A Mountain Europa

igure of Raines came into the philanthropic picture forming slowly in his mind, and his conscience was quieted. He could see them together; the gradual change that Easter would bring

from the vices of the other, and training it after more breadth and refinement. But Raines and Easter did not lend them

he was regarded by the mother, Clayton had learned long ago, when, in answer to one of his questions, she had said, with a look at Easter, that " Raines was the likeliest young feller in them mountains "; that

elligible to him, she refused to speak of her studies when Raines was at the cabin, and warned her mother with an angry frown when the latter began telling the mountaine

ntion, Clayton noticed, was fixed on Easter and himself. He felt that he was being watched, and it irritated him. He had tried to be friendly with the mountaineer, but his advances were received with a r

ght into view the wavering outline of Pine Mountain and the shadowed valley below. It was evident from his face and his eyes, which glowed with the suppressed fire of some powerfu

she said, after

lips and caught the back of his c

erness, "that hit would 'a' been ea

but she said nothing, and he

off until I'm afeard maybe hit air too late. But I'm a-goin' to say hit now, and I want ye to lis

told her what was comin

eer what folks in the mountains say? I reck

" said the mountain

she asked, defiantly. Ra

often; as how Easter Hicks, who hev never keered fer no m

in spite of her a

somebody oughter warn Easter that he air not a-meanin' good

, with quick suspicion. T

he said,

kindling against her gossiping fe

iness? I want to tell ye, Sherd Raines"-her utterance grew thick-" that I kin take keer o' myself; that I don't keer what folks say; 'n' I want ye to keep away fro

which was lost in mist. The girl's attitude changed instantly into - vague alarm, and her eyes flashed upon Raines as though they would

th rage and scorn. N' ye air mean and sorry enough to some hyeh 'n' tell me

? Her nostrils quivered; she tried to speak again, but her voice was choked with passion. With a sudden movement she snatched he

I know as how, when y'u give yer word, you'll do what you say. Now, I want ye to hold up yer

is face, which was as

th fierce impatience. Without looking

on the mountains, him 'n' me, we seed you 'n' the furriner. Yer dad thought hit was a spy,

was up in the mountains all the time, 'n' I hev been a-totin' things fe

Moving away, she stood leaning

inued, " 'n' I want ye to know it. I knowed the furriner begun comm' here cause ye air not like gals in the settlemints. Y'u air as cur'us to him as one o' them bugs an' sich-like that he's always a-pickin' up in the woods. I hevn't said nuthin' to yer dad, fer fear o' his harmin' the furriner; but I hev seed that ye like him, an' hit's time now fer me to meddle. Ef he was in love w

ye do when he's gone ef ye lets yerself git to thinkin' so much of him now? I've warned ye now, Easter, fer yer own good, though ye mough

e would call him back and tell him that she cared no more for the "furriner " than she did for him. She started from the steps, but paused, straining her eyes through the darkness. It was too late, and, with a helpless little cry, she began pacing the porch. She had scarcely heard what was said after the mountaineer's first accusation, so completely had that enthralled her mind; now fragments came back to her. There was something about a picture-ah! she remembered that picture. Passing through the camp one afternoon, sh

e soft flesh that rose before her mind. She had forgotten that he had ever told her that he must go away, so little had it impressed her at the time. She had never thought of a possible change in their relations or in their lives. She tried to think what her life would be after he was gone, and she was frightened; she could not imagine her old life resumed. When Clayton came, it was as though she had risen from sleep

, the shame of it-the shame of being pointed out and laughed at after Clayton's departure; it was no longer helpless wonder at the fierce emotions racking her for the first time: her whole being was absorbed in the realization which slowly forced itself into her heart and brain-some day he must go away; som

the woods, night noises grew fainter, and the mists floated up from the valley and Clung arou

ir gone, y'u better come in to bed. Y'

and must fill it again. It was a summons to begin anew a life that was