The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1898-09-01

was a girl of about fourteen, dressed IN
the ordinary petticoat and short gown
and reading aloud from book. AT the
other end of the room, where there was
an open ingle and fire, an elderly
matron was cooking.
Suddenly there was an exclamation
from the latter, who was the first TO
perceive the entrance Of the newcom-
ers.
johnnie" she cried, holding out her
arms: and in another moment she had
folded her son in her embrace, and was
kissing him fondy.
The young girl rose, smiling, book IN
hand the man ceased his weaving, but
remained quite still in his chair.
Yes, here / am. mother; and I've
brought company, as you see.
"Hoo's a wi We, Marjorie?" cried The
matron, holding out her hand. Its a
treat to see your bonny face. Sit ye
down by the fire."
lis that my SOM" said the weaver.
in a deep, musical voice, but without
turning his head. His infirmity was
now apparent-he was stone blind.
John Sutherland walked across the
room. gave his sister a passing kiss,
and placed his hand affectionately on
the Old mans shoulder.
It's yourself, my lad! | ken you moo.
l feel your breath about me! What
way did We no write to tell us you We're
on the road hame?'-
Il was not sure until the last mo-
ment that | could start so soon, but l
jumped into the train last night, and
down / came.
Who's alang wi you?" asked the
weaver. smiling. I'm wager it's Mar
jorie AMMAN"
Yes, Mr.. Sutherland" answered
Marjorie, crossing the room and join
ing the little group. II met Johnnie in
Dumfries, and we came home together"
The weaver nodded his head gently
and the smile on his face lightened into
loving sweetness.
Stand close, side by side he said,
ye."
While you look at u.s." echoed Mar
jorie in surprise.
"Ay, and what for no? Dinna think,
Gamma see weel wi the cen o my soul.
Ay, there you stand, lass and lad-my
boy John and Marjorie Amman; bath
fair. bath wi blue cen; John prood and
glad, and Marjorie blushing by his
side; and | see what you Gamma see--a
light all roond and abune We, coming
cot o the golden gates o Heaven
Stand still wee and bark. Do ye hear
nothing? Ay. but | can hear! A
sound like kirk-bells ringing far ava. "
AS he spoke he sat with shining face,
as If he indeed gaZed on the sweet Wis.,
ion he was describing. Marjorie grew
red as fire. and cast down her eyes;
for she was only too conscious of the
what had taken place that day, she felt
constrained and almost annoyed. John
Sutherland shared her uneasiness, and
to divert the conversation into another
channel, he spoke to his young sister,
who stood smiling close by.
Marjorie, uneasy lest the old mans
dreamy talk should again take an awk-
ward turn, was determined 20 make her
escape.
Good bye now, Mr.. Sutherland"
she said, taking his hand in hers, II
must run home; Mr. Lorraine will he
expecting me"
And before any one could say word
TO detain her, she was crossing the
threshold of the cottage. Young Suth-
erland followed her as far as the gar
den gate.
Marjorie" he said, Il hope you're
not angry?'
mo, no." she replied; but / wish
your father would not talk as if we
were counting, Johnnie. 1t makes me
feel so awkward, and you know it is
not true"
"Old folk will talk" said John Suth-
erland, land father only speaks out of
the fullness of his heart. He is very
fond of you, Marjorie!"
Il know that, and l OF him-that is
why it troubles me to hear him talk
like that"
There was moments pause; then
Sutherland sadly held out his hand.
well, goodbye, just now. I'll be
looking We up at the manse''
"cood hya'o che answered. Come
soon. Mr.. Lorraine will be so glad
to see you"
So she FASTENED away, while Suther-
land. with a sigh, stood looking after
Ia. Lam Il