Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1905-10-27

commanding me harsnly to let thoughts
of him dwell in my heart until bis
bauebty lordship would speak with me
on the subject again, he took his de-
narture. 1t was this manner Look,
Elsbeth.'
Rising to her feet, Margaret strobe
with. stiff awkwardness toward the
door.
"JJghr witlra shudder. II was fore
ed to open the lattice to let the sun
light in after he left, the room had
grown so damp and cold from his
chilling presencel SO thOult not give
tbv consent for thy Margaret's mar
rage with him, Elsbeth?' teasingly.
Elsbeth shook her head in know
ing manner.
"Forsooth, pretty, l trow thou'lt
wed thy lover that rideth here anon,
that thy young heart is set on, with my
consent or without it, but" she con-
tinued thoughtfully, lever will it seem
strange to me that such hard man
as thy cousin Josiah doth appear to
he should have a desire for anything
SO soft as the love Of woman"
"prithee, forget his gloomy face"
Margaret interrupted Grossly; then,
coming and sitting at Elsbeth's knee
again, said coaxingly: "Let's talk Of
Godfrey! Oh, Elsbeth, such bonny
times, such happy hours as we will
have together" she exclaimed, with
clasped hands and quick drawn breath.
'sSweet Godfrey, to come so soon! He
told me on the eve before 1 left-when
we were both so sad; hath forgotten,
stupid Elsbeth?-tha he had business
in London which would shortly bring
him across the channel and that he
would in probability visit me ere l
were we'll settled on mine estate. On,
Elsbeth, could wiring my hands with
sorrow that the cruel storm rose and
kept him from me six long days, and
then again | could sing until | burst
my heart for very joy that shall see
him today ere nightfall."
Rising suddenly, she went to the
omen window and, throwing out her
arms. cried earnestly: "Oh, warm
winds, whispering winds, bring me
word that Godfrey now rideth safely
up the mountain road-my Godfrey,
whom / lover
For answer the rough breeze tossed
her hair about and blew the wnite
points of her kerchief over her face.
"Ah." she murmured softly, Il need
not thy tickle confirmation, shifting
winds! My heart, that is ever my best
guidance, doth give me assurance that
he'll come tonight What frock shall
wear dull Elsbeth, with no thought
above thy mending? Shall ! do him
honor and receive him as a stately
Partisan lady in my silken gown OF
peachblow hue with feathers waving
2 high above my head, or shall l let
him take me to his heart as simple
mountain maiden with smooth hair
gray homespun frock and sober coun'
tcnance? Whichever way, good Els
beth. will Godfrey like me best?
Elsbeth, enjoying the girls happy
mood, smiled indulgently.
"An my opinion were worth the Civ
ing In such case," she replied, me
thinks Sir Godfrey will see only the
happy light in thy blue eyes and tiny
red lips when first he cometh."
"Elsbethv' Margaret shook her finger
at her companion, laughing lightly
"Thou hath surely had lover, al
though thou hast ever denied it, or else
how knowest thou so well their ways
Come. I'll wear my peachblow silk, be
deck myself in the grandest fashion
and receive my Godfrey In the with
drawing room with all the hOnors
would bestOw upon the king were ht
TO visit me. The kingw she exclaimed
with a disdainful toss Of her head
"ForsoOth, what is u king compared II
Godfrey"
The sight of the complete Alteration
of her charge for this man caused
feeling of pain to strike the elder won
: ans heart, and as she unfastened tht
!, lacing of Margarets bodice she fell
compelled to say:
"Methinks 'twere not well, sweet tt
fasten thy heart SO entirely on maj
not yet thy husband. An old woman
with much experience Of the world
doth know that many men, especial!
worldly men of fashion as Sir Godfre!
La Fabienne, WOO maid with mat
hot love, then ride away, leaving hel
to cure a broken heart"
"Elsbethr' exclaimed Margaret sharp
". "Cease thine idle chatter and dar
not cast thy vile insinuations agalns
Sir Godfrey in my presence"
, Her face flushed, tears filed he
eyes. and she took the lacings out o
Elsbeth's hands as though she no lon
: ger wished her aid, walking from her.
Forgive me, sweet Margaret" Els
beth followed her anxiously, regret a
!, her words showing in her countenance
otis but my love for thee that give
me false anxiety, bonny, for thy happl
, ness is my happiness, an thy sorrow
a more than my SORROW"
). For time Margaret was silent; the
she said with great seriousness: ELS
beth, never again express doubt OF 81
Godfrey. Doubt that the sun riseth t
light the earth; doubt that night fall
upon the day; doubt thy love for me
but never cherish such thoughts a
thou didst give voice. to momen
since against Sir Godfrey La Fabienn
"a man." she continued in low, pas
sionate voice, $50 much to me, so deer
" rooted in my affections, that coul
die for very Joy Of loving him. Wer