I should think the Stirlings would be glad to be rid of you. She wanted to see
that mysterioushouse of his back on the Mistawis island.
Valancy was pestered
with invitations todance.
You dont know what Barney has been to me, these past
two years,Cissy had said simply.
If you cannot, friends youllnever be and you
need not waste time in trying. Valancy, out of breath, with a crazilybeating
heart, collapsed on the trunk of a fallen pine. He didnt know how she had
beenbrought up.
Excitement brought thosefaint pink stains to her face.
Oddly
enough, Roaring Abel disapproved of her going to the hillchurch as strongly as
Mrs. But I dare say Ill have some errands for you veryoften when you go to Port
Lawrence. By Barney Snaith,reputed jail-breaker, infidel, forger and
defaulter.
There he was, bareheaded,bristly-chinned, in his old trousers and
his blue homespun shirt.
There were muttered oaths and sullen looks. She was no
longer unimportant, little old maid Valancy Stirling.
Valancy tried desperately
and vainly to free herself.
She knew quite well now that she loved Barney. But
it was a fondness that didnt worryValancy.
Stalling, had never been able to
understand her.
For the first time in her life she liked going tochurch.
The
firstnight they heard him come howling into the yard, Cissy had toldValancy not
to be afraid. Stalling, had never been able to understand her. When I drifted
in at Abels this evening and Cissy told me youdcome here I was amazed.
Her
feelings werebadly mixed and she had never had so many in such a brief time
inher life. Theres no gas nearer than Deerwood, nine milesaway. He never drinks
when heengages to play for a party. I can imagine it, said Valancy, with a
shrug of her shoulders.
Valancy could still hear his dismal moans when she
wentcalmly to sleep.
He was a man of education and intelligence.
He gripped the
sides of his chairand ground his teeth. I made a fair bargain withher, and shes
free to conclude it when she likes. Im going over to the Port, Barney was
saying.
What a scandal it would make for her poor people.
Stalling, a nurse is
not what Cissy needs, said Valancyearnestly. Miss Stirling, I am here in
response to your mothers wishes.
|