Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1905-01-17

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They sat on TIA sx,und like children
at picnic, watching the clouds drift
ing and changing above them.
ITS like picture gallery" said Miss
Fairlie softly
so it is" assented the young ranch
man heartily. Lets choose pictures
rs the children do See, there's a beau
tiful maiden robed in white. She's
| NINE"
Very well. You saw her first Look
there's house That's mine"
cts ranch house, them" decidedly
See how low and spread out it is
plenty Of land, you see."
Its all full of hooks and corners
dreamily, land there are broad piazzas
with vines growing all over them"
"Of course" with prompt assent
that's the ideal house for ranch
Look there, Miss FairIie! See what il
coming up to your piazza" as a smaller
cloud rolled up tumultuously.
That's horse and rider, Mr.. Rob
ertsv' excitedly.
Sure, it is you, just starting out fol
a ride over your ranch! See the vel
on your hat?'
She laughed with almost childish en-
| joyment of the childs play at make
believe"
There's another rider now. Let's see
who that is"
They gazed earnestly at the passing
cloud.
81 thought So cried the man trium
phantly, its me-" with dashing dis
regard of grammar. ''it's Neon San
cho We're going together over oul
ranch. -
The woman's hand reached out In
stinctively as If to brush the clouds
away, and the hand was promptly
caught and held in larger, stronger
one
Lets make it true" he whispered
earnestly. Don't go back east again
Stay here and make 1t true
She shook her head half sadly.
You don't like 1t here. You couldn'
make the sacrifice
ut isn't that. do like it. like ey
erything about it. never felt so neal
the sky before-never before so real
lied the warmth and comfort of ths
earth. To me the breadth OF vision Is
fascinating. But my work lies else
where
"What work ?" gravely.
"Why, my work-my business-my
life work.
II suppose you mean your writing
your editorial work.
Certainly. l have no other"
sThat is what you are doing for ;
livelihood, because you are brainy
enough to be successful at it. But ii
that really your life work-the worl
to satisfy a woman's heart and bring
rest and peace into her life? Look
dearest. that pretty knoll off there II
just the place to build the rambling
stone house, with hooks and corner.
and vines and piazzas. The land II
mine as far as you can see on eaci
side. You may have dozen house!
If you like"
81 should know you are Irish.' will
defensive evasion. such impetuos
ityp'
"My mother was Scotch" smiling
winningly, "and you know pertinacity
is predominating characteristic o.
the Scottish people. Combine tha
with my Irish impetuosity"
'Tt's formidable combination.
with a movement to arise
"We're not going yet" putting ou
detaining hand: we're going tt
watch the sunset and talk about oul
house and plan about our wedding
/ don't need to tell you that I love
you, dear"
"But-but. you've known me only {
MONTH
That's long enough to know thai
I love you"
"And | know nothing of your-youl
antecedcnts." hesitatingiy.
II haven't any" shortly.
TN New England slowly, "one's
antecedents count for Il good deal"
The man laughed bitterly and ther
his face grew grave.
please sit down again. Miss Fair
lie. l foresee a conflict between you
eastern pride and prejudice and m,
western independence and intolerance
and am not equal to 1t standing"
She yielded, not unwillingIy.
"A man without antecedents''- shs
began.
I'm this section of Gods country,
he interrupted firmly. "a man stand
| for just what he Is. No one cares VIII,
| his relatives are if he is square ans
white and does the right thing here
Never mind my 'antecedents.' Agnes
Don't you love me-"
He put out his hand and softIl
| touched fold Of her riding habit Sh'
trembled at the suggestion Of a cares
| In the tender touch.
Il wish you'd go away" she pleaded
won't you go away while ] think !
| all outg'
The odd. boyish abruptness that hat
80 often amused her came back again
Go away? Not much, I'll stal
right here. may be OF great assist
ance to you in making up your mind
| She sat in troubled silence
| Presently he began speaking again
low and .tenderly. "You have not SAT-
that you love me. Agnes, but | beiiey'
that you do
I'll am afraid that do" wit
something very like sob In her voice
II have often wondered how 1t woul'
seem toto care so much for some on
/ as to wish to be with him always