Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-05-04

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and wearing an air Of great
dependency, leaned over the
gate idly. She was lonely, and
an underlined feeling Of fear was upon
her. Some happening Of more than
usual interest had drawn the men from
the farm earlier tonight, and, having
laid cold supper on the table for her
mother and Josiah, she hung about the
dooryard, eagerly awaiting the advent
Of the first conner to relieve the monot-
ony Of the lonely hour and bring her
news of what was happening. Soon the
sound Of horses hoofs was heard.
"Ah"-she breathed sigh of relief
"Josiah home at lastv'
The horse and rider approaching
nearer, Hetty discovered the latter to
be none other than her former friend
and lover, Simon Kempster, who since
their final understanding in the dairy
had met her with cool indifference,
doff1ng his cap and passing by in 81
lence. At the unexpected sight of him
Hetty's heart gave bound, and the
blood rushed to her face. Surely, she
thought, this sad night when she was
so lonely he would pause for the even
ing chat to which they had been ac-
customed for so many months. Oh,
why had she not put the pink blossom
in her hair that he admired SO much!
Hetty was frightened, apprehensive.
She wished he would stop, If only for
one short moment, and, although the
young woman had other ideas for a
husband, she had admitted to herself
more than once Of late that for COM
mon everyday friend Simon did very
we'll, that she missed him and that her
heart was little sore at his treat
ment Of her since she refused to mar
ry him. Kempster reached the gate
way.
"a greeting Simon"
The soft, fluttering voice fell on
Kempster's ears strangely. He felt a
.-.s sensation in his breast, but
controlling himself by strong effort
regarded the little smiling, enticing
face coldly.
"a good even, Mistress" he said,
with quiet clvility. Then he rode on,
possibly trife faster, without even a
backward glance.
For moment she stood speeches.
with surprise; then as an understand
ing Of his meaning came to her she
drew sharp breath and tossed her
head angrily.
Now / will marry my French cour-
tier when he doth comet" she exclaim
ed hotly. "a common farming man
need meier take such high hand with
me. He hung so much about me in
the latter months and I was e'er so
friendly with him that I thought twas
only decent to offer him a greeting.
But" with a shrug of her shoulders,
"1'll ha' done with him now, and
mayhap-when I'm gone from him to
France forever"-with little tremble
in her voice-"he'll regret his cold
looks an ugly manners"
Pouting her lips. she took seat upon
the bench at the door and soon grew
so absorbed in her plans towreak venge-
ance on poor Kempster that she did
not hear the firm, quiet step of her
mother nor was she conscious Of her ap-
proach until the harsh voice fell sharp
ly on her ears.
cart pining again, foolish lass? Canst
find naught to do but sit and think thy
silly thoughts?" she asked sternly.
Where are the tallow dips, that they
are not lighted? Am l, that am weary
with a day Of prayerful toll, to cross
my threshold into a darkened house?
Once thou vert of some use and handy
at thy work, but of late, prithee, tbs
naught but dreams and signs! And thy
pale face and absent mind doth fairly
madden me-"
Hetty, who had risen at the first
words, now hastily entered the house,
followed by her mother, still scolding.
She lighted the candles aud hung the
kettle on the hob, saying as she did so:
Forgive me, mother. Ny thoughts
were but of our cousin Margaret, whom
I met an hour since walking on the
highway. She stopped to have speech
with me; but, remembering thy strict
injunctions not to speak to her, turned
my face and passed by hurriedly
Once I paused to glance backward, and
she was still standing where had met
her, looking after me with such a sad
surprised and grieved expression on
her fair face that tears sprang to mine
eyes, and l ran hastily toward home
lest might be tempted to disobey thee
n ~ yo IN NV co,1sin
Thou passed her on the road an
she looked long at thee with her evil
eyes," cried the dame in great conster.
nation. mo wonder I find thee with
pale face and pining All, woe is me!
What trouble more will come upon this
house?"
What meanst thou, mother?" Hetty
regarded her mother apprensively.
II mean, Henrietta Taunston, that
thy cousin is witch, woman In con.
nivance with the devil to invoke harm
to God loving people, and that she hath
| been proclaimed so to be by the peo-
| ,,1a