The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-12-26
IN STRESS OF PITY

barbara had an instant's pang lest
he should fail her. but a moment
later he fell into step at her side.
With the homeward walk came
back the crushing fear Of what
might befall her N q result Of her
disobedience. She knew only too
well the harsh ill-temper Of her aunt.
She Jagged more and more slowly.
till all the happy. laughter-lovine
crowd had left them. Isspar lag
god even one step slower. seeming
loath to bring the silent walk to al,
end. Yet the twilight. the soiitari-
ness, the very nearness 70 the object
OF his devotion hred In him a para
iyzing shyness, very agony OF self
consciousness. Never perhape. would
he have chance like this again.
yet the very thought OF speaking, Of
even reaching out and touching the
little hand that swung near him.
brought the Precipitation. in great
beads to his brow.
Barbara, with the growing intui-
ton OF awakened womanhood. vague-
ly realized all this.
AS they came in sight OF the house
her heart began to beat painfully.
She moved closer to Jasper
I'm frightened" she whispered.
For the second time that day a fro
of INDIGNATION swept Jasper"s self
consciousness from him. His hand
went out suddenly and grasped her
small one
Don't you be afraid" ne said
soothingly.
They came opposite the Window
Inside Aunt Hepzibah rat. waiting
Her jaws were set In a heavy .puri
poseful revenge. Barbara grasped
Jasper's arm with little half-sob.
"Oh. II hate herr" she whispered.
Jasper stood silent. staring at tha
woman, and with the helpless, trem-
bling touch on his arm there surEed
up within him a mighty passion. Ha
shook Barbara's hand from his arm
almost roughly and took three great
strides toward the house. Then Id
halted. suddenly, and turned.
You come with me-" he said.
She had to run to keep up with
him here was no breath left for
speech. Presently they turned In AZ
gateway
why. it's the minister's.' painted
Barbara.
jasper knocked loudly at the door.
We want to get married. ana
nounced Jasper. a steady fire burnina
in his eyes.
wen, now, m sure. exclaimed
the ministers wife bewilderedly.
Why. it's little Barbara Larsen and
and Jasper. Well. well, Welt" She
led them into the front room and
disappeared.
Mighty good thing" they heard
the minister say That chill leads .
dogs life." He strobe into the room.
We'll. Well" he said kindly. go
you want to get married! That's
right. Jasper. You're doing fine with
the farm now. A wife 10 Just what
you need to make the old place look
wight" He stood them up before
him.
When 1t was over and they were
again outside. Jasper took Barbara
hand in his.
Come" he said.
They walked. hand in hand and
speeches.. down the village street
and along the road that led to Jas
per's farm. Az they reached thd
gateway the moon peeped out from
under a cloud and flooded the or.
chard with silver light Jasper stopa
ped and gazed dazediy about at thA
familiar scene. then down at hid
wites dropping head.
Barbara" he whispered unbeliev.
ingly.
She looked up. her eyes still dark
with wonder.
He took her suddenly in his arms.
The pent-up longing OF two endless
years seemed to eliminate in that
moment.
Why. Barbara" he cried passion,
ately. you're mine--you're minea
And / didn't know I was doing it's