The Broad Highway

"Do you know where she is going, George? I can tell you--she is

going to your smithy--to pray for you--do you hear, to pray for

you? Come!" and I seized his arm.

"No, Peter, no--I durstn't--I couldn't." But he suffered me to

lead him forward, nevertheless. Once he stopped and glanced

round, but the village was asleep about us. And so we presently

came to the open doorway of the forge.

And behold! Prue was kneeling before the anvil with her face

hidden in her arms, and her slender body swaying slightly. But

all at once, as if she felt him near her, she raised her head and

saw him, and sprang to her feet with a glad cry. And, as she

stood, George went to her, and knelt at her feet, and raising the

hem of her gown, stooped and kissed it.

"Oh, my sweet maid!" said he. "Oh, my sweet Prue!--I bean't

worthy--I bean't--" But she caught the great shaggy head to her

bosom and stifled it there.

And in her face was a radiance--a happiness beyond words, and

the man's strong arms clung close about her.

So I turned, and left them in paradise together.