Gilpin observer., 1903-04-30
CHAPTER II.
Oranie Bowen,

Oranje Bowen.
well, well, to-day goes to it's fore
fathers, like all the rest; and, as for
what comes after it. everything is in
the love and counsel of the Almighty
One"
This was Joris Van Heemskirk's last
thought ere he fell asleep that night,
after Elder Semple's cautious disclo-
sure and proposition. In his calm,
methodical, domestic life, it had been
an "eventful day." We say the words
often and unrehectingly; seldom paus-
ing to consider that such days are the
results which months, years, per-
chance centuries, have made possible.
Thus, long course of reckless living
and reckless gambling, and the conse
quent urgent need of ready money,
had made Capt. Hyde turn his
thoughts to the pretty daughter of the
rich Dutch merchant.
''She is a homespun little thing"
laughed the colonel's fashionable wife,
"and quite unfit to go among people of
our condition. But she adores you,
with house to manage, and 4 visit
from you when you can spare the
time"
1t was in this mood that Katherine
and her probable fortune had been dis
cussed: and thus she was but one Of
the events, springing from lives an
terror to her own and very different
from it.
Also, in her fathers case, the mo-
tives influencing his decision stretched
backward through many generations.
None the less was their influence po-
tent to move him. In fact, he forgot
entirely to reflect how a marriage be-
tween his child and Capt. Hyde would
be regarded at that day; his first
thoughts had been precisely such
thoughts as would have occurred to a
Van Heemskirk. living two hundred
years before him.
Joris' age was not an age inclined
to analysis, and he was still less in
clined to it from a personal stand
point. For he was a man of few, but
positive ideas; yet these ideas, having
cnce commended themselves to his
faith or his intelligence, were en-
braced with all his soul. Semples
communication regarding Capt. Hyde
and his daughter had aroused in him
certain feelings, and led him to GER
tain decisions. He went to sleep, sat-
isfied with their propriety and justice.
He awoke in precisely the same mood.
Then he dressed and went into his
garden. 1t was customary for Kath-
crime to join him there; and he fire.
quently turned, as he went down the
path. TO see If she were coming.
But this morning she did not come.
He walked alone to his lily bed;
but his face frightened when he heard
her calling him to breakfast and very
soon he saw her leaning over the half
door. shading her eyes with both
hands, the better to watch his ap-
proach
Lysbet was already in her place; so
was Joanna, and also Bran. Joris
and Bran discussed the business of
the day; Katherine was full of her
visit to Semple house the preceding
evening" Dinorah was no restraint.
| The slaves Joris owned. like those Of
Abraham, were born or brought up in
his own household.
And yet, this morning. Joris waited
until Lysbet dismissed her handmade,
before he said the words he had de-
termined to speak ere he began the
work Of the day. Then he put down
his cup with an emphasis which made
all eyes turn to him, and said:
"Katryntje. my daughter, call not
to-day, nor call not any day. until
tell you different. at Madame Sem
pies. The people who go and come
there, | like them not. They will be
no good to you-Lysbet, what say you
in this matter?"
"What you say. I say, Joris. The
father Is to be obeyed. When he will
not the children can not
Katherine had drawn her chair close
to her fathers and taken his big hand
between her own and was stroking and
petting It; then as she answered she
leaned her head upon his breast.
Father, like to see the English
lady; and she is teaching me the new