The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-10-23
CHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XII
 THEN minutes later they were driving along a very lovely country road.
 As they passed through the coun- try town, for express trains did not stop at Fair Valley, Rupert pointed out the community. house. the churches, the school as well as some of the more i'm pressive homes. Then when they left the main road he leaned back back in the car and declared that he was not going to talk any more as he felt sure Joan would enjoy the ride better in sl- lence. To this she at first demurred but when she began to realize how beautiful was the country through which they were passing she soon ac- knowledged that silence was best,
 It was a winding road that led to Hearts Desire. High on either. side were great hills on whose rough sides cropped out great ragged ledges of rock and huge boulders. As it was late season the trees were stark and brown. although here and there was tinge Of pale spring green. "A lonely land" Joan thought, and she marveled that any one should choose to live in such seemingly remote country. However, It was not long until the car leaped be- yond the shadows of the ragged hills and Joan saw before her the love spot called Fair Valley. Wide fields shown brown and green and there were many beautiful homesteads. ..
 "What a lovely place v she ex- claimed. "I don't wonder 1t IS called Fair Valley"
 q thought you would like it," an- swered Rupert, now eager to tell her of the beauties of his countryside.
 Indeed I do. It's much prettier than those bleak hills we have just passed" and Joan shivered as she thought of their grimness.
 "Yes," answered Rupert, "but were glad to have them around our valley, and look at the lovely streams that come from the mountains" he continued as he waved his hand in the direction of two rocky-bedded brooks.
 "They look like good trout streams" said Joan as she noted the deep pools and the stretches of gurgling water.
 'They are.' But Rupert's eyes sought familiar landmark and he announced triumphantly, There are the silos at Hearts Desire"
 As the car approached the old farm house. a sense of peace seemed to steal within Joan's heart. It reminded her of her fathers boyhoOd home where in childhood days she had spent so many happy summers with her family. As a child she had loved the old country houses for around them as a rule were rambling gardens quite different from the trim little patches that masquerade as such about new suburban houeses. Of course as yet there was not much to see in the way of flowers around Hearts Desire. One golden patch of daffodils caught loans eye. Behind this she could distinguish some lilac bushes, and roses seemed to disport | themselves wherever they listed.
 'Welcome to Hearts Desire" said Rupert as he helped her alight from the car.
 "Thank you," she rejoined as she met his gaze. Dick" remarked Rupert moment later as the chauffeur entered the car again.
 "All right, sir. Goodnight, sir" he replied as the car shot forward towards the garage near the other farm build ings.
 At that moment the door opened and Rosanna appeared. Well, Rosanna," | said Rupert cheerllN, IS everything aIl right?
 "Yes sir, only Sonny will not sleep till he sees you," she replied.
 Well, I guess you won't be bothered looking after the little rascal very much longer. Miss Fairweather is going to relieve you of that responsibility" and Rupert smiled in Joan's direction.
 Perhaps I'll have to come to you and get some pointers on how to handle him." said Joan as she met the gaze of Rosanna's Irish blue eyes, which seemed to give a look of perpetual youth to her weather-beaten face.
 "Shure, Miss, if you need any help from me I'll always be after giving it to you," answered Rosana.
 'Now, R0sanna, I think you'd bet ter show Miss Fairweather her quarters and I hope you've got good supper for Jus as I'm sure VIC can do it justice" re- marked Rupert as hs stood aside for