Norwich bulletin., 1914-01-31

road often appeared about the same time, a boy. Robert Townley, little older than themselves fortified with a similar dinner pail, and with pockets well stuffed with rosy-cheeked apples, which he impartially bestowed upon the little girls whose cheeks were as rosy as the apples he offered them;
 Many years ago Prue had removed to a western prairie, from whence came frequent letters, telling of happy home with loving husband ana three bright healthy children Robert ToWnley also, went to a distant city from which came reports of his sue cess in both business and politics, but since the death of his parents little had been heard from him directly Betty still remained unwed, but the old turnpike had many charm for her. recalling she did the old days and associations.
 What had brought about her feeling of uncertainty and dejection? Noth- ing other than this: Lucinda had had a call to duty elsewhere, and Miss Betty felt that life had come to standstill for her. Lucinda's sister in an adjoining town had died leaving five small children, and Lucinda felt | that no one but herself could care for | those children. Remonstrances were
 of no use go she must and would. A 1 month was the limit sh eput for her l remaining with Miss Betty, and the | time was nearly elapsed. What was l to be done? And Miss Betty sat in ] the gloaming bemoaning her sad lot Afterwards she always said the 1 darkest hour was just before dawn. and relief came from the most unex- pected sources. The forlorn widower was the first to furnish a ray of light. He had found a second wife close at hand, and wrote Lucinda to that ef- | feet. Just like a mani" was her l exclamation Well, I know the wo- i man, and she'll be good to the chil- | dren, I guess"
 | The next glimpse of daybreak came
 from Joshua. Say. Lucinda drawled ] he, me and you've been, here together
 a good while and I felt bad to know | you were going. Seems if l could
 mt stay without you. Suppose l hitch
 up and we go up to Parsons and get | hitched ourselves. We couldn't do | better, and might do worse. What do
 you say? ?'
 Just like a man." responded Lu- cinda, always thinking a woman will jump at any offer. But seeing it's
 you, guess I'll say yes; Let's go in
 to the parson, and tell Miss Betty afterwards" Surprised Miss Betty
 certainly was, but sincere in her good i wishes and generous in her wedding gifts to the newly welded pair
 One day there arrived for Miss Bet
 ty a letter from the west. All the vil-
 lage knew about 1t as soon as she
 that Robert Townley had written to Miss Betty, and all the old gossips re-
 called their memories of former times
 when the names of Robert and Betty
 were coupled in youthful romance.
 Sure enopgh, Betty's youthful lover
 had written t purge his suit. Rumol had reached him of her marriage tC
 another, and only lately had it beer
 disproved to him, and he pleaded his
 cause, telling her he should soor
 follow his letter to get her decision 1T
 person.
 Robert soon arrived as he promised and a wedding followed in the ol'
 home to which all the village wer ) invited, and never had a merrie party assisted at a merrier wedding Lucinda outdid herself in preparinI the wedding feast and Joshua dis ; pensed hospitality to all who cam ) The only grief was losing Miss Bett from their midst Lucinda and Joshu l were left in charge of the old home We shall come often to the ol } place." asserted the happy pair, "th distance is a mere nothing in thes l days, and we shall never forget tn l old home, and those who have mad 3 us happy in it'' 'Pli never lose hear [ again. said Betty. nor spend tim