Aunt Alvirah stood on the porch and waved her apron at Ruth every time the girl turned around, until the wagon had crossed the bridge and was way up the long hill on the Cheslow road.  It was a delightful June afternoon and had Ruth been traversing this pleasant highway in almost any other way, she would have enjoyed the ride mightily.

CHAPTER XXI

 The end of the term

But the companionship of the grim and glum proprietor of the Red Mill was not conducive—­ in Ruth’s case, at least—­ to any feeling of pleasure.  Uncle Jabez seemed about to speak to her a dozen times before they were out of sight of the mill; but every time Ruth turned toward him, half expecting to be addressed, his lips were grimly set and he was looking straight ahead over the mules’ ears.

It is doubtful if Uncle Jabez saw anything of the beauty of the day or the variety of the landscape.  Looking as he did he could not have observed by his eyes of flesh much but the brown ribbon of road before them, for miles.  And it is doubtful if, spiritually, he appreciated much of the beauty of the June day.  The mules toiled up the long hill, straining in their collars; but they began to trot upon the other side of the ridge and the five miles to Cheslow were covered in a comparatively short time.

Finally, when Uncle Jabez drew up before one of the largest stores, she felt that she must break the awful silence.  And stumblingly she preferred her request: 

“If you are going to be some time trading, Uncle Jabez, can’t I go down to call on Mercy Curtis?  I can come here again and meet you at any time you say.”

“Who’s that?  Sam Curtis’ gal—­ the cripple?” asked Uncle Jabez, shortly.

“Yes, sir.  She likes to have me come and see her.”

“Can’t you find nothing more interestin’ to do when ye come to town than go to see a sick gal?” was the miller’s surprising inquiry.

“I—­ I promised to call on her if I could whenever I was in town.  She really likes to have me come,” explained Ruth.

“Well, you can go,” grunted Uncle Jabez.  “I’ll stop there for ye when I’m done tradin’.”

He had already climbed down from the high seat.  Ruth came lightly down after him and he actually turned and jumped her over the wheel so that her dress should not be soiled.  Then, suddenly, he said: 

“Wait.  I want you to go into this store with me first.”

He turned away abruptly, so that Ruth could not see what his countenance expressed.  He carefully tied his mules to a hitching post and then stumped into the store without again glancing in her direction.  Ruth followed him timidly.

It was a big store with many departments, and on one side were dry goods and clothing, where the clerks were women, or young girls, while the groceries, provisions, hardware and agricultural tools were displayed upon the other side of the long room.  Uncle Jabez strode straight to the first woman he saw who was disengaged.