Evening journal., 1905-04-10
CHAPTER XIII

t.iETrfEt lcle herein much that would
lzszsi seem TO indicate a mighty con
ceit Of myself Unfortunately the little
word "p' throws a big shadow in this
history. II looms up all too frequently
in every page for the sign OF a modest
man But, indeed, cannot help it, for
he was the only observer OF all there is
to tell Now. there is much, for ex-
ample, i'm the very marrow OF my his
tory things that never would have
happened, things that never would have
been said, but for my fame as a scholar
My learning was of small account, for.
It must be remembered, I am writing
OF a time when any degree Of scholar
ship was counted remarkable among
the simple folk of PARKWAY.
Hope took Singing lessons and sang in
church every Sunday. David or Uncle
Eb came down for us often Of a Satur-
day and brought us back before service
in the morning One may lind in that
town today many who will love to tell
him Of the voice and beauty and sweet
ness Of Hope Brewer those days and
Of what they expected regarding her
and me. We went out a good deal
evenings TO concerts, lectures at the
churches or the college or to visit some
Of the many people who invited US TO
their homes.
We had a recess Of two weeks at the
winter holidays, and David Brewer
came after us the day the term ended.
Oh, the great happiness Of that day
before Christmas when we came flying
home in the sleigh behind a new team
Of grays and felt the intoxicadon OF the
frosty air, and drove in at dusk after
the lamps were lit and we could see
mother and Uncle Eb and Grandma
Bisnette looking out of the window,
and q steaming dinner on the tablet
declare! II is long since then, but l
cannot ever think Of that time without
wiplng my glasses and taking a mo-
ment off. Tip Taylor took the horses,
and we all came in where the kettle
was singing on the stove, and loving
hands helped us out Of our wraps. The
supper was a merry feast, the like of
which one may find only by returning
~ AlAH IVY ANNAf aAANhnf AAANAA ~ a AVh-
Journey for some of u.s.
Supper over and the dishes out Of the
WAY, we gathered about the stove with
cider and butternuts.
"Well," said Hope, I've got some
news TO tell you. This boy is the best
scholar of his age In this county"
"rhet sogn said David.
Uncle Eb stopped his hammer that
was lifted 10 crack a butternut and
pulled his chair close to Hopes. Eliza.
beth looked mt her daughter and then
at me, a smile and a protest In her face
True as you live" said Hope. "ThC
master told me so. He's FIRST in every
thing. and in the town hall the other
night he spelt everybody down."
"WhatY In HillsboroughY Uncle Ell
asked incredulously
"Nes. in Hillshorough,' said Hope
"and there were doctors and lawyers
and college students and l don't know
who an in the match"
Most e-markablew said David
Brewer.
"Tree jiousw exclaimed Uncle Eb
Il heard about it over at the mills
t'day." said Tip Taylor
"Mercl Dieuw exclaimed Grandma
Bisnette crossing herself.
Elizabeth Brewer was unable to stem
this tide of enthusiasm. l had tried &c
stop il, but instantly it had gone be
yond my control If l could be hurt
by praise the mischief had been done
ITS very nice indeed" said she so
berly. II do hope it won't make him
conceited He should remember that
people do not always mean what they
say"
Hes too sensible for that, mother,
said David.
"Shucksm said Uncle Eb. "He ain nc
fool IL he is good speller-not by q
dun sight"
Tip" said David. you'll find a DO,
in the sleigh 'at come by express.
wish ye'd go an git IT,"
We all stood looking while Til
brought it in and pried of the toI
boards with hatchet.
Careful, nowr Uncle Eb cautlone,
I AAAls hAkAA cIllAt cHAAAuln
The top Off, Uncle Eb removed a lay
er of pasteboard. Then he pulled ou
lot OF colored tissue paper, and unde
that was a package wrapped and tied
/ Something was written on it. He bel,
it up and tried 10 read the writing
cant see without my spectacles,
he said, handing it TO me.
"For Hope" read as | passed it t
her.
'Hoorayw said Uncle Eb as he liftel
another and the last package from tn
box.
"For Mrs Brewer" were the word
/ read upon that one.
The strings were cut the wrapper
torn away, and two big rolls OF shin
silk loosened their coils on the table
Hope uttered a cry of delight A mul
muir Of surprise and admiration passe
from one to another. Elizabeth lifte
a rustling fold and held it to the lamT
light We passed our hands over tn
smooth sheen Of the silk.
"waal, l swami said Uncle Eh. "Je.
like kittens carr
''Eggzaclyw said David Brewer
Elizabeth lifted the silk and let
flow to her feet. Then for a little sh
looked down, draping it to her skin
and moving her foot to make the sill
rustic. For the moment she was youn
again.
David" she said, still looking at III
glory Of glossy black that covered h,
plain dress