The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-19

any Other art, farmlnS must De learnt from
the beginning, and learnt thoroughly, If even
a modest livinS, to say nothing of fortune,
could be made by it. So he had engaged
himself a few months previously to Abe
Beamish whom he had met al the farm of a
mutual friend, and was now working stead
ily if with a desponding heart, under his
directions.
"Devos is a-coming-don't ye be down
hearted, HUI" said Abe, with a laugh. as he
threw himself into chair, and stretched out
his long legs with huge sigh of relief.
See how she blushes-look at her hosting
heT color. Beresford," he added with a laugh
pointing at Huldah, who had turned away
with flushed cheeks, and-though Abe was
faf from guessing it-with bitter anger in her
heart, instead of the qualification he fancied
she felt at the mention of Devos Guarda.
Leave chatting, uncle she said, in a hard
voice; "and mind your victuals. Who wants
Devos here with his Yankee ways a-finding
fault with your corn cakes and f1ap-jacks?
Mr.. Beresford, your cup The teas just as
you like it''-and her voice softened she
spoke, and proceeded to fill Brian's cup.
Cant forgive Devos for scorning her corn
ousy, nudging Brian. "Huldah isn't much
at cooking, after ell. Better when she's
breaking in colt or handling six-shooter
-eh, Huldah?'
But Hudah didn't answer, and Abe went
on
"She's a rare shot, is Huldah, and good
hand with horses. She can ride some, can't
she, Beresford-eh?'
her. replied Brian, with a smile. Il know
some good riders in California amongst the
women there, but Miss Hudah beats them
all, in my opinion. I'd like to see her show
them the way in hunting field at home
and he looked admiringly at Hudah.
Huldah smiled brilliantly.
"Guess riding comes easy TO me- she said,
smoothing BACK her glossy hair with her
strong Shapely hand. Have bit of pie, Mr..
Beresford-its one of grams best
And Huldah's a good shot, too' went on
Abe, who though he and his niece had many
quarrel, yet was proud of the girl. BEAT
Devos holler last fall when
'Devos is no great things in that line"
said Huldah, contemptuously. Don't go for
to compare him and me, Uncle Abe. Now,
if it were Mr.. Beresford there it would be
different. He shoots straight, he do. But,
Devos-"
Yours to command, Miss Huldah," said
voice behind her, and Devos Guarda, mid
dle-aged, broad -shoudered dusky-skinned
Spanish American, who spoke English habit
ually, and was Spanish in nothing save looks,
and perhaps temper, entered.
Huldah started, and her prows clouded.
Couldn't come sooner" he said; adding,
in low tone, its not too late for us to go
down to the creek and get the flowers you
wanted. l couldn't get away earlier"
You're soon enough, and [ don't want no
flowers and it's we-nigh DARK" answered
Huldah, coldly. Mr.. Beresford, you prom
ised to show me how to polish Maggie's har-
ness English way. Will you come to the barn
and show me presently?"
Guarda frowned, and looked furiously at
Brian. Evidently there love lost be-
tween the two young men. But Brian, pay
ing no attention to his black looks, rose.
With pleasure. Miss Huldah," he said.
I'm ready
"Oh, no hurry! Well, if you're really
through, let's co. she replied; and, without
look at Devos Guarda, she left the house,
followed by Brian.
"Confound that hulking Englishman!"
muttered Devos, gnawing at his black NOUS
tache and frowning heavily. What's up be-
tween him and Huldah Abe? 1t seems to
me she wants to give me the cold shoulder
and take on with him-hang him! A cool
hand, but a beggar, suppose, like most of
the young chaps who come out here to see
what they can do What made you take him
on, Abe?"
Cause 1 wanted a good hand to help
me-, answered Abe; and Beresfords first
rate-honest too, never lazy, never shimps.
get more work out O. him than I'd get out
of two ordinary fellows, Devos. AS to being
beggar, he's not just millionaire, but he's
no beggar either. AS to Huldah, you know
her ways. She's just put out cause she's
been waiting for you hour or more Eh,
granny, what do you say?'
That's So" replied old Mrs. Beamsh, nod
cling. Maids is always contrary. She don't
mean anything, Mr.. Guarda."
But both Abe and Granny Beamsh were
wrong With all the strength of passion
ate, ill-regulated, impetuous nature, Huldah
loved Brian Beresford, ard as that love day
by day grew stronger in her heart so did
the old fancy she had felt for Devos Guarda
fade away, and turn from liking to coldness
and from coldness to dislike and positive
hate
To Huldah, accustomed all her days to as
sociate with rough, coarse men, Brian Beres-
ford seemed a god, one far above those
arount: her in every particular.
How differently he treated her from what
the others did! How courteous and thought
full of her wants and wishes he was. Even
Tr-nl0 a hn JIn1--