Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1906-03-15


ant look In his eyes. and he bent to lay
his hand on hers where 1t held the
reins.
Janet swerved suddenly Take care"
she said hurriedly, we've ridden into
the returning congregation Of Brier-
sons church.
Burke followed her with an unuttered
imprecation.
What arr they having church on a
week day for, anyhowi" he demanded
aggrievediy
Thanksgiving day" said Janet, bow
Ing to a gray bearded man on horse
back and flnging a smile to the sturdy
urchin beside him. They walked their
horses slowly through the tide of horses
and vehicles. ther drew rein before the
little wooden cL.rch with its stunted
steeple and weather beaten sides.
"They call 1t Brierson's. because the
old man built it." said Janet In the tone
Of an obliging guide.
oh bother the church." said Burke
impatiently. We're past the crowd
now Don't fool me any longer, Janet
Why. janet He broke off. his gaze
following hers to where the door OF the
little church opened and closed behind
a tall man in the rough clothes of the
country minister
Janets eyes wldened, and her cheeks
lost their fresh color as the young man,
pocketing the church key, came quickly
down the path. When he was opposite
the pair on horseback he glanced up in
frank curiosity. meeting the vivid ques-
ton OF Janet's eyes, and stopped short,
paling under all his tan.
Janet" he said hoarsely. and that
was all.
Slowly the color crept back over ia
nets face, and her eyelids fell before
the minister's compelling look
Burkes glance went from one to the
other, and Jaaet felt It's keenness.
David" she stammered. ~ didn't
know that you were here. I hadn't
thought
'I've been here for year now" The
minister's eyes We're fastened upon her
face with the bliss of long starvation
ended. They told me you never came
home: that you had forgotten us for
the city" The glory in his face smote
Burke like physical pain, and he jerk
Ell his horses rein till the creature
reared
"Oh, | beg your pardon" cried Janet,
striving for mastery of the situation.
"Mr. Burke thls is David MacAllen,
an old friend"
The two men clasped hands in silent
hostility ON Burkes part and happy
abstraction on MacAllen's. He lad no
eyes save for Janet
You've come back to stay" he in
sisted. laying Il firm hand on her bride
rein
Il think not" murmured Janet II
don't know" She was yisibly dis
trcssed.
Wen convince you" laughed the
minister like a happy boy.
Somehow Burke felt old and worn
beside his fresh enthusiasm, and the
sight of Janet's trembling uncertainty
cut him sharply
III see you tonight" said MacAllen.
They rode on after little. Janet and
Burke TO the red farmhouse and lett
the minister standing in the road be-
hind them, the glory OF loves ages in
his eyes.
1T was an old story, thcn?" said
Burke as he lifted Janet from her
horse ut last.
II knew him before | ever went to
Aunt Jane" said the girl unhappily.
Il thought | had orgotten-honestly.
Burke followed her into the house
with Il philosophic smile curving his
lips, albeit Il little bitterly Many
waters cannot quench love nor much
chiffon smother it," he said sententiouS-
ly but the sheen of the sunlight was as
dust in his sight. and the hand that
selected cigarette with ostentatious
care trcmbled strangely