The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-19
granny will be jawing and calling


tub when Huldah found her, and seeing the
girl still looked pale and tagged, dismissed
her, refusing her help. So Huldah wandered
1stlessly away, the same anxious look in her
eyes and sat motionless in the big armchair
on the stoop, till she perceived Uncle Abe
returning hot and dusty from the fields.
You're in early, uncle,'' she said
Yes-got through quicker than 1 reckoned; (;
the Bentley chaps lent a hand,' he replied,
throwing himself into chair. Wish Devos
had turned up
Huldah was silent.
He's a good hand-almost as good as Ber-
esford," went on Abe. 1--WE shall miss him."
'Miss-Mr. Beresford-how said Hudah,
breathlessly, looking up at her uncle for the
hrst time Didn't he come back, then ?''-
and there was sudden terror in the tone in
which she asked the question.
NO, Beresford didn't come back replied
Abe He"
But Rover's here interrupted Hudah
Yes-and Beresfords off; gone back to
England" answered Uncle Abe. Found a
cable for him in Cifville bidding him start at
once"
''Who-who told you?" faltered Huldah
Got letter from him. He sent it by Jim
Hardy with the horse. Here it be- said Abe,
tossing Brian's note to Huldah. "a bad look
out for me, isn't t?''
Very replied Huldah, with dry white
lips. "And-he won't come back again,
guess
Come back again! Not he!' laughed I'm
Gle Abe. why should he? Don't know who
III get in his place. I never had hired man.
.cepting him, who was worth his keeper
half worth it,
Huldah did not reply. She was staring va
cantiy before her, not hearing her uncle's
words. Her brain was all of a whirl; there
was terrible roaring and rushing in her
ears and her heart throbbed painfully Gone!
and he would never come back. She would
never see him again. Gone! How little had
she thought she was bidding him goodbye
forever when she stood by Rover under the
maple trees that Wednesday evening.
What's the matter-what are you dream
ing OF, Huldah? I've spoken to you three
Gle Abe, sharply. Good lor', child, don't
start so! How white you look! shall have
TO send you away to Brandon to Aunt Caltry
to nurse if you don't get better"
Huldah shivered.
Il do feel bad I'll allow" she said, in
stihed voice.
And as on the following day Huldah seemed
almost unable to keep about the house. I'm
Gle ape, who was a man of action, hitched
up the horse to the buggy, and, putting HUI
oan INTO 1t, drove her off distance of twenty
miles to Aunt Caltry, who kept a store in
the little town, and begged that good woman
10 Keep her for a week two.
Don't know what Devos Guarda will saw
ne sald He promised to be over Saturday.
put ne didn't come-nor on Sunday either:
so he can only blame himself when he finds
the birds flown unbeknown to him. Well
duldah farewell. Get strong quickly and
don't give Aunt Caltry any trouble
She'll not do that Abe" replied Aunt Cal
try; but she do look bad It's well Won
brought her over"
I thought it would be the best thing for
her, returned Abe, as he settled the horses
harness comfortably, and brushed speck or
two of dust off its smooth coat. II don't
know what Devos Guarda will saw. though
when he learns it,"
Isis that all settled, Abe?" asked Aunt
Caltry, IN low voice, glancing at Huldah,
VINO was standing leaning against the door
looking listleSsy out into the street as if If
She took no interest in what was taking place
around her.
settled? On, yes, long ago." returned Abe,
caIeiessly "A good match for Huldah.''
Aunt Caltry looked grave. She was a.
small, plump blue-eyed comfortable-look-
Ing little woman, and the look on Huldah's
face distressed her.
is she-is the girl willing? She don't
iook as nghthearted as a girl should who's
going to marry man she likes" she said.
hesitatingly.
Lord love ye, Caltry! of course she's will
ing, said Abe looking up in surprise. "Am
II She don't feel inclned-specally my own
sisters child?'
NO. no. I don't mean that; but is she
sure-has she made mistake? She do look
that strange" began Mrs. Prout
She's .sck-that's about it, reckon !" re
pheo ABE She took Guarda quite willingly
and they get on right enough. You'll find
out It's all as it should be when you come to
talk TO her, Caltry. Now 1 must be off
You'll have Guarda here before long I guess
and then you'll be able to judge for YOUR
sef'-and so saying Abe Beamish drove
away.
That evening soon after he found himself
at the farm again a stout, gray-hared old
man rode up to the door.
Hullo! what's ur, Chris?" cried Beamish.
recognizing Devos Guarda's head man
Nothing wrong, eh?"
Come to see the boss" replied the man,
wipng the perspiration from his face for