Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1904-03-10


was resolved to win Prudence in the
end, this did not prevent me from yield
ing to the deep depression Of my mood.
I cast the reins on Dobbin's neck and let
the good beast proceed at his own sweet
4 will. .-,. ~
know not how long had been riding,
nor how far had got on my way home
ward, when my melancholy meditations
were interrupted by the sound Of some
thing following me. In the noise of the
wind it was impossible to distinguish
clearly the direction from which these
sounds proceeded; moreover, the foot
steps-for such they seemed-were
mufled by the snow. Nowadays think
it strange that should have heard any
thing at all. But, my friends, there is a
clairyoyance of the heart by means of
which we have an instructive knowledge
of many things too subtle to- be heard
or seen with the gross bodily organs.
And so it seems to me in the case speak
of; for, obeying an impulse, the cause
of which cannot even now describe to
! you, suddelY caught up the reins and
turned Dobbin's head against the wind.
And we'll it was that did SO. For in q
few moments l heard voice cry out in
distress, and, by my faith, it was not the
hoarse shout of a man, but the shrill
treble of frightened woman. With
that, clapped spurs sharply down and
FASTENED with all speed possible to give
what help could; for under such cir
cumstances it is not well to delay.
And whom do you think found:there,
stalled in the snow, half faintiEg in her
saddle from the cold and the bewilder-
ment of the night?
| Prudence!
| My arms were about her in an instant.
AS bore her from her horse. wrapping
my cloak about her trembling figure, she
put her dear head against my shoulder
and began to sob. To my eager question.
what had sent her forth on such night.
she made no answer for q long time,
and availed myself Of the opportunity
to turn in the direction of Holloway hall,
leading her palfrey by the bride. At
length, as Prudence regained her COM
posure, I learned why she had followed
me.
"A moment after you left" she whis-
pered, hiding her face in my breast, my
father rode up. having been out on busi-
ness at tho village. He was full of con-
Germ, for, he said, the bridge, over the
river between your house and ours had
gone down during the evening, the
weight Of the ice piled against it. What
time did 1t go, father?' asked, filled with
sudden apprehension. Scarce an hour
leaving the village. At once thought
of you riding home in the night, unable
to see what lay before YOU blinded per-
chance, by the snow, and with that brok-
en- bridge in your path. Without word
to any, snatched my hood and cloak,
fed to the stable, and, saddling my pal
frey, started in pursuit. But though
know the road so well, the snow proved
too much for us, my horse and I, and had
Providence not watched over us, fear
we would have persisted. A silly fool am
I! 4 might have sent my father, or one
of the men. But, no! did not stop to
think! l."
"Glad am you did not" I said, 'for
now, Mistress Prudence you shall deny
me no more. A woman takes no such
risks for man she loves not. Said I not
truly you would marry me, after all?"
She answered not. In a few minutes
we met Master Haywood, and a troop
of his men searching for the missing
maid.
"Sir," said I, as we drew rein before
the hall. Il crave your hospitality for
the night, for my own home is far, and
the weather unpropitious. And to-mor-
row shall ask you yet another favo.
STILL"
Harry" replied the old gentleman,
clapping me on the back, lit hath a.
ready been asked and granted. The
wench told me months ago she loved
thee and would marry thee. Twas only
a matter of waiting till she was ready.
And as for thee-boy, dost think an old
Indian fighter hath failed to see through
thy pretense of interest In his tales OF
forgotten battles? Hal" and his cheer
full laugh rang out right merrily. And
as we stood in the great han, he took our
hands in his, and Joined them together,
and with the tear drops glistening in his
eyes, added: Take her, Harry. and be
happy"
And that, my friends, is how Prudence
Haywood made up her mind to become
Nine Clarendon!