al
wish you would explain your action
there at the last l never could see
why-and now, after all these years,
l should just like TO have it cleared
up. Won't you listen to my side and
tell me yours?"
For a few moments she did not re-
ply, but stood looking off over the
hills. where the sun was just sinking
from sight.