The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1908-02-04
When COWden Came Home.

us tnS uOTtu-DOunu Train due IN an
hours time to pass town ten miles
away; the undisturbed tranquility of
the countryman beside him, who had
left his work to drive the stranger
from one town to the other the old
nag, ambling along, insensible to all
urgings, made up combination not
without the elements of humor, but
Cowden was essentially a serious
minded young man.
The business that brought him
there on a flying trip being despatch
ed to his satisfaction, he felt Obliged
to get back Immediately to the firm
with his report, and to work again.
" was always work with Cowden.
Jogging along through the dust
and heat, Cowden, in the midst of his
discomfort, became gradually con
sclous of an exceeding thirst. He
knew they had no time to spare, and
moistening his dry lips, braced him
self to bear his sufferings like man,
but presently the sight of d farm
house nearby tempted him greatly.
My friend" he said feebly / am
dead for a drink of water. Do you
suppose could get one there2''
Yes" said Jake; "somebody'll be
around; but don't furgit, he admon-
ished, as Cowden hurried off, don't
furgit that you amt got no time to
spare if you ketch that train
Cowden climbed the hill on a run,
coming at a turn in the lane upon the
house, which be found surrounded
by a garden bright with old-fashioned
flowers. A steady thud and splash
reached his ears, and coming nearer,
he saw a girl in a blue print gown at
a churn On seeing him, she sprang
to her feet and came to the steps. A
large apron was tied snugly about
her slim waist. A pair of very kind,
bright eyes looked straight into his,
seeming both to question and to sym
pathize with him in the stress of the
moment, while her cheeks grew pink.
Piled high above a smooth and inno-
cent brow of milky whiteness her
rudy hair cleaned like coronet.
II beg your pardon" he gasped,
removing his hat and unconsciously
staring at the vision before him, e'but
could you give me a. glass of water?
am in a great hurry and if you
would be so kind
"Water." she exclaimed, pleasant
&ly, "of coursei | shall be back in
moment" She turned away and with
little run disappeared in the house,
returning in twinkling, a tumbler
of sparkling water in one hand and
one of milk in the other.
Il brought some milk, too" she
laughed, breathlessly; which will
you have?"
But for answer he only reached
for the water, raising it eagerly to
his lips,
You were thirsty" she exclaimed.
Some more?'
No, thank you said Cowden. be-
ginning to move away. Il wish I
might" he replied, but must catch
train. | haven't moment" But
he stood quite still and looked at her.
She made a picture for man to
carry in his heart for many day,
standing in the sunlight. A kind of
good comradeship beamed from her
clear, blue eyes, and there was a hint
of friendliness, sympathy and quick
intelligence in the humorous little
smile which curved her lips-a sweet
and wholesome woman if one ever
lived In a small hand, half extend
ed, she held the glass of milk inyit-
ingly.
Il must hurry" faltered Cowden,
as he moved away. You are very
kind. Thank you thousand times.
Then he repeated like an imbecile. II
have to hurry. BY this time he had
reached the turn of the lane, where
he paused and looked back. She
stood where he had left her, sweetly
smiling. Lifting his hat again, he
ran rapidly down the hill.
BY George!" he said to himself
what a pretty girl! And I had to
rush offlike @ BEAST He groaned
aloud ''If only had little time or
decent horse!"
He climbed into the buggy like
man in dream.
Well" said Jake. "Took you
some time. Did you get it?"
WHAT" asked Cowden absently.
The other stared. Why, the wat
er.
The water! Oh, yes, yes. Ger
tainly got the water. 2
They logged along in silence for
time, then, Who lives in that
housed" asked Cowden, with elabor-
ate carelessness.
Who? Back there? Old Major
Townley Who'd you see?"
"A young lady gave me the water. \
Him! That was Sairy. She lives
there with her pa A good locker,
wasn't she?'
Cowden stiffened "She was
very handsome young woman"
Didn't see her pa, did your"
emo"
Jake chuckled and then shook his
head gravely Il reckon Sairy has
pretty hard time, Old Major used to
own all this land around hyar. but
run it through. They got some swell
kin. but they don't none of 'em both
81 with the Major. Sairy takes care
of her pa. The old mans pretty
cranky"
What a shame, and what sweet
woman she was IF were to mar
ny" thought Cowden, Il should like
just such wife. He longed to
know more OF her, but could not
Al