The Third Violet

y. Grey crags, and trees with roots fastened cleverly to t

orm of the little mountain station. The idlers and philosophers from the village were present to examine the consignment of people from the

"Hello, little man," said Hawker, "did it hurt?" The child regarded him in silence and with sudden interest, as if Hawker had called his attention to a phenomenon. The young painter was politely waiting until the little boy s

rm. Hawker, prowling through the crowd, heard a voice near his shoulder say, "Do you know where is the stage for Hemlock Inn?" Hawker turned and found a young woman regarding him. A wave of astonishment whirled into his hair, and he turned his eyes qui

e. Finally he perceived a man who grinned expectantly at him. "Oh," said Hawker, "you drive the sta

Presently she appeared there. She was bringing the little boy, the little girl, the nursemaid, and another young woman, who was at once to be known as the mother of the two children. The girl indicated the stage with

plied Hawker

ed-leather leggings bravely to and fro. "I don't cry when I'm hurt, anyhow.

tting. Dust streamed out behind the vehicle. In front, the green hills were still and serene in the evening air. A beam of gold struck them aslant, and on t

y correctly mucilaged to their seats, but their lar

to be in the country

ry well," ans

unting, and everything. Ma

pe yo

ever shoo

N

ill. Mister Hollanden, he said he'd

eemed embarrassed at this interruption, for he leaned back in silence with an apologetic look at Hawker. Presently the stage began to

ng forward and discovering to her his interest. Secretly and impiously he wriggled in his seat, and as the bumping

was an hour late t'night," he said, addressing the interior. "It'll be ni

ntly, but at last

e Hawker, and roared, "You're ol

es

b'fore. Live in the

es

off at th'

es

little stay doo

es

e 'em fifty cents, but I ses t' th' ol' man. 'Tain't no use. Goldern

ke. He glanced furtively down the stage. She was app