The log cabin Democrat., 1906-12-06
The PenitenCe
 of Ruby-ReII.
BY M. COLUMBUS HAMILTON.

mystery" said the Squire, thought fully, "and no mistake about it."
 q don't understand Ruby-Nell," ]" said Mrs. Redwood, petulantly. Eve done all I can possibly do to persuade her to carry out her con- tract with Roger May, but she's as stubborn as a mule"
 "Perhaps you have done too muchp' The Squire chuckled as he thus mildly reproached her.
 "That's just it, my dear," inter- posed Mr. Redwood. 'We have been too anxious. Matters of love are best left alone
 Somebody said the wedding was to be this Thanksgiving day." said the Squire. He looked inquiringly from one to another.
 "Why, he even had his license, Squire,o said Mrs Redwood, vehe- mently, "and by giving him up for that Hippant little city brat Ruby Nell has crushed the heart of one of the grandest young men this com munity ever saw" Mrs. Redwood emphasized this statement with sweeping gesture.
 "There is no doubt about that" the Squire admitted. "They say Rogers never speaks of it though. l Not long ago some of the boys he had been running with went to him and offered 10 tar and feather the dude, but Roger says: No, boys, we have no right to interfere
 '|The dude Is gone now these three davs,'' said Mrs. Redwood after a pause. \ perceptible sigh escaped her as she glimpsed the snow-clad woodland which stretched away to infnity. '.Ruby-Nell has done nothing but lament for him. She has cried until her eyes are red, and she ain't ct bite in two days.
 'Are you sure, dear," said Mr. Redwood, "that she is lamenting for the other fellow-I mean the one that left :'
 'sWhat else can it be, James? Sister Jennie tried to coax her to make up with Roger and Ruby-Nell looked daggers at her."
 At the mention of her name Miss Jennie, the spinster sister of Mrs. Redwood, and a recognized paragon of matchmakers. became alert. Roger is stubborn, too," she said. He is so polite and good, but he won't budge an inch. I told him falsehood to-day. and if the expect ed happens there'II be an earthquake in this house to-nightH =
 La. ,Jennie' exclaimed Mrs. Rockwood. removing her spectaclcs, The Squire shifted measily in his chair and cleared his throat. Mr. Rockwood laid his Bible down.
 "A falsehood on Thanksgiving dav:" queried the latter.
 "A lie on Thanksgiving day IS about the same as on any other day, Brother Rockwood. said the Squire. He really meant only to relieve the situation.
 Its none of your business. Squire Cox, I'll give you 10 know' snapped Miss Jennie. She nursed an ancient grudge against this town ship functionarv. He had formerly been suitor. without success, but when he was chosen justice of the peace she had offered to share his honors and he had refused.
 Tut. tut. Jennie said Mrs. Redwood. raising restraining hand. Now tell us just what you told Roger
 Tt is s,..rct, and will not tell itl' declared Miss Jennie, dog .edly. Miss Jennie had long been the autocrat If the Rockwood home and every one questioned the wisdom of further challenge.
 You should remember. Jennie, :" said Mr. Redwood at length, that this is matter in which We are quite as much interested as you are. and if you have sad or done any thing that will embarrass Ruby-Nell we have a perfect right 10 know II.
 James Redwood. k. she replied. her eyes flashing fire. have | ever done anything 10 embarrass you or your family:'
 ..No mo Jenuia hut"