The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-01-28
THE STORY.
cHAPTER ].
THE WHITE Gypsy.

Autumn again, but two decades later
than the timeindicated at the opening
ofthe prologue.
It was morning, between half past
five and six O'Clock. The sun was al
ready wellup in the skies, and although
the hour was so early the village OF
Marsh Green and the lanes and thor
oughiares about the hamlet showed
abundant signs Of life.
The bulk OF the pit men and pit lads
had left their homes some time ago,
and were then either down one or other
OF the mines, or waiting to be "let
down. but "a few later GOLFERS, who
hsd perhaps been forgotten by the
'knocker-up," were still to be seen,
trudging, cans in hand, and Davy
lamps swung over their backs, towards
the Carsland collieries.
But II male villagers were few and
faJbetween in the lanes females were
numerous enough. Many OF the cot
tage doors stood ajar, and within one
could hear the sound OF women's
voices as they hustled about preparing
forthe days toll. Here and there in
the green lanes, one could see the
white "bratsp and polished clogs OF
the factory girls, as they iourneyed in
twos and threes towards Earlsford;
and now and again pit brow lass max.
ing her way towards the mines.
AT the end Of row Of matched cot
tages which Stood midway in the lane
that led from Marsh Green to the
Carsland pits, maid OF the mines was
standing attired for work, and evident
~ awaiting the coming OF come COM
panion. She was q tall, well-built lass.
strong limbed and agile, with comely
face that had been tanned by exposure
to all sorts OF weather on the pit-top.
Presently, she appeared to grow i'm
patient, and walking to the door OF the
end cottage she tapped 1t with her clog,
saying little sharply:
"Wakken up, Salome, lass, or wore
goin' to be latep The words were
spoken in the rich dialect OF the shire,
and tho girl who uttered them was in
many ways typical Of Lancashire life as
one sees It near coal pits.
Gan right, Nell," some one cried out
in answer, fI'll be with you in a min.
ute.n The voice of the second speaker
was low and sweet, and q listener would
j have expected the girl to be as attrac.
tive as her speech.
By.and-bye the cottage door swung
back and Salome came out, fresh and
sweet as the autumn morning-bright
and fair TO SEQ as the white roses which
grow at tho diamond.paned window.
ut wants quarter to six yet, Nell, :"
she said, as her eyes met those Of her
friend and workmate land we can walk
to the pit in ton minutes
"Ah thowki 1t was later than that, sa.
lome," was Nell's reply, as they turned
and went along the lane at q swinging
pace in the direction Of the collieries,
which were visible through the trees
and over the green fields.
AS they swing along side by side in
their picturesque attire, let me dc.
scribe the girl whom her workmate had
addressed atSalome.
She was about nineteen years OF age,
was tall, gracefully moulded girl, with
beautifully rounded limbs, fleet Of foot
as deer, strong and active as a wild
animal, and as natural and easy in all
her slightest movements and gestures
AaHhe strobe along with that peculiar
gliding motion which marked hor gait
no one would haYo passed her BY with.
out q glance Of admiration.
But Hplendidly fashioned as was So.
lone Barfingham's figure, her chief
beauty lay IN her peerless face. The
gifllahair and eyebrows wore dark and
glossy rs o crows back; the former bo.
Ing wavy and abundant enough 10 veil
her 10 the waist when left unbound /;
while tho latter woro clearly defined
and archedllko thin black croSCerlts.
Hor eyes were Of tho deepest shado Of
brown, but,bnly when tho light fell full
upon thotn could tho observer SEQ this,
and usually they Appealed Of tho same
hue az her treases, They were large
and dreamy shaded by heavy white
lids, itingod with lefty lashes and whom
tho lasa was tinarouaod tho ffO that
ever Numbered In their depths lent
them a goit9.a adorable warmth,
But when excited, Salomo'a eyes DO.
came great stars, out Of which the light
so6med 70 Cash as tho Btats ucintiliate
on clear frosty night
With such eyes and hair ono would
hayo expected 10 lind a complexion Of q
ptohounced brnnettstype. But Salome's
akin was fair and Batihy as the pure I'm.
eullied heart oil white roso, Save
whom her breast was stirred by Bomp
paseion, her face was oolofloea 90 tho
white petal OF flower but whom AL.
ihlod tho blood famed In her ttanspar.
emf cheeks, making Of her q perfect