The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1906-05-08
1rIsed as Hack never offered to maze

you rc VIGIL dWdTc, Sue bdlu, pul
made vow as I'd never say yes to
him, and at last he gave over"
SAY and rented his farm and went
to live with his old uncle. Ashbourne-
way. and's never been back from that
day to this. But I've seen him, as
tell you"
The others ears were hungry; but
she strove bravely to repress her Curl
osity. Now you're here" she said,
you can help me with the gown. I'm
thinking of unpicking it forthwith"
Mrs. Hewlett was looking from the
window, towards the road that wound
past the spinney, near the Neither End
of the village. She turned with pursed
lips. Il don't think as I'd unpick 1t,
she said. Like as not the needle
marks'll show. If you're so set on
Libby having 1t, why, 1t might be al
tered without taking 1t all to pieces.
Tell you what Emma, you'd best try
1t on, and let me see how 1t hangs
fashions nowadays aren't SO very clf-
ferent to my thinking"
In a few minutes the gown was
donned. and the widow, with pins be-
tween her teeth, knelt on the gray
and red knitted rug. drawing in as
gracefully as she could the too ample
skirt. II saw Hack" she mumbled
"At first | couldn't believe 1t was he,
for he looks SO young and hearty.
Not bit stout. either-he takes after
his mothers side. And he's been a
widower for more than twelve
month. A warm fellow. too, they
tell me; he heired his uncle's fortune,
and got more with his wife. Now,
look up. EN-, there's no need to keep
your eyes off the glass"
Turn ard twist as Emma might, the
mirror was too small to show aught
but the head and shoulders. Mrs.
Hewlett rose, took up the bonnet and
placed 1t lightly on the black coil;
Emma's hands rose to the strings.
Dear Heavenl" said the widow.
II can't believe as it all hap
pened SO many years ago-if any
body told me you were but 30.
wouldn't be surprised! See, here's
the gloves-since you've done SO
much, you might as well put 'em on"
Il can't see myself II do" object
ed Emma: besides, where's the
good-it's silly work."
THE goods that wish it" replied
Mrs. Hewlett, who was looking from
the window again. do az | bid you.
Em-you cant say as ever asked too
much OF you. And there's the long
glass in the parlor still--just you step
down and get fulllength view"
They descended to the parlor, a
sunny place where the furniture shone
with centurys coating of beeswax.
Mrs. Hewlett drew Emma to the ma
hogany-framed glass that hung be-
tween the two long windows.
Now just you look at yourself for
Bit" she said, "and be sure you
don't move. I'm going into the gar
den to gather you a posy OF gillifers
and lad'slove--you'll not be complete
till that's in your hands"
But, after the first glance, the old
maid saw only very shadowy pic
ture in the glass, for as she stood
tears filled her eyes and ran
down her cheeks. She heard foot
steps soon and threw her head back;
it would never do for even SO intimate
friend to see her giving way SO
weakly. But 1t was not Mrs. Hewlet
who entered--it was tall. handsome
fellow, dressed in riding-clothes, with
CATERS of rough untanned leather.
And Emma was not aware Of his
identity until she heard a sharply
drawn breath, and a muffied exclama-
tion of by Jowksl"
She wheeled around; her hands
rose to an agitated bosom. Il don't
know what" her voice quivered.
died away in an incoherent murmur.
Il doubt I've been forward in COM
ing like this" said he. I'D never
have dared but for Sarah Hewlet's
encouraging me. She told me.
amongst other things. as you'd kept
your weddin' gown all these years.
and now | see you int; EN-,
love, you've heard from her as
meant coming-you've donned it to
please me?"
Nay" she replied, brokenly. I've
been beguiled into it'd no idea"
He caught the hem Of her right
sleeve. EN- he said, EN-, it's more
than 80 years since you and parted.
l married soon after left this
country. and loved my wife. but not
as I'd loved you. Ail that
time, EN-, you were in my thoughts.
EN-. I'm come for to ask you
again"
She looked him full in the face.
"And l say no." she replied, bravely,
"as promised to-"
The farmer was pale with disap-
pointment. "Well, it's but what
feared" he said, making towards the
door. Tell Sarah as what she's done
is no good" But ere he reached the
threshold Emma. almost against her
will, turned and held out her arms.