New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-01-20
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den ways went here ana tnere over tHe "''"''
tans And frequently they were oDsiruc'eu pS
trees which had fallen and were almost never re-
moved. People jumped these trees or cinloeu
over them. went around them.
At this moment. little ways down the patn'
a horse was just jumping fallen black
oak The horse bore a man on his back ana
this man. swung off his cap cantered up and
disnounted
1t was Mrs. Ammidowns brother and. seen
now in the daylight. he bore that resemblance to
his sister that face carried in marble might
bear to painted in rich colors
1t was a curious thing that when Mercer spoke
his voice might make you think that he pos
sessed warm opuence OF nature which did not
betray itself in his face at least, not ordinarily
The man had seen these two while he was at
some distance along the path and he had hur-
ried his horse. making him leap as he would
have made him leap had the barrier been twice
az high.
He now walked by Miss Drowdys side, and his
horse followed him a dog follows. This ami
NAL had not belonged to Mercer for five years
and been his daily companion without learning
many things.
Mercer glanced across the elder and said
to Temple:
II was going to call on you this morning. My
sister thinks there's a building used a school
house on your farm Miss Crawford. If there is,
l shall preach in it as soon can let the people
know"
"Oh. shall your"
Temples eyes grew bright with her interest
Mercer looked at her longer than was neces-
sary. She met his eyes with fearless express
sion Of asking and longing
Perhaps you. at least. can tell us something"
she said in fervent voice.
She had the effect of bending toward him
she went on. though in reality she maintained
her upright position.
"You know we are told TO seek and shall
find, Mr. Mercer Now Il seems 10 me that have
been seeking all my life. Only I have never
found-never. Shall find. Mr. Mercer? 1t isn't
that I'm not happy-don't think that. That
would be lie. It's just that I'm too happy. Yes,
too happy. You see. just to be alive here with
these mountains all the time-t0 sleep with them
to wake with them-to have my horse and my
dog-to be alive-to be alive"
The girl had paused in her walk and the others
had paused with her. Almina had a vague fear
that this was not the way any one ought to talk
Particularly it somehow wrong for woman
to talk thus And how could one be too happy?
If this happiness came account Of having a
lover-but. Notwithstanding the interview the
river, Almina. romantic as she was. did not
cribe Temples words to that cause.
MERGERS thin. ascetic face was turned toward
the girl. In spite Of the priest and the monk in
him. the man in him. the unregenerate man. he
would have said. thrilled strongly.
Temple. after her pause. suddenly added:
ITS because | want to learn how to bear IT,"
i've often been appealed to for help in unhap-
piness." returned Mercer but in happi-
ness The poor wretches among these mountains
don't come to me with your grievance"
Temples big soft hat pushed back from
her forehead She had the baize bag holding the
fiddle in one hand. the other hand was thrust
into the pocket Of the old velvet coat
She was gazing with unfaltering intentness at
the man before her. Just behind Mercer his
horse had stopped. The animal had taken
mouthful of leaves from oak shrub and was
chewing them a leaf or two protruding from his
loosely moving lips as his benevolent. equine face
showed above his masters shoulder.
Mercer felt sort Of blind emotion. something
that he was quite sure he must fight
1.-The poor wretches," said Temple. yes: |
know that's what they are. They are like vermn
among my great mountains. They don't for
the hills. for the sky nor for anything bu,
whiskey and bacon.
Mercer stepped forward II with uncon-
trolable movement and it was with an uncon-
trolabe movement that he put his hand lightly
on Temples His eyes burned. but his pale
features were quiet
IT'S my work to teach them to care for some
thing besides whiskey and bacon" he said his
impressive voice seeming to make the still sweet
air CULVER I'm response to unconquerable pur-
pose.
The two looked at each other for an instant.
Then Temple said her eyes shining and her
voice unsteady:
That's noble work. But you never can teach
them. You gee. know them: live here
Mercer drew himself up. He made slight
movement one might who is settling armor
upon himself for a contest
II know them. too he answered. land they
are men and women therefore TO be moved in
some way
He did not lnger He drew back a step for the
two women 10 pass. taking off his hat as he did
He mounted his horse and rode along the path
and out OF sight among the trees.
That afternoon he knocked at the door Of his
sisters room at Battery Park.
Mrs. Amnidown was half lying in a long chair
She was holding a book in her hand
well" she said II knew your step. so
knew needn't rise. What's the matter? If You
wouldn't think me irreverent should say you
| look as If you had found the Holy Grail"
mo, no." said Mercer. who was standing in
| front Of his sister and looking down at her if
! trying to bring his thoughts to her exclusively.
| Mrs. Ammidown shut her book. She touched
| the spring which changed her couch into
chair.
ut IL impossible to lounge near anything up
right as you, Richard" she said. IF could
| change my backbone into steel column, sup
pose you'd approve"
You are as nature made you" said Mercer.
absenty.
Therefore. let me pass for woman" the
response did you get your school-house?'
Yes"
Then now you'll canvass for the. Lord in Bun
combe County"
| There was more pity than mockery in the
womans voice. There was affection in the way
she leaned forward now and took her brothers
hand.
He bent over her and smoothed her hair with
his other hand. but ne did 1t absently. As he did
not speak, his sister went
IT'S a pity you don't belong in this century,
Richard One Of those old flesh notifying sin
tormented monks must be occupying your body
Oh it's great pity"