Gilpin observer., 1913-02-06
CHAPTER X.
In Which Captain Eben Receives
Caller.

At the edge Of the bluff, just where
the pines and the bayberry bushes
were thickest, where the narrow,
crooked little footpath dipped over the
rise and down to the pasture land and
the salt meadow, John Ellery and
Grace had halted in their walk. The
minister's face was pale, but set and
determined. and he was speaking rap
idly.
II can't help It," he said. II can't
help It. have made up my mind and
nothing can change 1t, nothing but
you. 1t rests with you. If you say
yes, then nothing else matters. Will
you say it,"
He was holding both her hands now.
and though she tried to withdraw
them. he would not let her.
"Will your" he pleaded.
ri can't" she answered brokenly. "I
can't Think Of your church and Of
your people. What would they say
f."
IT don't care what they say"
She shook her head
Some Of them might respect you"
she said. They would say you had
been led into this by me and were not
20 much to blame. But l."
They shall respect my wife," he In
tsrrupted. swapping his teeth together.
"or I'll know the reason why"
ri can't! I can't! My uncle"
"Your uncle shall hear It from me.
Well 60 to him together. I'll tell him
myself. He worships you"
Yea, know. He does worship me.
That's why I am sure he had rather
SEQ me dead than married to you,
Regular, and Regular minister.
know-I know he would never con-
else. Nat"
MAT? Are you considering him,
too! Is he to stand between US?
What right has he to say"
Hush! hush! He hasn't said any
thing. But-but he and uncle have
quarreled, Just a little. didn't tell
you, but they have. And / think
know the reason. Nat is Uncle Eben's
idol. II the quarrel should grow more
serious. I believe 1t would break his
heart. couldn't bear to be the cause
of that; should never forgive my
self"
You the cause? How could you
be the cause OF a quarrel between
those twof Grace. think Of me-"
John" she said. 'It is of you am
thinking. Everything else could =
might be overcome. perhaps But
must think Of your future and your
life. must. That is why"
He did not wait to hear more. He
seized her in his arms and kissed her.
Then you do care!" he cried JOY
fully. you will marry me?"
For an instant she lay quiet In his
embrace. receiving. II not responding
to his caresses. Then she gently but
firmly freed herself. He saw that
there were tears In her eyes.
II don't know" she sobbed. "Oh.
] don't know! | must think mustl
Wait, please wait. John. Perhaps by
tomorrow ! can answer. I'll try-Ill
try. Don't ask me again. now. Let
me think. Oh. dol"
She started down the path. He hes
itated. then ran after her.
Tomorrow" he questioned eager.
ly. Tomorrow. then, you'll say that
you will?"
"Oh, perhaps, perhaps! mustn't
promise. Good night"
1t was after seven when Grace
reached the old tavern. The house
keeper. Mrs. Poundberry, was anxious
ly awaiting her. She wore her bonnet
and Sunday gown and was evidently
ready to go.
"Supper's on the table and the kit.
0e's abilin'. You better eat in q
hurry, cause it's meetin' time now.
Your uncle. he started ten minutes
sgo. I'm agoin' right along, too, but
J amt goin' to meetin'; I'm agoin' up
Betsy Els to stay all night. She's