Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-06-14

where thou art, SlDeet Margaret, I am
hdppu."
ing, Elsbeth, and feelings of strange
ness and loneliness lie heavy on my
heart"
She walked to the window and, rest.
ing her arms on the deep sill, looked
out Of doors discontentedly, uncon
scious of the graceful appearance she
made in the French morning gown OF
pink poplin that fitted loosely to hel
rounded figure and fell in long folds
to the floor.
Hast had no misgivings, Elsbeth
that life of unusual dullness doth liz
before us?"
where thou art, sweet Margaret,
am happy" the woman replied gently
whether it's ut thine aunt's at Paris
where / sewed thy frocks and cared
for thee, or here in thine own home
where thou art come to be the mis-
tress. Ever do l find my best con
tentment at thy side, for, sweet, has
thou not been mine to watch over since
thy mother died?'
Margaret, accustomed to the WON
ans fondness, made no reply, but came
and took q seat at the table in thought
full silence while Elsbeth busted her
self about her, pouring a cup of milk
breaking eggs into saucer and plac
ing the plate of hot bread within easy
reaching distance.
But for thee, sweet" she observed
'happen the Maryland farm will prove
more quiet than thou'lt like
"And Cragenstone" exclaimed Mar
Earet. what doleful people here abide
How long and solemn their faces have
grown and with what serious demean
or they do stalk about! Why, Elsbeth
one short walk with my good Cousin
Josiah near gave me the megrims
Prithee must we all the time be quot
ing Scripture or thinking Of our pray
ers?"
"Naught is changed" the woman re
piled. "T the five years of the different
life in Paris thou hast forgotten; that
is all. To my mind thine aunt received
us with the same cold smile she gave
us when we rode away"
Margaret shrugged her shoulders anl
threw out her hand in manner tina
suggested the Frenchwoman. "Hov
gloomy they looked in the plain gray
clothes they Wore as they stood around
the door, erect and solemn, to receive
me. But, withal, weary and nervous
with the Homecoming as l was, my
quick eye failed not to see two things
admiring love on the bright face OF
my sweet cousin Hetty Taunston an6
stern disapproval of my crimson riding
dress on the countenance of her moth
er. Mayhap l shall prove too worldly
for their quiet tastes. Dost think so
Elsbeth?
The woman touched Margaret's sun
ny hair caressingly.
"Thou'rt so bonny, sweet, so fair, Sc
good, that all must love thee who know
thee" she said. "And as thy ways are
good ways wot thy neighbors and til,
kinsfolk must grow accustomed tt
them"
Margaret rested her hand lightly OF
old Elsbeth's shoulder. "And tho,
lowest me and Godfrey" she said
blushing softly. II care not for the 9th
ers. That much is SO much that it dotl
suffice me-"
A light footstep was heard in tn,
hallway.
Am l come too soonY uctt,
Iaunston in n black cotton frock, will
white kerchief folded neatly owe
her bosom, entered the room.
"Methought mother would ne'or b,
done finding chores for me to do" sh,
said poutingly. First there was til,
linen to spread on the grass for bleach
ing; then the ewers to be filled at til,
brook, my lesson In embroidery ant
the Bible teaching. And, OH" with +.
sigh, $50 many other occupations die
occur to mothers mind that | grew
quite restless, for all tho time m,
thoughts We're over hero with thee
Margaret"
Poor much abused Hettyw Mar
garct, hising from the table, pinchet
her cousins cheek afrectionately. "Ant
SO thou hast kept thy word to com,
early to see what came from Paris
Prlthoe, cousin, mayhap in some cor
ner of those boxes lleth gift fol
thee"
Hetty's eyes sparkled with pleased
anticipation.
"'Tis not ribbon, Margaret" sht
asked eagerly. "The thought occurred
to me once to write an ask thee tt
bring me pink ono. Say it's rib
bon, Margaret" she cntreated.
"Forsooth, it's better than paltry
pink ribbon, little Hetty. Come ant
see. But of many ribbons thou cans
have thy choice"
The room overhead was filled witt
open boxes. Thrown over the big foul
posted bed were gowns of gorgeous
colors, and strewn about were stuffs
and fabrics of the latest weave from
the looms of Paris ribbons, satir
shoes, dainty linens and laces. At the
Nght Of SO much finery Hetty's face
flushed. She drew her breath sharply
and, pausing just inside the doorway
clasped her hands together in an &c
stasy of admiration and delight
AM thou didst bring all this from
Paris, Margaret?" she asked at last.
"All from Paris. the fairest city il
the world, Hetty."
"Oh, l would go thcrew the girl cried
earnestly. Doth every maid weal
clothes like yonder on the bed?"
She approached and, slipping hel
hand under. Il rnille of fine silk, raised
it tenderly, almost revcrcntly.
"Nay, not all, simple Hetty. But tho
fashions there AZ. excellent, and fine
dressing doth rule paramount. My
good Aunt Jane was hcedful tl,at +
brought the latest patterns with me
lest should gov old fashioned in this
country PLACE. And, forsooth." Mar