Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-07-19

CHAPTER NJ.
Copyright. 1908. By Anita Clay Munoz

CHAPTER NJ.
I'm June the days are longest. The
sun, unwilling to remove its
warm gaze from the verdant
earth, rich in leafy foliage and
gay with bright blossoms, roses hang |
ing full and red, distilling with the !
sweet odors on the soft |
air, withdraws Its last rays lingering
ly, reluctant to give place to gray and
somber twilight that ever stealthily |
and surely comes following in its wake,
bringing the boon to all mankind of a
restful hour after the heat and turmoil |
of a working day.
It was on such an evening that ST.
mon Kempster, having taken the road
to the village-the long and less fire.
Quented one that ran past the Taun-
ston farmhouse-arrlved late Mt the
customary lounging place Of the vii
layers, the Sign of the Red Heart, to
find the seat he usually occupied in his
favorite corner under the small open
window taken by Josiah Taunston,
who, pale faced and taciturn, sat there
grimly holding his tankard Of ale in his
hand. To Simon's cheerful greeting he
returned a solemn nod, and SO occupied
was he with his own thoughts that he
appeared not to notice or hear the talk
of those about him.
On the steps at the door, also in the
hallway, groups of idlers stood about,
Idly discussing the affairs of the vii
lage and watching with curious inter
est the movements Of the latest arrival,
French peddler, who, dressed in
tawdry suit Of purple velveteen trim
med profusely with furnished brass or
naments, huge rings suspended from
his ears and high russell leather boots,
broken and bursting ut the soles, was
eating supper greedily. Hardly finish
ing the last morsel, he sprang from
his seat, eager to catch the attention of
possible purchasers before the dark
ness set in and they would depart for
their homes.
II give thee greeting, good sirs." he
cried as he pulled heavy cotton bag
from under the table and, falling on the
floor in the center of the room, opened
1t to display his wares, eagerly calling
on those present to buy.
Look, kind sirs and pretty gentle
men," he cried in a shrill, wheedling
voice, holding up for their gaze box
of plain gold rings. "Surely some one
here about hath marriage on his mind,
and where can he buy the wedding cir
clet cheaper? Solid gold and only 10
shilllngs! Buy, buy! Who will buy?'
His keen glance, searching about the
room, fell on Josiah Taunston, who was
regarding the peddler's endeavors cold
ly, sheer on his face. The fellow
quickly gave him his back, so as not to
waste even another glance on such an
unpromising customer, when he spied
Simon Kempster, red faced and con-
scious, cdglng near to him.
''What wilt thou, m'sieur--a marriage
circlet? By our lady, with thy yellow
locks and sturdy limbs l wot thou'd
make bonny bridegroom"
The idlers about Uttered, nudgng
each other with sly winks, and Simon
to cover his confusion fell on his knees
on the floor, making show of eNamin-
ing some trinkets that were in u
channels skin bag.
"'Twere FOOLS work, Simon, to buy
the ring unless thou hast thy sweet
hearts sure PROMISE" young Hugh
Haggott called from his place near the
door.
The wary peddler thought to try an
other tack. Fumbling among his
wares, he soon produced handful of
silver heart shapes strung on fine
chains. and, selecting one, he dangled
it enticingly before Simon's eyes.
Happen thou and thy maid have
Quarreled," he observed, IAN thou
would carry one of these to her for
peace gift. 'Twould bring thee luck in
thy counting" he added persuasively
as he saw CLEAN of desire for the
gewgaws In Kempsters eyes. "Oh,
rare luck, m'sieur, do promise thee,
and only shillings! Half the price /
paid for them in the principal mart in
Paris"
Forcing the chain into Simon's hands
as if it were settled fact that he had
paAShboSu LIZ NNiidSi lul hCu ili5 az
tention to the securing of other Gus
toners.
"Silver heartsw lie cried Justify.
Sure harbingers Of good luck and
successful wooing! Cheap at 4 shill-
ings! Contains charm which will
cause the most trihing or stubborn
maid to O'ercome her scruples and
name the wedding day."
In those early days, ut that time of
superstition and Il firm belief in signs
and magic, the word charm had q
strong attraction. Men lettering about
the door drew closer to the man dis
playing his wares and regarded the sill
yer hearts with interest. Simon delved
into his pocket and brought out the 4
shillings.
~ truth, ha' not much faith in
what thou doth say of the CHARM" he
said, rising awkwardly, with hot
flush Oh his face, but as tits pretty
trinket will take one of thee"
Nov who's nextT cried the peddler.
sis this the only gentleman who is to
speed well Oh his wooing:"
He wheeled around suddenly, and,
his glance falling again on Josiah
Taunston, who was now looking on
with much interest, he cried, with an
appearance of sympathy: Solemn Wis.,
aged sir, mayhap thy sadness is due to
the caprice of thy sweetheart. If tits
SO, carry her one of these, and thy
troubles are ended. warrant thee She
is thine in less than fortnight. Dla-
BILE! These charms have never failed"
Taunston put down his tankard and
lounged over to the man, assuming an
appearance Of Indifference as he han
died the trinket
"And hast had proof Of the value of
the charm these contain!" he asked in
low, stern tone.
AYE. marry" cried the vender,
''many more than can tell. am
known from one end Of the country to
the other by all languishing lovers!
Why, fair SIR" with convincing homes
ty OF tone and manner, 'the mobiles buy
of me. and have even been admitted