The Argosy — page 321: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Within their Gates. 305 With this final thrust, Mr. Alfred Hale disappeared for the night. And the next morning he went off for his week's holiday. “Joy go with him!” cried David and Ton, flinging up their caps. “ Father, he has lately been as sullen as a bear.” III. After Mr. Hale’s stormy departure, the time flew on quietly and serenely in the Owen household. Though daily growing stronger and showing himself less of an invalid, the stranger still lingered within their gates, and gave no sign of any intention to leave. ‘ You are welcome to stay with us until you are quite strong and well,” Mr. Owen had said to him more than once; for he regarded few things as more sacred than the laws of hospitality. It might be that the attractions of Mary detained him ; it might be that (supposing he had some motive for concealing himself) this out- of-the-way spot of earth was to. him as a haven of safety. At any rate, here Mr. Shepard stayed. And, now that he was amongst them, sitting at their board, just as the sullen tutor had been, they all grew to like him very, very much. With the farmer he conversed on the affairs of the world, so remote from them ; David and Tom got him to go fishing and to give them all sorts of welcome information; the three young girls were violently in love with him, and avowed it. But for the mystery that did in a degree surround him, the farmer could have made a friend of this attractive man. They were now in the delicious days of September. The whole earth in its warm beauty seemed to have put forth its attractions for this especial spot. At least, so thought Mary; as she and her sisters lingered out of doors in the pleasant air, by bush and brake, in the garden pertaining to the house, or under the fine mountains, Mr. Shepard ever by her side. Come what would, no days of her future life could ever bring a similar charm again. The week passed happily. With the commencement of another, David and Tom went to school again. The tutor had not come back. Instead of that, the master, to his great wrath, received a letter from him, saying that the business he was endeavouring to transact was delayed ; but that he hoped to return to his post shortly. A few days yet went on; days of sweet serenity, of perfect happi- ness. At least, they were so to Miss Owen. Then came an announcement from the farmer that he should have to go on the following day to the county town, on business connected with his farm. He asked Mr. Shepard if he would like to take the other seat in his gig, and go with him. Mr. Shepard, thanking him for the offer, declined it; and the farmer started the next morning before * daybreak. VOL. XXII. comichooks.com Da