The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1910-08-24

So the interview ended. 1t seemed
to lchab0d useless to discuss the sub
ject further. He had done his duty.
and it was nearing supper time. 20 ne
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 Ichabod.
Il 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 have | a reason?' Sally asked
sharply. And haven't told you these
twenty times that ! don't love you?
As Ii that weren't reason enoughP'
you like somebody else" retorted
Hopkins. Probably you've been max
ing promises to Ed Clark. now"
And belize may have, though
don't remember them" answered Sally,
with no sign of resentment.
Wont you tell me whyY' again de-
handed Hopkins.
"No." said Sally, standing very
straight and looking as severe as SO
fair girl could. mo. 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.
Ichabod 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 parochial ioyemaking.
s'But she won't tell me why Hop
ikins 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 as a
friend of US both"
| Ichabod hesitated. 1t was such d
bother. Eyes, 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 aiong the shady summer
lanes toward the Dawes plantation
and wondering 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 he saw
Sally sitting on the low piazza, her
workbasket beside her. bending over
some bit OF sewing in her hand, pic
ture framed in the green vines which
grew over the porch, and Ichabod could
not lind it i'm his heart to blame Hop
kins
Sally saw him and stood up, drop
ping her werk about her in pretty con-
fusion.
Thank you. fathers not SO sick that
we should be bothering you," she said,
coming down the first step to greet
him.
Il didn't know he was sick at ALL"
answered Ichabod. in honest surprise.
Hes little sick" said Sally. Hes
gone over 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 Ichabeds 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 1T. 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, so
Ichabod continued, He wants me to
ask you why you won't marry him.
Sally hesitated and stroked her work
with her needle.
do you think I ought to tell him.
parson?" she asked.
Eyes. do" said Iehabod. with paro-
ehial firmness.
"Will you promise to tell him IL
explain my reason to you ?" Sally ask
ed, looking squarely at Ichabod.
yes" he answered, feeling much re-
lieved and smiling back encourage
ment at the fair girl before him
WELL" said Sally thoughtfully, 81
think I'd be willing to tell you my rea-
son; but. you see, it's not wholly my
own Suppose we leave 1t this way.
viii think about 1t, and win send
you word what decide. and we won't
talk about it any more. please" she
ended, rising.
Ichabod judged that he was expected
to go, and so he took his leave. His
visit was most unsatisfactory, but he
had done what he could, and he was
glad the business was ended. SO far as
he was concerned. He was sorry for
HonEinS moor chan h17f raorhqnr hn