The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1912-12-19
sent five bushels of potaters to the last


one we had
"He won't now, Ann" said Mrs. Ere
mont, lowering her voice, because pa
called there and Silas said he wouldn't
send a potater.'
Maybe he'll send something else.
Potatoes amt been very good this
year anyway" retorted the optimistic
Ann.
Maybe he won't I should think
you'd remember another reason than
that" Mrs. Fremont spoke mysteri-
ously.
''Oh, see! Well, would be sur
prised If they did come. but I should
have thought Silas would have sent
something"
Hes getting queer since Martha
died"
Getting queer?" shifted Ann Dibble.
"He's always been as queer as Dicks
hatbandy They say he's acted more
human since she died"
HE wasn't never real cruel, Ann.
He was only severe. expect he only
thought he was doing the best by Fran
ces when
Good land!" Ann Dibble jumped
nervously as the minister's tall form
brushed past them with hurried apol-
ogy. "Was that him standing there
back Of usT'
"It must have been." acknowledged
the chagrined Mrs. Fremont. Some
how I got the notion 1t was foolish
Peter Wood"
II hope he won't take no offense at
what we said." worried Ann Dibble.
"Twan't anything bad" she added
hopefully. Folks have got to talk
about Silas Hegg once in awhile"
"And Frances, toe," reminded MES.
Fremont in self extenuation of her
mention of the girls name.
Contrary to everybody's expectations,
Silas Hegg did appear at the Christ.
mas party. He came all alone, and
he did not 60 at once to the minister
| and offer his greetings. Instead he lin
gered as long as possible. chatting here
and there in subdued sort of way,
quite different from his former aggres.
sive attitude. The young minister saw
him in the distance. and his heart con-
| tracted with pain. He wondered II
Frances had come. too. and be found
himself peering over the heads Of the
people for a glimpse of the girls fair
| face.
| 1t was not to be seen.
Then jealousy smote him. He Won
dered If Frances Hegg had grown tired
of waiting for him. He wondered ii
| somebody else had succeeded him In
her affections and then he scored him
self severely for doubling her at all.
At last Silas Hegg met him face to
face and could no longer avoid speak
| ing to him. Frank Bradberry's face
was grave and pale as he shook hands
| with the big farmer, and he felt
pang Of sympathy at the mans great
| grief over the loss of his wife, Martha.
Somehow since Martha died I've
learned lots Of things. Mr.. Bradberry.'
said Sllas meekly. Il used to think
| that money was everything. but I've
found it amt. I've found I'm q pretty
unhappy man without my wife. even
| If I've got a comfortable balance in
| the bank"
The minister did not find it difficult
to speak words of comfort to Frances
| stricken father When they parted
new understanding had sprung up be.
tween them.
81 amt brought a gift with me, Mr..
Bradberry." said Silas as he turned
| away to permit some Of the company
to take their farewells of the minister,
| for the hour was late, but I'm going
to stay awhile, and maybe you'll walk
over to my house and get it,
MConAaisiy4 :. -caid-thn-alossss0
thinking OF basket of choice apples
or grapes, Of which fruits Silas had
been very liberal before the courtshfp
Of Frances really began.
There were many backward glances
and covert whispers after the prayer
was over and the company went home.
"Silas Hegg's the last one there"
Il wonder what's up?">
That was the burden Of the remarks.
The minister and Silas walked ST.
.ently across the fields. taking the
short cut to the Hegg farm. A light
was burning in the sitting room as
they mounted the steps Of the porch
and the minister found himself shak-
ing as with chill.
Silas opened the door and entered.
Frances. pale and sweet as ever he
had seen her in his dreams, arose from
low chair. startled and wide eyed at
sight of her lover. She swayed little
and her father stepped forward and
supported her in his strong arms.
"Mr. Bradberry." he said brokenly,
there's my Christmas gift to you. Take
my daughter" and as he gave Frances
into the minister's willing arms Silas
Hegg's eyes were full Of tears