Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-08-09
CHAPTER XIX.

HSSJ anu wearing an air OF great
IL IN dependency, leaned over the
gate idly. She was lonely, and
an underlined feeling of fear was upon
her. Some happening of more than
usual interest had drawn the men from
the farm earlier tonight, and, having
laid cold supper on the table for her
mother and Josiah, she hung about the
dooryard, eagerly awaiting the advent
Of the first conner to relieve the monot-
ony Of the lonely hour and bring her
news of what was happening. Soon the
sound of horses hoofs was heard.
"Ah'-she breathed sigh of relief
Josiah home ut last!"
The horse and rider approaching
nearer, Hetty discovered the latter to
be none other than her former friend
and lover, Simon Kempster who since
their final understanding in the dairy
had met her with cool Indifference,
dofting his cap and passing by in ST.
lence. At the unexpected sight of him
Hetty's heart gave bound, and the
blood rushed to her face. Surely, she
thought this sad night when she was
so lonely he would pause for the even
ing chat to which they had been ac-
customed for SO many months. Oh,
why had she not put the pink blossom
in her hair that he admired so much!
Hetty was frightened, apprehensive
She wished lie would stop, if only for
one short moment, and, although the
young woman had other ideas for a
husband, she had admitted to herself
more than once of late that for COM
mon everyday friend Simon did very
well, that she missed him and that her
heart was a little sore ut his treat
ment of her since she refused to mar
ry him. Kempster reached the gate
way.
"a greeting, Simon"
The soft, fluttering voice fell on
Kempster's ears strangely. He felt n
Juggling sensation in his breast, but
controlling himself by strong effort
regarded the little smiling, enticing
face coldly.
"a good even, Mistress" he said,
with quiet civility. Then he rode on,
possibly trife faster, without even
backward glance.
For n moment she stood speechless
with surprise; then as an understand
ing Of his meaning came to her she
drew sharp breath and tossed her
head angrily.
Now l will marry my French cour-
tier when he doth comet" she eXclain-
ed hotly. "a common farming man
need meier take such high hand with
me. He hung so much about me in
the latter months and l was e'er so
friendly with him that I thought twas
only decent to offer him greeting.
But" with a shrug of her shoulders,
"Pll ha' done with him now, and
mayhap-when I'm gone from him to
France forever"-with a little tremble
in her toice-"he'll regret his cold
looks an ugly manners"
Pouting her lips, she took seat upon
the bench at the door and soon grew
so absorbed in her plans to wreak venge-
ance on poor Kempster that she did
not hear the firm, quiet step of her
mother nor was she conscious of her ap-
proach until the harsh voice fell sharp
| ly on her ears.
"Art pining again, foolish lass? Canst
find naught to do but sit and think thy
| silly thoughts!" she asked sternly.
where are the tallow dips, that they
are not lighted? Am /, that am weary
with day Of prayerful toll, to cross
my threshold into darkened house?
l 0nnn tboy, ,f Ia J,,
at thy work, but Of late, prithee, tits
naught but dreams and signs! And thy
pale face and absent mind doth fairly
madden me-"
Hetty, who had risen at the first
words, now hastily entered the house,
followed by her mother, still scolding.
She lighted the candles and hung the
kettle on the hob, saying as she did So:
"Forgive me, mother. My thoughts
were but of our cousin Margaret, whom
met an hour since walking on the
highway. She stopped to have speech
with me; but, remembering thy strict
injunctions not to speak to her, turned
my face and passed by hurrledly.
Once paused to glance backward, and
she was still standing where had met
her, looking after me with such sad,
surprised and grieved expression on
her fair face that tears sprang to mine
eyes, and ran hastily toward home
lest might be tempted to disobey thee
and go to my cousin"
Thou passed her on the road an
she looked long at thee with her evil
eyes" cried the dame In great conster-
nation. mo wonder find thee with
pale face and pining All, woe is me!
What trouble more will come upon this
houseT
What meanst thou, mother?" Hetty
regarded her mother apprensively.
II mean, Henrietta Taunston, that
thy cousin Is Il witch, woman in con-
nivance with the devil to invoke harm
to God loving people, and that she hath
been proclaimed SO to be by the pco-
pie" the woman replied, with stern
ness that did not quite cover up GER
tain gloating in her manner. ITO thy
knees, girl, and pray for Gods good
Influence to overcome the evil to which
thou hast been exposed today"
Unconvinced, trembling and wonder
ing, the little Puritan sank down upon
her knees before wooden chair and
covered up her face with her hands.
Later that night as Josiah Taunston
was putting up his horse in the barn,
light football was heard, and small,
gray clad figure came toward him has
tily.
Josiah, dear brother" Hetty ex-
claimed breathlessly, "dost bring good
news? Surely the tales my mother
hath been telling me of our Margaret's
sore affection Of being possessed Of the
devil are not true. My heart is break
ing, for l do love her, Josiah. Surely
she is blamed without fault"
She clasped her little hands about
his arm and chung to him entreatingly.
"One SO pure, so beautiful and kind
could never willingly consort with such
vile sin and wickedness. Remember,
Josiah, she is our kinswoman. Use thy
great Influence for her pnnl and lnt M