Part 17 (1/2)

Mr. Westmore was forced to smile in spite of his weakness as he looked into the doctor's strong, rugged face.

”G.o.d bless you,” he replied. ”This isn't the first time you have been a firm friend to me. I can never forget how you stood day and night by the side of my dear wife, doing all in your power to keep her with us a little longer.”

”Tut, tut, man,” and the doctor turned away to hide a mistiness in his eyes. ”She was worthy of it, and her like can't be found every day. But come, Steve has been waiting at the door for some time, and we must be away.”

Chapter XV.

Deepening Shadows

As Nellie stood at the study window the Sunday afternoon her father left for Craig's Corner a sense of depression and loneliness stole over her.

How much longer could her father continue those hard drives, she wondered.

He was getting old. His hair was so white and his steps feeble. What was to become of him when he could perform his beloved work no longer? She knew very well how they were pressed for money, and how much had gone to help Philip in his fight in British Columbia. How many things had they gone without! Even mere common necessities had been given up. Naturally her mind turned to the auction, and the money her father had paid down for the farm. Four thousand dollars! Where had it come from, and why would her father never tell her, or speak about it in her presence? How often had she lain awake at night thinking about it all! Then to hear people more than hinting about Billy Fletcher's gold, and what had become of it, was at times more than she could bear. Never for a moment did she doubt her father, but often she longed to ask him for an explanation of the mystery.

Was the money his own, or was he handling it for someone else? If so, why should he not tell her--his only daughter--who was so dear to him?

She was aroused by the arrival of several children from the houses nearest the Rectory. Every Sunday afternoon Nellie found her real enjoyment with her little cla.s.s. She had known them all since their birth, and they loved her. How longingly they looked forward to that brief Sunday gathering.

There were no harsh, strict rules here, no perfunctory opening and closing, and no lifeless lessons droned forth in a half-rebellious spirit.

It was all joy and love. How their voices did ring as Nellie played on the little harmonium some sweet hymn attuned to childish hearts and minds.

Then, after the lessons were over, there came the treat of the day--a story read from one of those marvellous books kept on a shelf in a corner all by themselves. When at last the story had been finished and the cla.s.s dispersed, Nellie locked the doors, and made her way to Vivien Nelson's.

What a hearty welcome she received from them all! To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, hard-working, G.o.d-fearing people, she was as their own daughter. She and Vivien, their only child, had been playmates together at school, and their friends.h.i.+p had never languished. There Nellie felt at home. She knew that no matter what disagreeable things were being said about her father throughout the parish, no word of reproach or blame was ever mentioned in the Nelson home. Others might think what they liked about Parson John, but the Nelsons had known him too long in times of sorrow and joy to believe any evil of their old Rector.

Here Nellie stayed until the following afternoon, and then made her way home to have the house comfortable before her father came back. As the evening drew near she anxiously watched for his return. She saw the dull grey sky and knew that a storm threatened. As the darkness deepened and the wind raved about the house, and the snow beat against the north windows, her anxiety increased. The supper table stood ready in its snowy whiteness; the kettle sang on the stove and the fire in the sitting-room grate threw out its cheerful glow. It was a scene of peace and genial comfort contrasted with the raging of the elements outside. But Nellie thought nothing of this, for her heart was too much disturbed. Had anything happened to her father and Dan? It was some relief to know that the lad was along, for two were better than one should an accident occur.

Her eyes roamed often to the little clock ticking away on the mantel-piece. Six-seven-eight-nine. The hours dragged slowly by. She tried to read, but the words were meaningless. She picked up her needlework, but soon laid it down again, with no heart to continue. Once more she glanced at the clock. Ten minutes after nine. She thought it longer than that since it had struck the hour. She arose to attend the kitchen fire, when a loud knock upon the front door startled her. She turned back, and stood for an instant in the centre of the room. Her heart beat fast, and her face paled. Tramps were frequently seen in Glendow, working their way from one place to another. At times they were impudent and tried to force an entrance into houses. It was a likely night for them to seek shelter, and suppose one were standing out there now! What could she, a lone woman, do?

Another rap, harder than the first, fell upon her ears. Something must be done, and at once. Crossing the room and pausing near the door she demanded who was there.

”Sam Dobbins,” came the reply, and Nellie breathed more freely as she unlocked the door, opened it and admitted the visitor.

”'Tis a blasted night,” the man remarked as he tried to shake himself free from his mantle of snow and stamped upon the floor with his great heavy boots. ”If I'd known 'twas so bad I'd never stirred one step.”

”Is anything wrong?” questioned Nellie, fearful lest Sam was the bearer of ill news. ”Have you seen my father?”

”Your father! Isn't he home?” and the man looked his surprise.

”No, he hasn't come yet, and I'm so uneasy.”

”Well, I declare, and to think that I have come all the way to see him, and he's not here. When do you expect him?”

”I expected him home before dark, but now I don't know what to think. Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Dobbins? Won't you take a seat?”

”No, there's nothin' you kin do, miss. I've got to see the parson, and only him. I hate the job, but I've got to do it. I'm the only constable in the place, and I've got to do my duty.”

At these words a startled look came into Nellie's face. She took a step forward and looked keenly into the man's eyes.