Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-04-20

Observation-Disclosures
horse and threw the reins to old Giles.
Then, lifting her eyes in mute de-
SPAR to Elsbeth's face, Margaret came
toward the house.
THY tea is brewed and tho hot
cakes that thou likest are covered,
keeping warm for thee on the hearth
stone," Elsbeth announced.
Margaret entered languidly, carry
ing her jeweled riding whip, her heavy
skirts trailing after her as she came.
IT care not to eat" she said sadly.
Then, as If unable to conceal her dis
appointment or to contain her suffer
ing, she cried out brokenly: "Elsbeth,
another day most gone and Godfrey
hath not come. An wander where
will I can get no word Of him. Mine
eyes are strained with looking down
the road that leads from London, and
my heart aches near to bursting with
loneliness and apprehension. Three
weeks last Sunday since received his
missive."
Her riding whip fell to the floor with
a thud as she sank into chair, cover
ing up her white face with her hands.
"Elsbeth," she said at last to the
woman who stood before her in dumb
sympathy, hast ever thought that God
frey, reckless in his haste to see me,
did attempt to ride up the mountain
in that fearful storm and-God's pity
on me!-was lostT
'"Tut tut, sweetheart! Elsbeth's
voice was gay and full Of courage to re-
assure her. "Sir Godfrey's but detain-
ed in Lunnon. Thou must keep in
mind what great lord he Is and that
mayhap his business there is Of vast
Importance. IT'S often, warrant thee,
that mans heart is in one place and
perforce his body in another. Fla done
grieving, Margaret, and eat little sup
to strengthen thee. He'll come anon"
Her young mistress did not move or
raise her head.
"Eyery night since the storm broke, "
she lamented, II have worn my finest
gowns to welcome Godfrey-at first
with happy heart full Of bright hope,
then, after succeeding days Of bitter
disappointment, with less hope and
some mtsgivtng. But tonight"-she
drew sharp breath and put her hand
over her heart-"I 60 to dress sick
with terror and broken hearted with
despair. Nlsbeth," she cried, throwing
up her head with little tragic ges
ture. IT tell thee Godfrey Is Ill or dead
for SO perfect is my knowledge Of his
unselfsh love for me that I know, I'M
less fever did render him delirious OF
death had stilled his tongue, he would
not leave me pining here alone, suffer
ing this frightful apprehension"
Weeping silently, she prepared TO g
up the stairs.
Elsbeth was at her side in moment
Tut, tut, my bonny maid! Let no
such fearsome thought beset thee" she
urged earnestly. "Take heart, Mar
garet l promise thee-thine old Els
beth who loves thee doth promise
thee-that ere the sun goeth down OF
another day thy lover IL hold thee ir
his arms"
Margaret smiled sadly. can could
believe thine oft repeated promises
good Elsbeth, my heart would not nov
have lost it's lightness."
At the top Of the staircase she paus
ed.
ooh, Elsbeth, tits easy for thee to b
brave when it's not thy Godfrey wht
doth not GOMEZ she said. "But coult
thou really know what tits to wal
YEARLY night after night for the mar
who hast thine whole heart thou would
pity me-"
II ha' ever advised thee, Margaret,
the elder woman said, putting her arm
about the girl comfortingly, mot t
fasten too much affection on any mar
else he prove not worthy Of it and tn
joy be turned to sorrow."
Margaret raised her eyes, filled wit
deep reproach, to Elsbeth's face.
"such true love as doth exist BIZ
tween Godfrey and me-" she said sc
berly; "such faith, such trust, thou wit
thine evil suspicious and grim fore
bodings could have no thought OF
What knoweth thou Of men and lovers
Elsbeth, that thou art always pratin
of their imperfections? 'Twere nc
kind Of thee to tease me with tn
maudlin talk when"-the tears in be
eyes overlooked on her cheeks-"I al
80 beset on every SIDE"
"Beset! Margaret, tell me. Who tror
bles theer
II have told thee of my cousi
Josiah's opportunities, Elsbeth," sh
answered. Thou knowest that hi
cold, persistent wooing doth fret m,