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

1ulLy WIZ lluu llStSllGu " ueE SOuSlu 3
words with an air of bewildered sur
prise. now cried airily: ooh, fie on thee,
Josiah. for u long face! To talk SO of
my bonny Paris! Forsooth, an thou
vert to go there for spell thou
wouldst lose the somber look thou
hast caught from all the people here
about and gain much for thine appear
ance, do assure thee"
Although this was said with a smil.
ing coquetry that took the sting out
of the words. Il red flush mounted to
Joslah's forehead.
peace, Margaret" he said, "and
take-not upon thyself-but ut best a
sinful mortal-to criticise the work of
God. That am made in my Masters
image doth suffice for me, and the care
from what judge at sight of thee
that thou dost give to thy body pre-
fer to give to the salvation Of my SOUL"
He paused for reply; but, none
coming. he continues: ERE l met thee
l was on my way to thy house. Shall
we walk there together?'
Margaret Maryland, looking ut the
cold, dispassionate face of the man
confronting her, with its sharp fea-
lures and deep set eyes, felt slight
sinking ut her heart, and the smile on
her bright face faded, her manners be-
coming at once less friendly and more
distant. Turning to go. she said: "Aye,
come with me, Josiah, and welcome.
Thy good mother and Hetty have but
just left after spending pleasant
hour with me, and already sweet Hetty
hath found place in my heart"
Josiah regarded her soberly, letting
his glance rest on her brilliant hued
riding dress significantly.
THAT my sister hath some trifiing
faults l do admit" he said. But she
Is ever an obedient maid, God fearing
pure minded and modest, setting an
example Of propriety that would, 1
wot, be of benefit to many older and
more experienced in the world than
She"
They had reached the entrance of the
driveway that led to the Maryland
house. Margaret, stepping inside, has
tily drew the gates together after her
and, leaning over the railing, said, with
an attempt at a smile: "Of sudden q
great WEAKNESS hath fallen upon me.
Wouldst think me rude and without
good manners, cousin, If We're to ask
thee to excuse me from further con-
verse today? find that my strength is
greatly spent by the long ride up the
mountain, and l would rest awhile. l.
truth am ovefdoile." she concluded
Taunston, concca;ing his disappoint-
ment, said, With Il forced air of pleas
antry that sat i'll upon him: HE who
cometh late must take, perforce, what
is left, Margaret, and regret, as one
having taken thy place on thy farm for
SO many months, representing thee in
all business matters, that l was not
here upon thine arrival to give thee q
proper welcoming. But as thou'rt
aweary and rest is what thou doth
need will go on my way to leave thee
undisturbed. God be with thee, Marga-
ret"
He proceeded a few steps, then
paused, addressing her seriously:
cousin, at prayer time tonight l
shall offer thanks to God for thy safe
conduct through a perilous journey"
"Thank thee, and farewell, Josiah"
Turning hastily, Margaret Maryland
went with swift steps toward the
house. I'll
Out on the road Taunston continued
on his way with slow strides, his head
bent over his breast in thoughtful med
itation.
Worse, far worse, than expected"
he muttered. much DEVILS work to be
undone! Our cousin hath comely face
enough, and methought after my first
| words Of admonition she appeared
more gentle and less hoidenish in her
manner, and SO silent was she toward
the last doubt not that my speech i'm.
pressed her. A good example, constant
correction and much sound advice is
what a woman so young and worldly
minded doth require"
Reaching rising eminence, he paus
ed at the top and looked back at the
Maryland estate, with its broad acre.
stretching far before him in all the
glory of their spring beauty, illuminat
ed by the rays Of the setting sun "Ah!
He drew sharp breath unconsciousl,
of admiration and longing.
"Never before hath my duty to the
Lord been placed so fully before me a,
in this my self imposed task Of lead
ing mine erring young cousin into th,
paths of wisdom and righteousness,
he said after Il few moments thought
slowly and with solemn emphasis.