Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1905-11-10
CHAPTER XII.

warm gaze from the yerdant
earth, rich in leafy foliage ana
gay with bright blossoms, roses hang
ing full and red, distilling with the
honeysuckle sweet odors on the sort
air, withdraws its last rays lingering
ly, reluctant to give place to gray ana
somber twilight, that ever stealthlly
and surely comes following in its wake,
bringing the boon to all mankind Oh a
restful hour after the heat and turmoil
of working day.
1t was on such an evening that 81
mon Kempster, having taken the road
to the yillage-the long and less fire.
quented one that ran past the Taun-
ston farmhouse-arrived late at the
customary lounging place of the vii
layers, the Sign Of the Red Heart, to
find the seat he usually occupied in his
favorite corner under the small open
window taken by Josiah Taunston,
who, pale faced and taciturn, sat there
grimly holding his tankard Of ale in his
hand. To Simons cheerful greeting he
returned a solemn nod, and so occupied
was he with his own thoughts that he
appeared not to notice or hear the talk
Of those about him.
On the steps at the door, also in the
hallway, groups Of idlers stood about,
idly discussing the affairs of the vii
lage and watching with curious inter
est the movements of the latest arrival,
a French peddler, who, dressed in
tawdry suit of purple velveteen trim
med profusely with furnished brass or
naments, huge rings suspended from
his ears and high russell leather boots,
broken and bursting at the soles, was
eating supper greedily. Hardly finish
ing the last morsel, he sprang from
his seat, eager to catch the attention of
possible purchasers before the dark
ness set in and they would depart for
their homes.
81 give thee greeting, good sirs," he
cried as he pulled heavy cotton bag
from under the table and, falling on the
floor in the center Of the room, opened
it to display his wares, eagerly calling
on those present to buy.
"Look, kind sirs and pretty gentle
men," he cried in shrill, wheedling
voice, holding up for their gaze a box
of plain gold rings. Surely some one
here about hath marriage on his mind,
and where can he buy the wedding cir
clet cheaper? Solid gold and only 10
shillings! Buy, buy! Who will buy"
His keen glance, searching about the
room, fell on Josiah Taunston, who was
regarding the peddler's endeavors cold
ly, sheer on his face. The fellow
quickly gave him his back, so as not to
waste even another glance on such an
unprOmising customer, when he spied
Simon Kempster, red faced and con-
scious, edging near to him.
"What wi 4 thou, m'sieur-a marriage
circlet? BY our lady, with thy yellow
locks and sturdy limbs / wot thou'd
make bonny bridegroom"
The idlers about Uttered, nudging
each other with sly winks, and Simon
to cover his confusion fell on his knees
on the floor, making a show Of examin-
ing some trinkets that were in a
chamois skin bag
"'Twere FOOLS work, Simon, to buy
the ring unless thou hast thy sweet
hearts sure PROMISE young Hugh
Haggott called from his place near the
door.
The wary peddler thought to try an
other tack Fumbling among his
wares, be soon produced handful of
silver heart shapes strung on fine
chains, and, selecting one, he dangled
It enticingly before Simon's eyes.
Happen thou and thy maid have
he observed, San thou
would carry one of these to her for a
peace gift. 'Twould bring thee luck in
thy courting," he added persuasively
as he saw CLEAN Of desire for the
gewgaws in Kempster's eyes. ooh,
rare luck, m'sieur, l do promise thee,
and only shillings! Half the price I
paid for them in the principal mart in
PARISH
Forcing the chain into Simon's hands
rs If it were settled fact that he had
purchased it, the vender turned his at
Lention to the securing Of other GUS
toners.
"Silver heartsw he cried Justify.
Sure harbingers of good luck and
wooing! Cheap at shill-
ngs! Contains charm which will
,ause the most trifing or stubborn
maid to oercome her scruples and
lame the wedding day."
In those early days, at that time of
and firm belief in signs
ind magic, the word charm had
strong attraction. Men lettering about
he door drew closer to the man dis
playing his wares and regarded the sill
ver hearts with interest. Simon delved
nto his pocket and brought out the A
killings.
"I' truth, / ha' not much faith in
What thou doth say Of the charm" he
aid, rising awkwardly, with a hot
lush OH his face, "but as It's pretty
rinket l will take one Of thee"
NOW who's next?" cried the peddler.
Is this the only gentleman who is to
peed well on his wOoing?'
He wheeled around suddenly, and,
is glance falling again on josiah
'aunston, who was now looking on
With much interest, he cried, with an
ppearance of sympathy: Solemn Wis
ged sir, mayhap thy sadness is due to
he caprice of thy sweetheart. Ii it's I
o, carry her one Of these, and thy
r0ubles are ended. warrant thee she
thi.aa In Loo, tLan fartni 0lt Dia-