ok out
upon the river. Everything was full of peace, and if she could only
bring herself in harmony with the world of nature how good it would be.
The music of the birds, and the hum of bees sounded in her ears. But
her brain was too much concerned about other affairs to enjoy the
bright things around her. She felt restless, and a feeling of some
impending calamity oppressed her. Perhaps it was the lack of sleep,
for she had rested very little the last two nights.

The click of the little gate aroused her, and looking up she saw a
little woman walking up the path toward the house. The visitor was
shabbily dressed, and she hurried along as if fearful of being
followed. She was panting heavily by the time she was upon the
verandah, and seemed about ready to drop from weariness.

"Why, Hettie!" Mrs. Hampton exclaimed, as she rose to receive her.
"What is the matter? You look tired out. Sit here, while I get you
some refreshment."

"No, no, I mustn't sit down," the visitor replied, as she glanced
apprehensively around. "Gabe might come at any minute. He's
everywhere, it seems to me, and has eyes like a hawk."

"Yon just sit down and rest," Mrs. Hampton ordered, leading the
frightened woman to a chair. "Your husband will not touch you here.
If he does, it won't be well for him."

"Oh, thank you, thank you, so much. But you don't know Gabe as well as
I do. He will kill me if he knows I've been here."

"Indeed he will do no such thing, Hettie. Sit here and calm your mind.
I shall be back in a minute."

Mrs. Hampton hurried into the house, and in short time returned,
carrying a small tray, containing a glass of home-made wine, and a
plate of cake. This she placed on a small table near the agitated
woman.

"Drink this, dear, and try some of my cake. They will refresh you."

Almost mechanically Mrs. Grimsby did as she was bidden, while Mrs.
Hampton watched her curiously, wondering as to the cause of her
excitement.

"Do you feel better now?" she asked, as the visitor replaced the glass
upon the tray.

"Thank you, I do feel refreshed. But I must not stay long, though it
is so comfortable here."

Thrusting her hand into the bosom of her dress, she brought forth a
roll of bills, and laid it on Mrs. Hampton's lap.

"There, that's all I could find," she whispered. "He must have spent
the rest."

"Why, what is this?" Mrs. Hampton asked in surprise as she picked up
the money."

"It is yours; the mo