The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08


the justice a month ago and were mar
till had 1t right from her own mouth
the impudent thingv'
Poor Anna Jane! She packed away
her wedding things with dazed look
in her eyes that never after left them
Aunt Hulda sighed and sighed.
She seemed to feel that Anna Jane
was all to blame and treated her ac-
cordingly.
But there were times when the bur
den pressed more heavily upon her
than at Others and tonight was one OF
them. Her voice trembled as she
stood at the general delivery window
and put the worn question
ANY mail for Mrs. Hulda Ferry,
please"
The clerk snatched a package Of let.
tiers from pigeonhole and thumbed
them hurriedly. Then he shook his
head, and Anna Jane. with fresh hui
initiation upon her turned away.
The storm had increased and in the
faint light the sidewalk was slippery.
A big man with an umbrella, whose
hat brlm was turned down and whose
coat collar was turned up, saw her
Look outw he cried grufiiy. He
caught her by the arm and helped her.
Anna Jane dropped her head, with
gasp OF thanks. He held the umbrel-
la over her and walked silently at her
side shielding her generously from the
fiaying storm.
When she turned the corner he turn
ed it with her. 1t was a most unusual
proceeding. Anna Jane was not used
to receiving such courtesies. She won.
dered who he was, but she did not
da e look into his face to see. Pres
emily he spoke again grufily;
I'm looking for Mrs, Hulda Ferry
Can you tell me where she livesT
Anna Jane jumped. Why, yes.
can" she said. I'm going right to
her house now. live with her"
ooh, do your" said the man. 'rhen
I'll accompany you home"
He did not speak again. nor did
Anna Jane. When they reached Mrs
Ferry's little low house Anna Jane
went up the steps, and he followed.
She opened the door and went in, and
he went In too.
He tore open his long ulster and
threw OF his hat.
Anna Jane" he said don't you
know me2"
Anna Jane tipped uncertainty. and
he caught her and put her in chair.
I've scared you most to death, and
l didn't mean to-" he said regretfully.
ANNA Jane" he went on earnestly,
my wlfes dead. | did n foolish
thing by myself and a wicked one by
you when | married her, but that's
bygones and can't be helped now. I'm
ten years older and a good deal wiser.
And I've come TO see if-if you won't
forgive me and let me have another
chance. It's the only thing that's Of
any account 10 me now on earth, for,
ANN Jane, love you"
lie knelt down before her and put
his head In her lap. Anna Jane sat
like stin little statue. She looked
down at the big head in her lap and
the big man kneeling before her who
asked her forgiveness and said he
loved her
She lifted her hand and let 1t fail
upon his hair. He felt the touch and
looked up
Anna Jane" be said, III you don't
believe me. II you can't trust me, I'm
willing to pass the rest of my life
trying 10 make you-lf youll only give
me a chance"
a wan little smile went over Anna
James face. but it was like the first
spring sunshine and life and JOY fol
lowed Il
Anna jane he began again.
Slow footsteps creaked over the floor
OF the next room. The door opened.
and Aunt Hulda, standing there. saw
the strange spectacle OF her niece IN
the arms Of stranger who seemed to
have Just been kissing her. Anna
Jane's face ras alight She was no
longer afraid Of Aunt Hulda or Of
anything IN the world Her voice rang
ont with a glad little cry.
"Oh Aunt Hulda. Joes comei Joe's
come
Buf n was left Tor Joe To make the
necessary explanations
A. tagss-