Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1905-10-06

rays OF the setting sun Dy tiltinB hei
hat well down over her face, regarded
him with a pert air Of critical interest.
AFTER all, thou'rt not much changed
except that thou doth look more care
worn, and tbs apparent that thou hast
grown older" she said Then, seeing
that the expression in his eyes did not
soften, added, But happen, cousin,
thou wouldst be better pleased, as Is
the fashion of all the men, an | were
to tell thee thou vert grown good look
ing"
She laughed a low, ripping laugh OF
amusement.
Josiah, finding her levity not to his Tx
ing and having lurking suspicion that
she was amusing herself at his ex-
pense, answered resentfully and with
an air of offended dignity.
"That thou wouldst 80 misjudge me
as to presume that l would desire
praise for my personal appearance
can understand, for after thy years
of living in that wicked city of Paris,
where all the men are tops or cox
combs, with no thought above decking
their bodies with tawdry raiment, will
ing and eager to bend their backs and
mouth and grin in pleased acknowl-
edgment of woman's compliment,
thou has thought that oil men were
made In the same fashion"
Tho vo,,pn v,,fc4rooo Of tho M0vlQnd
farm, who had listened to her cousins
words with an air of bewildered sur
prise, now cried airily: ''Oh, fie on thee,
Josiah. for long face. To talk so Of
my bonny Parls Forsooth, an thou
vert to go there for a 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 smil-
ing coquetry that took the sting out
of the words, q red flush mounted to
Josiah's forehead.
peace, Margaret" he said, "and
take not upon thyself-but at 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 1 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 a reply; but, none
coming, he continued: ERE / met thee
l was on my way to thy house. Shall
we walk there together?"
Margaret Maryland. looking at the
cold, dispassionate face Of the man
confronting her, with Its sharp fea-
lures and deep set eyes, felt slight
sinking at her heart, and the smile on
her bright face faded, her manners be-
coming at once less friendly and more
distant. Turning to 60, she said: AYE,
come with me. Josiah, and welcome.
Thy good mother and Hetty have but
Just left after spending a 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 trlfiing
faults / do admit" he said. But she
Is ever an obedIent maid, God fearing,
pure minded and modest, setting an
example of propriety that would. l
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, II | were 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 would rest awhile. L
truth l am overdone," she concluded.
Taunston, concealing his disappoint-
ment, said, with forced air of pleas
antry that sat III 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
80 many months, representing thee In
all business matters, that was not
here upon thine arrival to give tree q
proper welcoming. But as thOu'rt
aweary and rest Is what thou doth
need will 90 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
shall offer thanks to God for thy safe
conduct through perilous Journey"
"Thank thee, and farewell, Josiah"
Turning hastily, Margaret Maryland
went with swift steps toward the
house.
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 l 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 bel
manner, and so silent was she toward
the last doubt not that my speech Inn
pressed her. A good example, constant
correction and much sound advice Is
what woman SO young and worldly
minded doth require"
Reaching a rising eminence, he paus
ed at the top and looked back at thu
Maryland estate, with its broad acre!