Los Angeles herald., 1910-05-08

full bloom-from end to end the valley was heavy
with its fragrance Libby was thankful that she
lived high up the hillside, the moorand Seems
to me as if couldn' t live for long down here, she
said to herself. ''Ne 'er breath of wind comes
through Grassbrook. Ts nor [ can understand
the way the folk keep in such good health y
She was dressed neatly, but with no strivings
toward the fashionable Her gown of gray cot
ton, figured with white sprays; her hat was broad
of brm and severely plain; her finely turned shout
ders were covered with pfim black cape. Nobody
could say that Libby pretty, and yet nobody
could wish to look upon healthier, kindlier lass. As
she passed through the Neither End little children
came to grasp her skirt and to crow she stopped to
kiss their cheeks and tickle their fat chins.
1t twelve years since she had seen Cousin Julia,
and she wondered if time had dealt more eniently
with the girl than with herself. Her life since
their last meeting had been filled with hard work.
For at least three of those years her father had been
bedridden and the whole burden of the little farm
had lain upon her shoulders. But soon after his
death a great happiness had come. A young farmer,
who had inherited a small place not far from her
home, had begun to pay attention. and soon had def
initely offered marriage. For the last six months
Libby had worn a fine ring of amethysts and pearls
on her engagement finger.
''Strive how I may - she said ''I can It picture
Cousin Julia. When she here before she
thin wisp of girl, scarce bigger nor sxpenn orth
But when Cowper' s yellow wagonette drew up in
front of the Bold Cloudesey with only passenger
and that young woman whom the least generous
could but describe pleasant to the eye, Libby
heart gave great leap.
eff tits Cousin JULIA she exclaimed, 'why,
then, Cousin Julia the most beautiful lass I've eer
seen in all my born daysi'
1t was Cousin julia the moment Libby heard the
queruous, somewhat nasal voice she knew that there
mistake.
''Well, Libby dear, you re just the nice old
thing Oh! it has been hot tiresome jour
ney I'm just dying for a cup of tea
Libby kissed the girl warmly, and declared her
welcome, then turned to red-haired Cowper !" You IL
oblige by keeping this young ladys box till some
one calls for it, she said.
g 'Tisn t box, but dress basket, - said Cousin
Julia. ''I'd like it up possible
''Mr. Keys going to call for it his way from
market, my dear, y explained Libby. q Twill be up
at Goosecroft before 0 clock. -
''And who's Mr.. Key7" inquired the visitor 'fI
don't remember one of that name when I used to
stay here.
"He's my next neighbor, and-a friend You IL
see him this evening Now, if you're ready, we'd
best walk up home.'
Dismay came into Cousin Julia s face. ''Walki'
she said. "Why, it must be mile more, and all
uphill!'
"Bless usl'' said Libby ''You re surely not
invad-a mile s naught to speak off,
'1t may be to country folk said the girl;
"but I live in town with trans, and walking gs not
necessary
"Well, it's necessary here, choose how,' said
Libby. THE lane looks steep, but tits deceptive to
the eye. Put your best foot foremost-we II soon be
there''
Cousin Julia eyed her fine, highheeled boots rue
fully, but protested no more. They assembled the hill
slowly, with frequent pauses so that she might re-
breath. At the gate of Goosecroft she clicked
her tongue. '' 'Tisn It bit like what I thought it
wasl' she said. 'Why, Libby, it more than
a workman s cottage.'
It cannot be denied that the color deepened in
Lbbys cheeks She bit her lips to keep from saying
something unpleasant. Goosecroft, where her father
and her grandfather were born always seemed to her
the dearest, most beautiful home in the world
81 II own 'tisn't very big or grand she said at
last; "but do know there isn't better little spot
in the world. And I d exchange it for none other
notQ for Tho 6uk % bouca Al
valley down yonder.'
fThere s accounting for tastes, +" said Cousin
Julia, smlngly "Somehow things look so different
after one has grown up. Why, I used to think
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