The Forrest City times., 1904-02-19

iiioHlhs otlOre, and then of the dance where had first addressed her. and then oi her fathers long stories of old cam palgns, and my inattention when she was within sight. But she interrupted me not at all; merely smiled as she lis tened. And when I made an end. there Tell silence between us.
 VIII make no answer to my suit?" I said. finally. Well, be it so. But will ask again, and again, and yet again. till you tell me what wish to hear. Sweet Mistress Clarendon that is to be, I salute you,"
 fou have impudence, sir" she cried, to take possession of me so eavalierly! VIII marry whom please, and when please an it will not be you. care not at all for you!"
 It was warm and snug within doors, put as l swung to saddle again. the cold struck iHe my bones. and the growing storm made all about black and strange. The wind had sprung up within the hour. and now whirled the snow into blinding clouds, so that my faithful horse picked ms way slowly and still more slowly through the increasing drifts. My own Lhlhd was full of sad thoughts. Though l was resolved to win Prudence in the ehd' thls did not prevent me from yield Ing to the deep depression of my mood. cast the reins on Dobbin's neck and let the good beast proceed at his own sweet will
 know not how long had been riding. nor how far l had got on my way home ward, when my melancholy meditations were interrupted by the sound of some lhihg Following me. In the noise of the wind II was impossible to distinguish clearly the direction from which these sounds proceeded; moreover, the foot steps-lor such they seemed-Were mlffied by the snow. Nowadays think II strange that l should have heard any, thing at all. But, my friends, there is a clalrVoyance of the heart by means of when We have an inStinctive knowledge of many things too subtle to be heard or seen with the gross bodily organs. And so 1t seems to me in the case sneak of; for, obeying an impulse. the cause
 
 you, l suddely caught up the reins and turned Dobbin's head against the wind.
 And well it was that did so. For in a few moments l heard a 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 hastened with all speed possible to give what help l could; for under such cir cumstances it is not well to delay.
 And whom do you think found there. stalled in the snow. half fainting in her saddle from the cold and the bewildcr- 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 long time, and ayailed myself of the opportunity to turn in the direction of Holloway hall, leading her palfrey by the bridle At length, as Prudence regained her com- posture, l 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 the village. He was full of con- cern, 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 il go, father?' asked, filled with sudden apprehension. Scarce an hour since, he answered; I heard it as was 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, I snatched my hood and cloak, fled 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 perished. A silly fool am
 
 of the men. But, no! did not stop to think! l."
 Glad am I you did not" said, flor now, Mistress Prudence, you shall deny me no more. A woman takes no such risks for a man she loves not. Said not truly you would marry me, after all?'
 She answered not. In few minutes we met Master Haywood, and troop of his men searching for the missing maid.
 Sir" said I. as we drew rein before the hall, "I crave your hospitality for the night, for my own home is far, and the weather unpropitious. And to-mor- row I shall ask you yet another favor still"
 Harry" replied the old gentleman, clapping me on the back, 'it hath al- ready been asked and granted. The wench told me months ago she loved thee and would marry thee. Twas only
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