Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1896-08-20
1.
How Matthew Rivers Took "a Letter
Home with Him.

Home with Him.
IT was me rkct day at Alverton. A
bright sky shone overhead ard gath
ered IN knots, upon the shady side OF
the road. stood the farmers c%onvcrsing
together, now Of their stock. now or
the crops, and now Of the weather.
CHEEKY voices called out hearty in
quiries for the health of those ut home.
and CHEEKY voices replied. Cordial
greetings were intercbangcd; and ever
and anon a boisterous laugh broke
forth from the mouths OF n or
other OF the merry. joyial men, who.
in top boots, and with riding whips in
hand. stood laughing and joking to-
gether, for the business of the day was
over, ana they only loitered for gossip
or a glass OF that ale for which Alyer-
ton was and is so justly celebrated.
AS the sun declined, gliding the
heavens with its departing glory,
horses were led forth from the inn
yard, and good stout country chaises
made their appearance in the long,
struggling street of Alyerton.
Then there was more handshaking,
more hearty voices. and more goodwill
shown. as, one by one. the farmers
mounted their horses or got into their
chaises, and drove or rode slowly along
the uneven pavement on their way
home to their wives and families.
Among all those who had that day
attended market at Alverton there
was, perhaps, no one so universally
liked and respected as Matthew Rivers,
the maltster.
He was a grave and austere man,
Mt vl,n 80 D --t..: Il - -
word of friendly advice for those who
sought 1t; he had ever q shilling to be-
stow in charity; and. moreover, he had
a daughter named May. who was the
belle Of the country for many a mile
round.
Matthew Rivers was one of the last
to leave, for he had to pay for his popu-
aarity by listening To many a long story
from his friends.
As he rode along CT his sturdy cob,
now fairly ON his way home. he heard
the sound Of feet following him rapidly
along the street.
Turning, he saw a man running after
him, who no sooner perceived that he
attracted his attention, than by frantic
gestures he urged him to stop.
Matthew Rivers refined in his horse.
and awaited this persons approach,
who, In a few moments, stood painting
and breathless by his side.
why, Jem, what's the matter?'
asked the maltster, recognizing In the
man N of his bro~ther-in-law's labor
ers.
1.-THE master, sir-the master, he
couldn't come TO town himself to-day,
so he SEN me, and babe me be sure to
give you this observation-disclosures one as
he ~spoke-"and I'd forgot all about 1t
till l see You ride by
Matthew Rivers took the letter and
put it into his pocket, and then, with n
few words of acknowledgment, he con-
tinued his homeward way.
Now, what "a David want with
me? SO ran the maltster's thoughts.
"He isn't over-quick with his pen. Ii
must be something particular makes
him write. He can't want money. for
he's better Off than | am. There can't
be anything the matter, or Jem would
have known it, and told me. However.
] can't see to read it now, it must be
kept till | get home"
The moon rose as Matthew Rivers.
putting his horse to a trot, struck off
from the main road down the country
lane which led to the village Of Anna
dale, where he resided.
1t vas a pretty, little, old fashioned
country village, with Its old, grey.
stone church, it's lattice-windowed cot
tages, it's fiower-covered porches, and
Its general air OF peace and quiet.
Such a village was Annadaie. az
you may even nov occasionally meet
NVifh yyhnn yya t,dat-it,n 70. N xx,a a. fnrn.
railroads and that civilization which
substitutes red brick and stucco for
wood and creepers.
Never did the village look prettier
than on that night, as Matthew Rivers
rode slowly up the hill.
The bright, clear moonlight silvered
the trees, through which, ever and
anon, a light breeze played like soft
music; h nightingale trilled forth his
evening hymn of praise, the grey tower
OF the CHURCH rose i~ndistinctly, high
above the cottages. and the faint even
ing waited the perfume Of roses along
the road.
Before one of the largest of the cot
tages the maltster reined in his horse.
Then forth came the good house-uog,
frisking and barking IA welcome to his
master.
Forth came the rough-looking youth
who filed the post of groom, and forth
came May Rivers to greet her father
on his return home.
/ She was, indeed, a beautiful girl.
: One of those favorites of nature,
who, without possessing the classic
regularity Of feature, have that indie
scribable charm which goes straight to
the heart.
Her beautiful hair, coiled at the back
of a small and well-shaped head, was
fastened with a large silver pin, such
as Is used at the present day by the
italian peasant
Her bright eyes sparkled win pleas
nre, as she tripped lightly down the
path to meet her father at the gate.
There was not a man in Annadale
who would not have envied Matthew
Rivers the kiss he received from those
rosy lips.
Her tall and graceful form a sculptor
might have copied for the Queen of
Beauty, and her small hands were
models of elegance.
How late you are, father!." she ex-
claimed, In a soft, clear tone. Come
inl We are waiting supper for you
this half-hour!"
Nr~Ah~,. utrn.~ uooloI ,1rrrocr;-~