The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1898-12-15
WHEN THE FEAST WAS KEPT.

out on his way to Rachel Wbitneys. AS
he rode along he met one and another
who greeted him and to whom he return
ed greeting, but he heard neither his
own words nor those that was said to him
for his heart was full OF Rachel, and the
sweetness of her voice sounded in his ears
He pictured her as he had often seen her
moving about the room through light
and shadow or sitting at her wheel with
the strong ied glow of the fire upon her,
looking up rarely with some shy answer
to his remarks. But tins evening was not
to be as other evenings. The young fell
low pulse quickened and his heart beat
more quickly as he thought of the one
between Tonight Rachel would be wait
ing-perchance she was expecting him
now-and after tonight, He FASTENED his
long stride. never had the way seemed so
endless before.
Presently the house appealed heavy
blot against the golden sky, Thu fire
light shining from two windows looked
almost like holes through to the sunset AS
he strode up the lane the house cut off the
yellow glow and seemed to cast chill
shadow upon him. He slivcred and then
shrugged his shoulders at the fancy and
raped loudly at the door. 1t opened
immediately and Eaohel stood before him
There was a shy welcome in her serious
blue ewes and faint color flashed for 4
moment ovel. her auiet face. hut her
words were sp.kcn with manner Of
sim,.le fIiendliness
d.. was looking for Van. John Dan
forth " She. sand.
.'Aud you1 ratLe,3 asked The Young
man.
He scarcely knew that he asked the
question: it was an Instructive effort to
keep her so-he could net bear t. have
her turn away.
4 troubled Iook shadowe,l her eyes
She hesitated tor a morlent and then
answered Slowly. .'He expects YOU. have
told him, | will call him "
She crossed the long loom, and then
suddenly turned and went swiftly back TO
him She stood still for a moment be
fore him, her head b, Mt ana her hands
tightly olasped. Then She raised her eyes
and they looked deep and dark with the
strength of her pleading.
Father was sorely angry" she said
He is overwrought and not himself now
he cannot see things clearly. Don't let
him make thee angry, John, though he
says hard things and cen seems ID doubt
thee
The young man lifted his head proudly
doubt me, Rachel? What mean you?"
His voice rang Indignantly through the
room.
The girl stepped closer and laid her hand
timidly upon his arm in the earnestness
OF her entreaty.
There be no reason, John; It's only
that father i'll likes the thought of losing
me. He desired mea-She stopped and
then went on with an effort ''he desired
me to wed some one else, John, l never
asked thee aught before; promise me that
you Will not be angered, though he be
angry. Promise me, John.
The young man face was flushed and
his mouth set in firm lines. Never before
had he met anything like this. Then he
looked down into the pleading face and
his stelnness melted away
~ promise, Rachel, for thy sake, " he
answered,
Tie gill gave him quick, grateful
glance and then left him. He could hear
her voice on the Still autumn ali as She
called LEI father, and IT stirred him
strangely lie looked down at las sleeve
"iirfe hrF uahl, l!au rested, ana lie seem
ca SIM ITO Ieel the light clinging touch.
ne whole room was fuil o. bel presence
ana ms eyes 9le" as lender as a woman 5
as he "aitet-
IheIe was so9pd OF hurried steps
NstHOut. ana IItn Me door DLiSl,ef