Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1907-07-24

this have been save for her? And upon
that thought he got to his feet, utter
ing an exclamation of bitter self re-
proach, asking himself angrily what he
was doing He knew how much she
gave him, what full measure of her af-
lection. Was not that enough? Out
upon you, Louden! Are you to sulk in
your tent, dour in the gloom, or to play
a mans part, and if she be happy turn
a CHEEKY face upon her joy?
And thus this pilgrim recrossed the
bridge, emerging to the street with his
head up, smiling, and his shoulders
thrown back, so that none might see
the burden he carried.
Ariel was waiting on the porch for
him. She wore the same dress she had
worn that Sunday of their tryst-that
exquisite dress, with the faint lavender
overtlnt, like the tender colors of the
beautiful day he made his own. She
had not worn it since, and he was far
distant when he caught the first flick
ering glimpse of her through the lower
branches of the NAPLES, but he remem-
bered. And again, us on that day, he
heard faraway, ineffable music, the
elfland horns, sounding the mysterious
reveille which had Weakened his soul to
her coming.
She came to the gate to meet him and
gave him her hand in greeting without
word-or the need of one-from
either. Then together they set forth
over the sun flecked pavement, the
naples swishing above them, heavier
branches grooming in the strong breeze,
under sky like Della RobbA back
ground. And UP against the glorious
blue OF it some laughing, invisible god
was blowing small rounded clouds of
pure cotton, us children blow thistle
down.
When he opened her parasol as they
came out into the broad sunshine be-
You'd upper Main street there was the
faintest mingling of wild roses and Gin
namon loosed on the mir.
joe" she said, "I'm very happy!'
That's right" he returned heartily.
Il think you always will be-"
But, oh, l WISH" she went on, that
Mr.. Arp could have lived to see you
come down the courthouse steps,"
God bless him" said Joe 81 can
hear the 'argument'''
'Those dear old men have been so
loyal to you, joe"
No." he returned; loyal to Eskew."
ITO you BOTH" she said. Pm afraid
the old circle is broken up. They
haven't met on the National House COR
her since he died. The colonel told me
he couldn't bear to go there again"
Il don't believe any of them ever
will" he returned. And yet / never
pass the place that don't see Eskew
in his old chair. went there last
night to commune with him. l couldn't
sleep, and l got up and went over
there. They'd left the chairs out, the
town was asleep, and it was beautiful
moonlight
ITO commune with him? What
about?"
YOU"
"Why?' she asked, plainly mystified
II stood in need of good COUNSEL" he
answered cheerfully, "or friendly
word, perhaps, and as sat there aftel
awhile it came"
What was it?'
ITO forget that l was sodden with
selfishness, to pretend not to be as full
of lneanness as really was. Doesn't
that seem to be Eskew's own voice:'
weren't you happy last night JoeY
"Oh. it was all right" he said Quick
ly. Don't you worry"
And at this old speech of his she
broke into little laugh, of which he
had no comprehension.
Mamie came to see me early this
morning." she said after they lad
walked on IN silence for n time. "Ev
erytLing is all right with her again
that is. | think it will be- Eugene is
coming home. And" she added thought
fully, lit will be best for him to have
Ills old place on the Tocsin again. She
showed me his letter, and liked it.
think he's been through the fire.
Joe's distorted smile appeared. "And
has come out gold?' he asked.
No" she laughed, but nearer it.
And think hen try to be more worth
her caring for. She has always thought
that his leaving the Tocsin in the way
he did was heroic. That was her word
for it. And it was the finest thing he
ever did"
81 can't figure Eugene out" Joe
shook his head. There's something
behind his going away that | don't
understand" This was altogether the
truth. nor was there ever to come a
time when either he or Mamie would
understand what things had deter
nnneu the departure of Eugene Ban
try, though Mamie never questioned,
as Joe did. the reasons for it OF doubt
ed those Eugene had given her, which
We're the same lie had given her father,
for she was content with his return.
Again the bells across the square
rang out their chime. The paths were
decorously enlivened with family and
neighborhood groups bound church
ward, and the rumble of the organ,
playing the people into their pews,
shook OH the air. And Joe knew that
he must speak quickly If lie was to say
what he had planned to say before lie
and Ariel went into the church.
Ariel" He tried to compel his
voice to Il casual cheerfulness, but it
would do nothing for him except be-
tray desperate embarrassment.
She looked at him quickly and as
quickly away. "Yes:"
II wanted to say something to you,
and I'd better do it now, | think-be-
fore go to church for the first time in
two years" He managed to laugh,
though with some ruefulness, and con-
tinued stammeringly, Il want to tell
You how much like him-low much
admire him
Admire wlom?" she asked, little
coldly. for she knew.
"Air. Ladew."
SO do l." she answered. looking