Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1895-07-26

Ana one there was to whom it brought n
bride. He was the youngest white man at
the post. He had her picture, brought
through winter SHOWS and stormy twi-
light by the native messenger, who jour
neyad over the frozen channels with his
slcdgc to the lower missions where he me5
the factor of the grcat company buying
turs and who brought few precious let
ors for The Post, forwarded by winter
touricr from Quebec.
Two thousand miles the print had come
by slcdge, and every day the young man
Ftudicd it, noting the charms Of youthful
tycs and mouth, of rounded check and
wavy hair, specializing upon her character
rnd longing for yet drCading that mo-
hlcntous time when they should meet to
either love or hate.
Which would it be and could he gain
her love? How should he greet her? He,
gawEy youth, who, guarded in his
FChUUl, ascotically trained, had no expert
rnco with the other sex, regarding them
us quite beyond his ken, knew nothing of
the pangs of boyish love, and only had n
crude abstract idea Of the happiness,
duties, sacrifice and pain involved in tho
mysteries of married life.
The elder of the post had said the time
was ripe for him to take wife. Obedient
to the magnate of the church, he had writ
ten, at dictation, his request
And now the signal shot had let them
know the vessel bringing her was drawing
near.
He left, tho store with speed, fled to his
room, bathcd, combcd and dressed him in
his best, looked at the photograph and put
it back within its velvet cover next his
heart, laughed and half cried and paced
the polished floor, and through the open
window nervously watched and waited for
the coming ship.
The murmur of the voices now increased
and swcllcd into shouts of "Glcancrakoo-
a-ko-o-o-t!" and round the procipitous
point, with white sails set and pennunts
flying swept the noble brig Tho bay was
dotted now with bright kayaks, and vol
ley on volley rang from Il hundred guns
the church bell pcalcd, the dogs set up Il
howl and sang their weird chorus Justify,
flags luttercd brayGly from the mission
roofs, and presently the briggs signaling
cannon doomed.
The novice hid his face within his
hands, with 1uttcring heart Of mingled
joy and fear, and wished himself $1,000
miles away.
A week passed. Tho brig still lay at
anchor in the bay.
Within his study the mission elder sat-
his long gray beard falling in tangled
waves upon his breast
His keen gray eyes were bent upon tho
novice and the girl, who stood respectfully
waiting till he should speak.
For 40 years he had lived his mission
life and his thoughts were busy with that
time long passed when he had been just
such another youth and had obeyed just
such call to wed. His hclpmatc's sill
very hair was auburn then. Her dear old
wrinkled face was smooth and fair.
The children of the love were scattered
wide. One had been sent to Asia's intidel
land, another lived beneath the scorching
rays that bleachcd the sands OF Africa, and
o third had laborcd for the church among
the hordes of one of those far islands in
the sea, and news had come that he, the
most beloved had been rewarded with a
martyrs crown.
"Fraulein, " he said at last, "thc time is
short; the brig must sail tomorrow. l
must urge that you should give your an
swer definitely.
ut is II thing most serious to you both,
but you have been together seven days.
Not long in which to fix upon wife or
learn to judge lovers moods and whims.
But l can speak myself for this young
man. pledge you he is upright, virtuous,
kind.
"And as for you, my son, she is far
more. Her features would be ample pass.
port without this commentator from the
church. That you already love her 1 can
see. What do you answer"
The young man looked to her, then
dropped his gaze. "You speak but truth
sir She is dear to me. 1 would not have
her leave me, but still less would 1 enjoy
the thought that she was forced by sense
of duty only to share my lot.
81 pray let her decide for both of us and
give her till the morrow to reply. If she
should wish for more delay, it is not nee
essary we should wGG at once, and mean
while l may try to win her love"
"What says the madchen"
The girl was touched by the generous
thoughtfulnCss the youth had shown and
by the kindness of the aged man. She cast
one swift, wistful glance through the open
window at the anchored brig, where the
captains stalwart figure paced the quarter,
and blushed and bowed her head and tried
to speak. Then, with returning courage
and resolve, she approached and knelt be-
side the old mans chair.
Il. I.
tremulous, 81 have had thoughts, unwor-
thy of my faith, rebollious thoughts and
fears and wicked moods. If either is I'M
worthy, it is l.
"Give me some few days more before we
wed-and let the brig sail. Twill stay
with you. Ralph Graham Tabor in
Truth.
Roundabout Messages.
A special correspondent found himself
Shut ont of n London npUSDnDpr Office i'm