The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1907-12-12

turn. "and ] thought, Of course. !, va.
all right wrote him three days sgc
that | was coming
Il guess the letters there AZ Tho
house" com mentcd Humphrics "you
see, he went ~ 10 Denser about a
week ago, 50 nobody knows that you're
coming hettcr turn In here. The
Circle 4 house Is ali closed up while
your brothers away"
Humpbrics climbed out Of the buck
hoard and opened the gate. driving the
team through and closing II again bc.
fore be climbed back TO the seat.
You VIII he better on here" hc
continued comfortably. "spd there's
the minister from Silver Spring to be
your chaperon."
What is the minister doing herer
she demanded, irumphries blushed.
Il did think be came over TO do q
Job Of hitchin'," he explained. but
guess now that was In wrong. Here's
the boss" he added ss Cotton came out
on the porch at the sound OF tho ap-
preaching vehicle.
II was puzzled Cotton who came
down the steps to assist Bess from the
blackboard
This was the only lady that got on
the train, so brought her. explained
Humphrles defantly ms be unloaded
the trunk and drove on TO the stables.
u did not know that Humpy was
working for you," explained Bess ~
the blackboard disappeared around the
corner OF the house. Il supposed that
he had been sent for me. since wrote
Ned several days ago that | was com.
Ing learn that the house IL closed
up, and ! could not explain TO Humpy
that ! would rather live In the closed
house than-here."
"You will be sent right ON II you
wish IL, he said stifiiy. II sent 10 the
train for woman who is TO marry the
cook He was anxious to have the
ceremony over before the boys would
nnd out, and | did not explain to
Humphries who was coming"
quite complication" she said,
with faint smile. IL am sorry TO
put you to the additional trouble Of
sending me on"
AT least yen Will stay 10 dinner"
he urged. Il cannot let you 20 on be-
fore you have eaten. Dinner will be
ready IN half an hour. Meanwhile you
'an wash up and rest on the piazza"
He took her acceptance for granted
and led the way TO spare room, |
where he saw that she was provided |
With toilet accessories. He did not |
show up until dinner time, when he
md the minister enjoyed the meal the
more for her gracious presence at the
able. Cotton followed her out upon
he piazza at the conclusion OF the din.
Ter and stood beside her under the
leavy vines that screened the porch.
II shall send a man around pres
ntly," he said softly, III you Insist
Ipon going, but, Bess, dear cant you
econslder your determination"
II could not very well stay here"
he answered indlfferently.
"As my wifef" he asked Are you
,oing TO hold against me that one silly
moment last summer when | lost my
ead and my temper and through that
ost you? II you could know how bit
arIv \ haya rapantod
"Penitence does not efYace the scar Of
he wound you inflicted" she said. ~,
90, have suffered. but have taught
lyself to forget"
"And will you not forgive us well rs
orget?" he pleaded when saw
on at the head Of the table Just now
nd realized that but for my lmpetu
slty you would always be at the head
that table. II was all ! could do TO
eep from crying ont for forgiveness
Won't you forglyeT
For moment the girl searched the
ager face before her. It was a face
ood to look upon. and her own heart
ried out In surrender. but still she
aused. Then from around the corner
I the house came Humphries' rich
arytone II was Cow song" crude
3 TO words and simple In It's melody,
song sung to cattle on the night
'atches to reassure the timid animals.
he remembered that he had been ,
nglng II the night that Cotton pro
Dsed. and great wave OF tenderness
wept over her Us she recalled those
Apply days OF last summer The white
and stole out and slipped within Col. !,
ms Drowned fingers.
Since fate-and Humpy seem to
Ill Il So" she said softly.