Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1905-07-20
CHAPTER XIX.

4 despondency, 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 a 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 u sigh of relief
Josiah home at last!'
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,
doffing 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 muchl
Hetty was frightened, apprehensive
She wished he would STOP If only for
one short moment, and, although the
young woman had other ideas for
husband, she had admitted to herself
more than once of late that for COM
mon everyday friend Simon did very
well, 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, futtering voice fell on
Kempster's ears strangely. He felt
tugging 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 civility. Then he rode ON,
possibly trifle faster, without even a
backward glance.
For moment she stood speechless
with surprise; then as an understand
ing OF his meaning came to her she
drew sharp breath and tossed her
head angrily.
::Aow I Will marry my French cour-
tier when he doth GOMEZ" she exclaim-
ed hotly. "a common farming man
need ne'er take such high hand with
me. He hung so much about me In
the latter months and l was e'er so
friendly with him that thought twas
only decent to offer him greeting.
But" with shrug Of her shoulders,
'T'll ha' done with him now, and
mayhap-when I'm gone from him 10
France forever''-with little tremble
in her voice-"he1l regret his cold
looks an ugly manners"
Pouting her lips, she took seat upon
the bench at the door and soon grew
30 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 APP
proach until the harsh voice fell sharp
ly on her ears.
"Art pinlng again, foolish lassi Canst
find naught TO do but sit and think thy
silly thoughtsf" she asked sternly.
rWhere arc the tallow dips, that they
are not lightedf Am !, that am weary
with 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, prlthea, 'tls
naught but dreams and sighs! 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 and hung the
kettle on the hob, saying az she did so:
Forgive me, mother. My thoughts
were but OF our cousin Margaret, whom
| I net an hour since walking on the
highway. She stopped to have speech
| with me; but remembering thy strict
| lnJunctlons not to speak TO her, turned
my face and passed by hurrledly.
| Once paused to glance backward, and
she was still standing where had met
| her, looking after me with such sad,
surprised and grleved expression on
her fair face that tears sprang to mine
eyes, and ran hastily toward home
lest | might be tempted to disobey thee
| and go TO my cousin"
"Ihou passed her on the road an
she looked long at thee with her evil
| eyesW cried the dame In great constcr-
nation. mo wonder ! find thee with
| pale face and plning. All, woe IL me!
| What trouble more will come upon this
| houseY
"What meanst thou, motherT' Hetty
regarded her mother apprenslvely.
II mean, Henrietta Taunston, that
| thy cousin is Il witch, woman In con
nivance with the devil TO invoke harm
to God loving people, and that she hath
| been proclaimed 80 to DO by the peo-
| ple." tho woman replied, with stern
ness that did not quite cover up GER
tain gloatlng In her manner. "To thy
knees, girl, and pray for Gods good
Influence 10 overcome the evil to which
thou hast been exposed today"
Unconvinced, trembling and wonder
ing the little Puritan sank down upon
her knees before II wooden chair and
covered up her face with her hands.
Later that night as Josiah Taunston
was putting up his horse In the barn,
light football was heard. and II small,
gray clad figure came toward him has
tily.
Josiah, dear brother" Hetty cx-
claimed breathlcssly, "dost bring good
news? Serely the tales my mother
hath been telling me OF our Margarets
sore afiilctIon OF being possessed OF the
devil are not true. My heart Is break
Ing. for I do love her, Josiah. Surely
she Is blamed without fault"
She clasped her little hands about
his arm and clung 10 him entreatlngly.
"One so pure. 80 beautiful and kind
could never willingly consort with such
vile sin and wickedness. Remember,
Josiah, she Is our lslnswoman. Use thy
great influence for her good and let no
harm befall our cousin
Josiah threw her from him roughly.
"Call not that devils witch thy eOus-
inr he cried angrily. "Know now That
! have renouuccd her before the village
and that she Is an outcast from us for
ever. All the long afternoon the elders
and counciimcn have been In consuta-
tion and but an hour since arrived at a
| depiefan Maaaeuuerg on awiff hoPaea