Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-26

had gone to prepare, that beyond tho great river they might begin life again. But between these two--the dear home she had left and the one in store, there were wild forests, yet wilder men. and that great mysterious barrier, the Mis- sissippi.
 But 1t was not in her nature to rebel st the inevitable.
 Too wise in experience for high expec- tations, and too philosophic for despair, she had also nne optimism, faith in the future. And it was easier to leave now, that the old home was no longer theirs. The claim to the grant of land in the old Dominion was declared in- valid, their title contested. Gradually their savings had been swept away, un- til, after the havoc of legal battle, no property remained. Ruined, broken in spirit, Mir. Creighton had gone to the new country-to that far western territory that land where, 50 swift had been the change of masters, there yet waved the flags of Spain, of France and of the new republic. There, If fortune awaited, he could spend few years, at last to go back, his head high, g prosperous dwell- CT in the old haunts. If not-then let the wilderness swallow up his failure.
 His wife, and daughter, too, had left Virginia, but had intended remaining on Blennerhasset island until spring But now their friends were involved in deep undertaking; one, indeed. which as 1t unraveled, was proving perilous, perhaps disastrous.
 This protection denied them, they must, nevertheless, continue the jour ney; but how, and under what guid- ance? They had little money and no influence. So far they were safe with Mrs. Blennerhasset and her party, but soon their paths diyerged, and then
 Lavender's voice recalled her.
 Mother, let us go in; you are cold"
 The girl had been talking to the man at the pole, and turned to see her moth CT, the poise of whose head, the droop of whose shoulders, indicated sorrowful reflection.
 Lavender, in her brilliant cloak, with . flush on her fair cheek, seemed to con centrate within her own glad self, all the radiance and glow of the morning. As the elder fingered with wistful gaze on the swirl of water, she continued, pleadingly:
 Don't be dawnsome, dearest-surely, you are hopeful of our success and hap piness in the new life?"
 Tt is never best to be too sanguine, daughter; hope is the mother of disap- pointment; faith and love are the best of the trio"
 Lavender's eyes grew moist and all the violet in them paled to the gray of the morning. Her mother smiled and clasped the little mittened hand which rested on the arm of her chair.
 T am glad you are hopeful, sweet child; glad that for you the future is sOrich in promise. But it is in youth that the rainbow takes its glitter from the gold at the farther tip. At my ago. dear, you will have learned to value the glory most because it shines through tears"
 At this point they were interrupted by Mir. Winslow. T beg your pardon, ladies. but I am sent as envoy-in-ex. to call you in to break fast. can recommend our johnny cakes; they have, indeed. stood the trip wonderfully. And your servant bads me add that she has bowl of quid- dany-whatever that may be. It cer- tainly sounds like something very re- 
 Laughing and talking brightly. they went in to breakfast.
 The meal was served in . small, | room. cosy with . glow Ing fireplace. Here America presided with all the strength of her ungainly body and loyal heart She. alone, of