The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1897-07-29

THEY had been having an uphill pull
Overcome oflife's roadways. The top
was in sight, and over the summit they
thought they saw a glimmer of pros
perity's sun. This was hopeful, though
it did o relax their struggle, nor did
it bring them rest.
Octayius accepted things more cheer
fully than Sabrina, and rejoiced with
magnificent philosophy over the small
things of earth. To Sabrina a self-de-
nial was a trial. and not an opportunity
for triumph over temper" A back
ache was a real tangible pain and not
"a slight cold with t~winges."
Their very variety of temperament
equalized troubles and pleasures, which
made them appear an average couple to
the big outside world.
The spring was getting middle-aged.
Octayius came home to 70 dinner
bringing the news that they were to
have a long afternoon drive. For a
moment Sabrina was delighted; then
she demurred: THE expense will be
too great
Octavius laughed his great open
laugh, Expense was not attached to
this trip. II met a man. he explained,
'.who has loaned me his horse and trap
Oh. there never was such luck; and
the tuneless man essayed to hun the
wedding march from L%ohengrin.
who is to drive!" perseyered Sa-
brina.
$40 drive? Why I am"
"You know nothing of horses
sneered Sabrina. Il will remain at
home"
Madam" said Octavius, I'D have
YOU know that | UNDERSTANDINGS per
fectly. / drove hundreds of them--be-
fore ] met you"
"Then-you tried to drive a mule me
could not" laughed Sabrina. We'll,
we will go. but | doubt whether we
shall return with whole necks."
May weather in Canada does not often
offer such pure clear air as did TINS
particular day and Sabrina grew happy
with its softening influence. She
donned her prettiest attire and tripped
gleefully after Octayius.
The horse and trap were waiting at
the door. 4 number of urchins stood
about smiling, and making remarks.
Sabrina's enthusiasm died out when she
looked at the conveyahce-an indescrib-
able vehicle on four wheels-with no
top and one narrow seat, very siiSht
Strings and low dashboard. She mem
tally pronounced it shabby and rickety.
1t seemed SO small behind the big posi-
tive looking bay horse that her heart
grew heavy, and she stepped in with
reluctance.
Octavius picked up the reins and
down the little street they dashed at a
break-neck pace; Sabrina jolting up
and down and frantically clutching her
hat, while her wrap worked its way
wrong side before in a way that threat
cned to choke her.
Octavius had a method of driving that
was original. He pulled the reins
tightly; leading Sabrina to expect that
the horse would rear up and paw the
air in remonstrance. Occasionally he
would pull one rein in such a way as
gave the horse a stilf necked appearance
that was lndicrous. His theory for
corners was to get round them as speed
lily as possible. -Four times, while
within the confines of Montreal, he
rushed the, horse around a corner run
ning wheels partially on the curb. near
ly overturning the trap and giving sa-
briua a pictured horror of two mangled
forms being carried to the hospital.
Lachine, their destination, is a little
town that lies nine miles above Mon
treal. Out on the upper road the way
wa smoother and easier. No trolley
cars disturbed the quiet air. They
were soon among green fields and poor
farmhouses of the French Canadians.
Many of these wretched abodes were
deserted. Some bore Mt n gate post d
sign: "Ferme a lcuer' farm to lett
The loneliness OF these dwellings, the
paucity of conyenicnces and utensils
and the dearth of neighbors, made one
shudder to consider what a winter
would be in such a home, with suct
bare surroundings.
Trees were just putting forth theil
tender young leaves, wild ower tt
show their fair delicate faces. Bird,
were singing and natures smile was
sweet. Sabrina began to enjoy the drive
md to be charitable about Octavius
driving when they reached Lachine.
Tie town was a disappointment. 1T
shabby houses, mean narrow streets
poo. little shops, had no attractive char
acteristic. Beyond the signs, which
were distinctly French; the swarthy
dark-eyed people; an occasional In
dian, lookinghampcred and sullen undel
the restraint Of store clothes; Their
was nothing to distinguish it from
poor little town in our United States.
The horse began to show spirit here
and in q resolve to pass everything OF
wheels thumpcd and ratified the vehicl
over cobbles and ruts in a most trying
way; keeping up the keen run unit
BE reached the open country road Thi
tnoroughfare WIS bordered on cithe
side with trees. Beyond 70 the lei