Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1913-01-02

withdrew to distance and Barbara
Joined a group of chattering girls By
one of the swings.
He kept shyly apart from her dur
ing the afternoon. though his eyes
followed her everywhere with dumb
worship. When twilight came and
they began to flock homeward IN
chattering groups of twos and threes,
Barbara had an instant's pang lest he
should fail her. but moment later he
fell into step at her side.
With the homeward walk came
back the crushing fear OF what might
befall her as result OF her disobe-
dience. She knew only too well the
harsh ill-temper of her aunt. She
Jagged more and more slowly, till all
the happy, laughter-loving crowd had
left them. Jasper Jagged even one
step slower, seeming loath to bring
the silent walk to an end. Yet the
twilight, the solitariness, the very
nearness to the object of his devo-
ton bred in him a paralyZing shyness,
a very agony Of self-consciousness.
Never, perhaps, would he have a
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 perspira-
ton In great beads 10 his brow.
Barbara. with the growing intuition
Of awakened womanhood vaguely
realized all this.
As they came in sight of the house
her heart began to beat painfully.
She moved closer 10 Jasper.
I'm frightened" she whispered.
For the second time that day fire
of indignation swept Jasper's self.
consciousness from him. His hand
went out suddenly and grasped her
small one.
Don't you be afraid" he said
soothingly.
They came opposite the window.
Inside Aunt Hepzibah sat, waiting.
Her jaws were set in heavy, pur-
poseful revenge. Barbara grasped
Jasper's arm with little half-sob.
ooh II hate herr" she whispered.
Jasper stood silent, staring at the
woman, and with the helpless, trem-
|
up within him mighty passion. He
shook Barbara's hand from his arm
almost roughly and took three great
strides toward the house. Then he
halted, suddenly, and turned.
you come with me-" he said.
She had to run to keep up with
him. There was no breath left for
speech. Presently they turned In at
gateway.
"Why, it's the Minister'S" painted
Barbara.
Jasper knocked loudly at the door.
I'VE want to get married." an
nounced Jasper, a steady fire burning
In his eyes.
We'll, now, I'm sure!" exclaimed
the minister's wife bewilderedly.
why, it's little Barbara Larsen and
led them into the front room and
disappeared.
Mighty good thing!" they heard
the minister say. THAT child leads Q
dogs life" He strobe into the room.
well, WE'LL" he said kindly, 80
you want to get married! That's
right, Jasper. You're doing fine with
the farm now. A wife is just what
you need to make the old place lcok
right" He stood them up before HIN.
When it was over and they were
again outside, Jasper took Barbara's
hand In his.
Come" he said.
They walked, hand in hand and
speechless, down the village street
and along the road that led to Jas
per's farm. AS they reached the
gateway the moon peeped out from
under a cloud and flooded the or
chard with silver light Jasper
stopped and gazed dazedly about at
the familiar scene, then down at his
wife's dropping head.
Barbara" he whispered unbeliev-
lngly.
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 mine!
And didn't know / was doing It'll"