Golden Valley chronicle. (Beach, Billings County, N.D.) 1905-1916, 1910-11-11


So the Interview ended. 1t seemed
to lchabod useless to discuss the sub.
ject further He had done bis duty.
and it was nearing supper time. so he
took his leave and rode away. amused
and rather sorry and wondering which
of the other young men was to marry
the prettiest girl in the parish.
During the Sunday incoming Hopkins
came to see the parson, and when he
learned the result of the Interview he
was much disappointed.
Didn't she tell you why?" he asked.
looking obviously at lchabod.
81 don't believe she has any reason
Ichabod answered. perhaps she needs
to be coaxed. Go to see her yourself,
man. and don't come bothering me
about it,"
So the next day Hopkins rode over
to the Dawes plantation and again
presented himself. with some doubt, it
is true, as to the wisdom of 1t. Sally
was not to be coaXed, and the inter-
view was short and much to the point.
And lave a reason?" Sally asked
sharply. And haven't told you these
twenty times that don't love you?
| AS if that weren't reason enough!"
"You like somebody else," retorted
Hopkins. Probably you've been max
ing promises to Ed Clark. now"
"And belize l may have, though
don't remember Them" answered Sally,
with no sign of resentment.
won't you tell me why?" again de-
manded Hopkins
NO." said Sally, standing very
straight and looking as severe as so
fair a girl could. "No. James Hop
kins; will not tell you my reason"
Hopkins rode away in gathering
wrath, and he decided once more to
seek the Interference of the church.
lchabod listened patiently to his tale
and then told him kindly, but firmly,
that. in view Of his many duties. he
simply could not undertake the care
of l,urochial iovemaking.
"But she won't tell me Why, Hop
kins persisted. I'D feel better about
1t if only knew her reason. I've
asked her time and again. and she only
makes fun of me. Won't you ask her
that much: Please, now, just rs a
friend Of us BOTH"
lchabod hesitated. 1t was such a
bother. "Yes, I'll ask her." he said.
at the same time feeling angry with
himself for saying that he would.
The next morning found Ichabod rid
ing slowly along the shady summer
lanes toward the Dawes plantation
and wonderin. the while why a wo-
man couldn't be frank and outspoken
in such matters and save her kindly
disposed friends so much needless la
Dor.
As he came near the house lie saw
Sally sitting on the low piazza. her
workEaskct beside her. bending over
some bit of sewing in her hand. a pic
turc framed iii the green vines which
grew over the perch. and Ichabod could
not find it in his heart to blame Hop
kins.
Sally saw him and stood up. drop
ping her work about her in pretty con-
fusion.
"Ihank YOU, fathers not so sick that
we should he bothcring YOU" she saiu
coming down the first step to greet
him.
81 didn't know he was sick at ALL
answered lchabod. in honest surprise.
"Hcs little sick" said Sally. "He's
gone oyer to the river meadow now.
but ] couldn't think what else would
bring you again so soon. Not but
you're always welcome" she added
seeing lclr,bod's evident embarrass
ment.
He dismounted and sat down on the
broad piazza bench He might as well
get through With his FOOLS errand and
be done with it. so he said
Eve come on behalf of Hopkins"
Sally smiled in enjoyment of the sit
uation, but she kept silent.
Evidently she wouldn't help him. sc
L Ichabod continued. He wants me tt
ask you why you won't marry him.
IL Sally hcsitatcd and stroked her WORK
T. with her needle.
'Do you think l ought to tell him
f. parson:" she asked.
IL "Yes. do" said Ichabod, with paro
). chial firmness.
l. will you promise to tell him If
explain my reason to you?" Sally ask
It ed, looking squarely at Ichabod.
It YES" he answered, feeling much re
n lieved and smiling back encourage
t. ment at the fair girl before him.
s "Well." said Sally thoughtfully. 9.
}. think Id be willing to tell you my rea
It son: but. you see. it's not wholly m,
D. own. Suppose we leave it this way
N will think about it. and will sem
b. you word what decide, and we won
lie talk about it any more. please" sh
ended. rising.
er 1chabod judged that he was expects
le to go. and so he took his leave. Hi
l. visit was most unsatisfactory. but b.
L. had done what he could, and he wa
+. glad the business was ended. so far q
y he was concerned. He was sorry TO
1t Hopkins. poor chap. but perhaps h
q IN