I 've been a stubborn fool -- but there has n't been an hour in all these years that I have n't thought about you and our baby and longed for you . '' Isabella Spencer had hated this man ; yet her hate had been but a parasite growth on a nobler stem , with no abiding roots of its own . It withered under his words , and lo , there was the old love , fair and strong and beautiful as ever . `` Oh -- David -- I -- was -- all -- to -- blame , '' she murmured brokenly . Further words were lost on her husband 's lips . When the hubbub of handshaking and congratulating had subsided , Isabella Spencer stepped out before the company . She looked almost girlish and bridal herself , with her flushed cheeks and bright eyes . `` Let 's go back now and have supper , and be sensible , '' she said crisply . `` Rachel , your father is coming , too . He is coming to STAY , '' -- with a defiant glance around the circle . `` Come , everybody . '' They went back with laughter and raillery over the quiet autumn fields , faintly silvered now by the moon that was rising over the hills . The young bride and groom lagged behind ; they were very happy , but they were not so happy , after all , as the old bride and groom who walked swiftly in front . Isabella 's hand was in her husband 's and sometimes she could not see the moonlit hills for a mist of glorified tears . `` David , '' she whispered , as he helped her over the fence , `` how can you ever forgive me ? '' `` There 's nothing to forgive , '' he said . `` We 're only just married . Who ever heard of a bridegroom talking of forgiveness ? Everything is beginning over new for us , my girl . '' IV .
JANE 'S BABY Miss Rosetta Ellis , with her front hair in curl-papers , and her back hair bound with a checked apron , was out in her breezy side yard under the firs , shaking her parlor rugs , when Mr. Nathan Patterson drove XXXXX .
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