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

Al and having made good bar
gains and fair exchanges rode
up to his door rapidly, with an express
sion OH his countenance more compla-
cent and less severe than usual.
"Ho. therew he called.
To his surprise the door remained
unopened, and. listening. he heard no
sounds of life within.
Mother, open, an thou art there"
he cried, "for l would have q word
with thee before l ride farther to speak
WI Simon Kempster Oh the price o
WOOL"
At this juncture man, one OF the
farm laborers, came rushing from the
back of the house.
1.-THE good dame an thy sister ha'
taken their departure long SINCE" he
announced, evidently pleased to be the
bearer of important tidings. They did
20 to the Maryland farm. master, to
meet thy cousin, who hath arrived"
With an exclamation Of surprise Jo-
siah sprang from his horse, threw the
reins to the man and. turning suddenly
to hide the dark flush that spread over
his face at the first shock Of the news,
lifted the latch and. entering the house,
proceeded ut once to his chamber, from
whence he emerged an hour later much
changed in appearance. The stains and
dust of travel had been carefully re-
moved from his person. fresh linen
ruff Of dazzling Wilderness was about
his neck, and In place Of his common
riding clothes he wore his church going
suit Of black cloth finely woven and
but lately made by the village tailor.
Taking the footpath that led through
the meadows, he walked with long
strides In the direction Of the road that
wound It's way from the village past
the Maryland farmhouse. A slight fear
lest his absence from home at the time
Of his cousins arrival would be held
against him as seeming neglect caused
him some anxiety, and he was framing
suitable words Of excuse and explana-
ton as he walked along when his medi-
tation was interrupted by the sudden
appearance Of young woman at the
corner Of the roadway. She had evil
IDENTITY been running, for over her
flushed face and tumbling yellow hair
a broad hat Of black velvet, with q
sweeping white feather, hung of at the
back In reckless abandon, and she held
the long skirts Of her scarlet riding
habit. richly trimmed with silver braid
ing. high above her quilted petticoat.
So excited was she and intent upon her
chase that she was quite regardless OF
appearance or of the fact that the
small ankles, neatly cove- with red
silk hose, were exposed above her low
shoes to the cold and disappearing gaze
of the man approaching. Just then q
small dog scuttled past Josiah breath
less and painting from a long run.
"Oh, catch her, good sir-catch Bid
dyv' the girl cried shrilly. 1.-THE poor
dog will take a fit from fright! That
stupid Giles, to let her out In this
strange place when l was not about
Move, man! An thou canst put thy
hand on her!
Thus sharply commanded, josiah
came to his senses and, making a sud
den and effective dive, caught the ex
hausted animal and, carrying it to the
young woman, put 1t into her arms
saying with his customary seriousness
Margaret Maryland, for as such rec
ognize thee, i give thee greeting and d.
declare that thou art welcome to thy
home"
At once she extended her hand cor
daily, and her lips parted in a smile o.
pleasure.
"An' Is I really Josiah" she asked
brightly. "At first glance. with thy 30
Der face and black suit, good cousin
methought thou vert the preacher"
"And thou wouldst have called to tn
preacher a man Of God, to catch tn!
dog, MargaretT regarding her with
look Of quiet reproof.
ave. that would l." she answered
carelessly. ~ faith. In my opinion tn
better the man the better the deed
But to continue the subject, Josiah, q
the second glance remembered the
at once"
She stepped back pace or two and
shading her eyes from the slantlnl