The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1909-11-13

! ttrlnS early, and one evening she N13
quite sure she heard wheels and
| voices after she had fallen into a
| doZe. A door slammed somewhere, but
she heard nothing more.
The next morning she was up bright
and early and out on the lawn gather
ing the usual bunch of flowers for the
breakfast table.
Then she saw that a stranger was
there before her. A stranger who was
swinging a scythe as he crossed the
lawn with measured steps. He was a
tall, bareheaded stranger, a man of
perhaps thirty, with clear cut features
and fine gray eyes.
The fine gray eyes turned toward
her as she approached and the scythe
rested.
This must be the hired man who
was expected from the Ridge settle
ment.
Good morning" Faith said in her
fearless way. You haven't given The
dew time to retire
Good morning" said the man. He
seemed daZed by the appearance OF
the little and graceful maid. Il am
getting a start of the sun he added
But he did not resume his moving
You are tha man from beyond tie
RIDGE" said Faith.
Yes" he answered, Il am from
beyond the Ridge He seemed a lit
tie slow and difid2nt.
sNo,, p,I,rto't Lot mo i4- n
your requirement for an appetite fer
breakfast" said Faith.
"I'v had my breakfast" said the
man.
so early?" cried Faith. well, |
haven't had mine And | must hurry
with the flowers for mothers table"
Mothers tablet" repeated the man.
Eyes. | call Mrs. Randall mother.
think she likes it,
Il like it, too" said the man and
straightway resumed his moving.
Faith stared at him, but he did not
lock up. 1t was very odd remark
Evidently the new hired man had a
streak of sentiment about him. He
certainly had a fine face and such
strong figure Faiths sympathy was
stirred.
Isn't there something better than
moving beyond the Ridge?' she ask
ed.
He paused then and looked at the
bright sunburned face.
4 don't even NOW well,' he said. |
But perhaps moving isn't the thing |
that was put aside for you to do
Perhaps not
Have you had any chance to OBJ
tain an education?'
Il am still studying and learning"
he replied
'If I can be of any help to you"
said Faith. "If l have any books that
will aid You I will be glad to let you
take them. l don't believe she
added that nature in
tended you for newer and mower"
Thank YOU said the man, you
are as kind as you are beautiful"
Faith flushed through the sunburn.
Then she turned at sudden call from
he house.
Eyes, Janet" she said, and ran
across the lawn as light and swift as
l startled Diana.
The man stared after her.
Not a bit like the lady of my
lreams," he murmured, "but infinitely
,weeter and finer" He drew quick
breath. Calls her mother does she?
That's a good omen"
Then he hung the scythe on low
branch of the nearest maple tree and
,ut on his coat.
Faith found to her surprise that
Hrs. Randall had already breakfasted,
md so she ate alone. When she had
lnished she went out on the porch and
nd gave quick look across the lawn.
Il met the new hired man this
morning." she said in casual way.
He appeared like quite a superior
erson."
"The new hired man." repeated the
mother. do you mean-oh, under
tand" And she suddenly laughed.
hen she added ''He has gone"
"Gone." echoed Faith.
Eyes. He came to tell me that he
1ould come again soon and stay long
r."
"He is little peculiar" said
'aith. HE said he liked it because.
called you mother.
The mother stared at the girl. Then
he gently laid her hand on Faiths
and.
1t was ten days later when Mrs. ,
randall asked Faith if she would
rive down to the station in the light
'agon and meet her son.