Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-04-15
CHAPTER vi.

CHAPTER vi.
n NHERITING from his mother
hard, unyielding nature, young
Fl Taunston. in his life of struggle
and trial to keep his farm intact,
had obtained what success was his
through firm resolve, grim determine
ton and desperate endeavor. Where
he could not bend he had broken, and
now to gain his ends he knew no other
method. So, instead Of Disgusting his
disapproval Of his Cousins light con-
duct. he chose rather to place on his
pale, gaunt features an expression of
hardness and disapproval as he rose
stifdy at the sound Of the soft rustling
of skirts approaching to receive her.
With her hair brushed smoothly back
and prim kerchief crossed over her
shoulders, hiding the fair round neck
that the dainty cotton frock she wore
disclosed, her face calm and serene,
but withal very different creature
from the merry young woman who but
a moment since had been running on
the old wall, Margaret entered quiet
~ and babe her kinsman be seated.
He did this awkwardly, appearing ill
at ease. Margaret's heart felt chilled.
1t was all so gloomy here, SO cold and
solemn. For the moment her thoughts
turned toward Paris with bitter long
Ing.
Josiah shifted on his chair and work
ed his pale lips as though he were at
loss for words and was angered at
the fact.
At last Margaret broke the silence.
"'Twas most frightful storm, good
cousin. Were thy lands much dam
aged?"
NAY" he replied. "Being in the val
ley, we are protected some. But thou,
Margaret, thy lands stretch broadly In
the open. Hast thou suffered losses?"
Margaret laughed lightly.
'T' truth, Josiah, I have not given
the matter thought. Farming, wot,
is not woman's work or else the
Lord had given her better liking for
it."
Josiah's small eyes glittered.
Thou hast spoken the TRUTH he
cried, the words fairly bursting from
his mouth in his eagerness to speak
them. ITO manage an estate, + faith.
ia not womans work. Why, cousin,
warrant that these lands under thy
management alone in two years would
detract In value to one.half. Thy
father, Margaret, ever with an eye to
thy best interests, gave me the stew
ardship Of thine estate. Didst never
occur to thee what his object was in
this?"
HE knew, Josiah, that thou wouldst
perform thy duties punctually," she re-
piled pleasantly, suppressing yawn
behind her hand, 4for thou art known
to be jealous man and one of integri-
ty. ever feel that cannot thank thee
enough for thy watchful care of mine
estate, good cousin"
Margaret" Josiah said, dark flush
spreading over his countenance, "my
mother-in fact several of thy neigh
bors have remarked that 1t is not meet
for SO young and fair a maid to live
alone.''
Margaret threw up her head rather
defantly.
Il have good Elsbeth and old Giles"
she replied, 'an' two better watchdogs
meier had maid to guard her. What
wouldst thou better, cousln?'
The buckle of her shoe coming loose,
she leaned over to fasten it when the
cross that she wore on the fine gold
chain about her neck fell to the floor.
"My chain hath broken" she cried,
an ! promised dear Hulda that /
would wear her gift until 1 died! Is
there goldsmith hereabout, Josiah?"
Eyes; old Adam Browdie, next the
Sign of the Red Heart in the village" he
answered. But cousin, 1t were i'll for
thee to ornament thyself with that I'M
holy papist cross, IT'S our belief that
such forms are for the use of idol wor-
shippers and are instruments of the dew
II. Already the village folk talk Of the
cross Of gold thou doth wear SO pub
J licly with disfavor"
/ With sudden movement he rose and
came to her side, standing over her
sternly.
Burn it, Margaret! Burn the en-
| blem that doth menace the salvation Of
thy soul! Burn the wicked trophyv' he
| commanded
Margaret slipped the chain and cross
into the bosom Of her dress. "Be seat
ed, JOSIAH" she said coldly, unless thy
| visit is done and thou wouldst go on
thy way"
Just g moment longer" He walked