Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 5, Number 4, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 25 July 1874 — Page 6

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THE

A PAPER

FOR THE

Can wi

PEOPLE.

Written lor The Matt-1

,o^osay e-y^ui'4

WA MAX DMTVr. leai.tberpsMftUlj'^

there.

On® by ona, the ywu* are rolling, y, o'er ft limltle*» Sea ft {*wlft by la*hin* wave*,

O'er boondkm vaaqweriUtyi Dro* In' :1 I«*vtom

•an ure toons®, rorn.

Tracing,

lite together ...i-.! :••:.! aid EMIT .1

v«ra« of recall

We can look In For the »**it the win -»wn, Ami can cliwtah «h,

Whichfron»out

grown*

From oat the tc Is given, Tbesw«*«»t" Tospeaktofritii

The rose's uncuWe can read on smoothed roe*, What 1* written t• -e in And reveals to nature's child,

The history of sij«mt yean. -One by one Ufa's sands are pouring, Oat the fin", f^lr silent grief tgotne are la)

Yet, we aiv

t*ui»ag,MIeaf

by lew.

^WiSt^forThejWatt.]

"I Won't Tell if You

AVont/V

5TEmK6ooAB JOAH.

Why don't she c*me I never knew her to be on time

natftl period, you must have been a little premature, or your tongue, at leaf*. Clinch it between yofltr toeth, Bess, just this One day," pfa/ed.Al^.~'

Bah my tongue is my own, sir, to have,to hold, and to use uiitildteat£ doth as part/' I ratfrtetl, *If dou't wear out," put In Petite,- with on# of hep shy grins. I.disdained to notice such an' absorb idea, but, at that moment, espying Glib in the act of abstracting a cream puff from my basket, I pounced down upon him and wrestea my possessions from his grasa "What business have you to put yfnriWSo ihj&y basket, I'd like to know I demanded, shutting down the lid with a snap, and to guard cr^nst ftirthcr depredations swung mv sket acrosstny arm. Glib got up from Ms kwes"wi^bifig. When didul he, kwi&t It W #uch an easy devilish laugh set you thinking of all manner of intiirno, cunning and deviltry made you t'o.-t uneasy and uncomfortable all over.

Glib, that was a bad ease of pilfering when you consider that the contents of that small receptacle were selected, set forth, and consecrated to be a propitia

tory

offering to the palate of our dear paternal friend and ben—" That word was never finished, for a nosegay, I held l»* than, left aiyfcaudwitb ®brnpt haste and unerring aim and lodged Alec mouth, thereby arresting the playful motion of his lips. We all laughed. My loud tones (I never could laugh the soft dulcet notea of J»ost women) mingled with PetiteVahrHl eackle, Aloe's mufr fled ha, haw! m* devilish. easy,„crecpija« uiinprthfW, $ho of Ollb's.

Maybe. Bess, you can by soothing his stomach find the avenue to his paternal affections and be a blessing to your femily. Donl forget if you gain h£ gen as* to your soCtbraalhings, tny wit, my beauty, my accomplishments. Tell him I sing "in notes almost divine," admonished that Olib wretch, daintily divesting a wlDow twig of its hark. "Tell him tor me, dearest sister, that I can orate yes, that I evince fine oratorical talent,"nut in Alec, assuming a tragical attitude and looking as if Hamlet's solUoquy was forthcoming. •Tell him, Bess, my. dear, tBCat I can

juicing raising her arms after the manner of a ballet-dancer. "You can tell him yourselves, what you please, I won* do the fewnlng fbr any of you," I retorted, "but if ne prefers not to marry me and will adopt me instead won't oWect. Petite, do run In and bring Helen, if she seems inclined to linger, bring her by the hair of the head. Stowe'i and liarlam's went by an hour ago." Petite executed a wai step or two, roll up her eyes and ..u parted, while th ^pj* audi waited. Yes. waited wehadalreadv a fall quarter of an hour, and loomed to w^t ten blissRil minutes loiv r-r. You must be inarmed that we Wcto stoing to a young folks' picnic, down In Wilton's grove. A v. ry T&he affair it was to be, and aceoniifcjf tu urevioas arrangements we eaght to nave started an hour a *. sThe grove was a half-mile lY'.in our house, and is 11 murmurs of. and merriment reached oar ears, as we Ited here on the lawn under the horse uwtnut fbr Helen, our stately HtU fnni:^ r-r kno i' be In a hurry. I ••rlieve il vL. hoti pled over with in It she would extn, •ill the vTtsmtfr fTrhtv.-nt moveaev' t!i.» «tu fine poetical (K-1 11'M11

eid

to her g**wiui i' nothing to 1' .wnea

H\-. l- .'-wh«a ••)!.• wrani- cr* f^rwwl it is a I •»lf down to the jr or rirTftly stft Rnt iui »'i wi a de .. ••.!!) i-i'i.aly. H-'h'n. b'-:it:* t-*l and 'i'"" ^''Nt

remark

Inspiring, hat. 01 -if!:---.* hr..f tl, (V s-Jt'-h!..-• to snubon »d t-.

.1'

::-"ie

II 0 It

ft..ui 1..-I fvrv T..i' foal dvU B»-*y •Nrrf-msrh. iwh! H' I' u' |-,t -U..T "It !.••• to Li.- ..i i:e ,«br ia-

.. i'J eovrtear too,«br yet

mfe rait 1T:„ "V

Ui r,

i. -5

,» '. a I" t: LjJ. i. Hi' tkbllHM A men

.• 1U I"-.

n»r !h a.

«.*-

Krace,—Petite an apple blossom imprfiiken all in all we were a prrtty well —»rt«d, se»-c^t«nrfW.

eu irom the hooae. Calm

a"f.

lily was oar queen.

Her

white mualin

dung about her trlth the wit^lnggT*ee with which (the wa*en petals of timt

ani Glib, true to the instincteof his nature, relieved her of it as we aetftM-warti. He offered to take mine also, but I still retained recollections «f rc* a P*», and droppeditover A 's iti instead. "Helen, see that your hMket is wefl closed," I admonish* ed. "Whyf"

Because GHb steals cream pu|» every chanee he geti" Has he been stealing from you

He tried it and got caijaht—l advlfe you to watch him for Arth sake. A faint tinge deepened Helen's cheek at this, but she for Alec was •j lt.wrnal friend aj| Uk. cream puffs goodly store,"

harf no time to answer ving, "Bess thinks onr aou V^netoctor' might

it I

has on hanc|a

We" all langhed. Indeed, the words "paternal t' ntl and beneftwt-or, as ito* ternieted to our sen meant food for our visible*. Twa- this way they originated, uncle Ben Morton, mother's only brot?v*r, had made hlshtme with usev«f sl!i'i they had sent him to us crippled, and maimed for life at that dreadful battle of Antietam, and this "paternal friend," alias, Walter Keat, had sn his college-chum in boyhood, his br her offleer during the war, and his friend always. They had catried on a disjointed correspondence ever sinoe the war, but had never seen each other. But a few days ago Uncle Hen received lettet: hhn sUtin

r^eeiyec as|»e hac rula ftot

fraem- hhii sUting £h?it aslie fcad

to go West on business, he would f4op aud see hSn on his \rty out. To-tlaw he was e*iie4ed, and Vnelo lien h^il cone down to Alton an hour ago to meet mm, aadthetewas a protoabMitjr niight join mat the grove# I I

In the nonsensical discussion of his advent, we yo^ng-iolks had atlvanced so ^qjgs concerning hun thaTa6iO«i)Qief llaBgs wo had dubbed him our "Svtcmal mend and benefactor," and I had even gone so iUr as to ro^fy^etenfi^ifelo set my cap for

At tiiei^tr xW'ifcund a goodly assembly of the flower of our neighborhoqdj|»nd as we nere a livelv set we mentptttji t^rpiil^eloome. Under tho treei pfaftfcrtn wrftooth and chalkcd, suggested dancing, and several musicians already twanging the bow enhanced the idea.

Lunch baskets were first emptied and we girls eyed each other's stores askance as we arranged the various eatables upon tjbej[iBpromptu tables the boys had prepared. At ten o'clock the dancing began, by Arthur Reeves, Helen's betrothed, leading her out for a quadrille. I danced with Giib, and Aleojbwawjd oWr thrtMf hsral-tf *a a my Vburfg widow,visiting thoHarlam s. Oh! it was glorious there under tho trees. The soft June air rustling the leaves and softening the music into a thousand eehdfes «a* If reverberated among the Wooded hftlsfc' To the south, glimmering among the trees, was our little rivor, smoothly,lazily flowing. Dance followed danoo, until from very weariness we adjourned to the dinner table.

What shouts of laughter—what badinage mingled with blushes, what sallies of wit what confusion »f tongues, filled up the next hour. Petite smuggled her

self

down at my elbow, and was devotion itself to me, all because Will Marsh sat beside her. Will was a very tedious with nQ ,decided talent, if jnt»ant for dogs and •vvOuld liicve it Alec and were on* vis vis, and when was in the Ittfdst of a glowing account of the remarkably fast time his "Black Nell" had recently made I caught Alec's eye, and that peculiar

youn we JfCttses. thgw!,. poor W

it 'U pemStfani ks luck

shame he saved me, not purposely though. He was in the act of raising his glass to his lips, when plump into it sprawled a worm from the trees overhead. It was his torn to look like a fool and evcrvbody thought I was laughing at him. *My plate of cream puffs was near Petite, and at this juncture she gravely passed them across to him with, "Since our 'paternal friend' has failed to ajppear, ^rWtj|9y^ujauiy be allpwed bis

Another laugh, for Alec and Glib had arnounced my intention to capture the 'Vmlng man" with such other comts and addltions as they had seen fit U. a Id. After dinner we wandered by twos and threos among the trees, gathering mosses, or, reclined in picturesque attitude* upon the grass. Alec converted a grape vine into a low swinging seat for himself and the widow, and sat a whole hour talking to her in that attent: .i lover-like way, which looks miK-li twit with him means nothing. It

:ni, Olib and

.St li

h« If with I in h*iv "S»M»»«*.

AMI upon

V- ry

-!"ll tO, .. ivem

to do but ii-t-T. And i«- po-

w«. iui.\ "1 _s _«.«

iiit •r.

1 iv

«wrt of u-il

all joy, ail qaintecMenee of {my« .e« nutfaaa

.*.•»• Jf ^-«P-

reached home and ftwmd mottor l»^e haU sewing. This hall of ours is a wide airy one naxWng front the llcont to the roar of tho house and tin general wy of the fiunily. -Beat, what npon earth lathe matter," demandMroothw. ^Matter? Juat look look here.'1. I elavatod my skixta until the wionBity of my mishap was visible In ailJU BM«nltude. Looking down at

Yes, they are .here I beliwe they went Into tb« grapery to smoke," she answered. "What doea be look like, mother? Does he look at all like the paternal friend my soul yearns Hnades or the dead and all wise men of* all ages] I here glanced into the sitting room and met the laughing eyas of a stranger who, paper in hand, was sitting on the sow commanding a full view of the hall.

His look, his manner, told me he had seen and heard all. I fled. Safe in my room I cried for an hour. To think I had made such an exhibition of my muddy self. To think I had caljod I nIien'a dearest friend names to his very feee. I undressed and crept into the bath, feeling a little worse than I ever felt in my lite. As I became calmer one idea took possession of mo—! must keep this from the boys. I'd force mother into secrecy and if Ac had any HenRche keep a stilt tongue. Drawing hurridly I went below. Mother was stemming strawberries for tea, and putting my arms around her I begged her not to tell. She laughed a little, but gave the exacted promise. In half an hour the plcnlp folks came, tired, hungry and noisy. I

on tho back porch when Glib spied me and called the rest. I had made up my mind for a small tempest, and my ftce was set to the blast. Alec lifted mv dross with his thumb and finger «nd examined my boots. Petite nmlged mo in tho sides, Heleu askod after my health, and Glib, the wretch, only loaned against a pillar and laughed that devilish laugh of his, that irritates moro than word*. Unole lion camo hobbling through th© hail, hjiiuing on tho arm of the strangor, whilo the merriment was

ftt"What^ju'p?

f'etite

He would tell you the price Ha just that way. Grace Ham-

coficloded to walk

.. to the river. When we reached it, Ir-, found the tnith of the old adage that in (Stance lies enchantment. rs were low murky Debris from th" goring floods oov I the banks a ti. An old log, in o.ie place, exw. ded a little ways otit from the hank. I r- sni ved to get out ujM.n It. G»ee mon '. lted, but Glib '!i! sald, "te. m. Bern, go all means and !o ur lower exl nitihra dangle fftiUy over the wfeto-', eh of you for our ^paiertialfMnds "I dare to do it, 1, J'UUIUJU Jf ont and tnping my^ lf the voiy cn of the log.

if".:' fl r'Tifi! «fKi teari»|! leaf t:"-. --li.-inr, Ollb jmx-' :in'. I V. .t «hel him. Sv inoinh f«ttiui tlwit wide." l#feoutvAfwini: the limai lie fln-W tor il.

r*.T*tt. dlca ft

I, I, U«d*.U!» I tor rt". ..1 !i.i!in df wh"le

1 if fcriW.| l»TPf lif. .nld ilH-'ilti «ar. i-tn\ Ti.. r.--Um Uei-i* «WtaWHiie«-i tilih ^-•^1. ,\ad 0 it... !»",!!!: p., !..*, li. i. ll iri

I'll leave it to 3rt»u,

»-.!) llkr :l mule." u-. you ate ti-t m* "i'/t ff-'.-ike v»!i :-.i if »*t i-si,!ne inor»» r»f the ommanded «lib, he and Ciweemoroalnt th# 1 1. j» iti'\ I'd W*

«uo mm. he and neghlng heartily :.rr Tn" tud r--ide

I up and raft t'..- hank. At the laat and I wfentdown

I., jnv kert tiHi-kf M..-1 1"'. Wh«» tn»i ,v ba..k water. I rrd to xtrleate iny«eM bui a* I'd .t wtild link Uee®« i»g .ibwhaiideto •WtnNtb. Wt tvlriSt laugh. 111

!nt «•!)!'. t!?"

ui'i. A A

nte} hot aim

*-r»4 rnf* *m+ •V I

I **. Vf VfMhoui. I a wnj.i

:v—l

ut an end to further developments, put her arm through mine as we entered tho dining room, and whispered, "IJess do tell mo what yon and the Major did mean." "You'll never know Miss," I answered aloud, "didn't you hear me say I would not tell

The Major glanced aside at me saying cynically, "Aliss Bessie you had better tell, now, for you will sooner or later women cannot keep secrets." "That Is an old bachelor's libel, sir, I know it hi false. I won't tell, no, never," I asserted angrily, sitting down in my chair with

Alec *bowed defbrentlally to the MnJor and offered liim an apology for my loose way of speaking, "It is her tongue that is at fault, M*|or, not her heart."

The Major smiled, "we will not quarel, Mlw llessle," he said, "if I am skeptical, I give you leave to cure me of the is a

1 am rifrald the case is hopeless when one has I on afflicted as many years as you have," I ventured coldly.

By the quick flush of the Major's brow, the amazed looks of tho rest I felt that I had been guilty of one of my unlucky speeches and subsided Into a discreet «i ieiMja, When we adjournal to theimrjor. Helen gave us some music and the

Petite and heraell, sang several "inquir-

qinrtettes. rwn't yon sing, Miss ft ed the Mfdorot me.

myself,

the

ridkndoaaaeas ofthea£Wro*wo«une me,

1^But how did it happen T" she aaked. Dropping my drees I narrated the entire stoiy.my reaolve, GUb^ remarks and my uarelng him on. I woundup with, "but has Uncle Ben come, and did onr 'paternal friend' com® with hi nif" ..

what's up?" he laugh

ingly inquired, for small-pox is not eo instantaneously catching as laughter. I felt mv face glow as Unclo began the introductions. The stranger gave his hand as Uncle pronounced our names. I was tho last, and as I extended my hand I glanced up and meta subdued twinkle of merriment in the stranger's eyes. My gravity collapsed. I burst into a merrv peal of laughter, and the stranger joined me. The rest laughed in svmpathy as well as their, surprise would per-

What do von two mean matured Uncle looking at us in blank surprise. Again I looked into thoso dark blue eyes and said, "Major Kent, I won't toll if you won't."

Agreed I won't tell as long ycrti treat mow "11, Miss ilessie," ho replied. What your standard of good treatment?" I ked.

I cann explain, but I'll explain if you ever A .olato my code," was his an^^Viola'.o? Major, violate! Don't let good manners be in tho code for she is a terrible sinner in that lino. Just think she called me a brute to-day, because I helped her out of the mud where she had fallen," put in insinuating Glib. A quick glance of intelligence passed between the Major and I. "And you were a brute to laugh as you did at a lady in my situation, I retorted.

Situation, ah! that reminds me!" and ho produced a paper which I knew too well. He evidently expected mo to

fstood

juuco down upon him and seize it, b).it firm ana smiled at him defiantly. He opened it and handed it around until it reached the Major. Ho took it amid shouts of laugher and turning to me said, "Shall I look at it "Why not? It was drawn for your benefit,' I sneered turning aside my burning face. "I can take my own time to study it can I not he went on. "I suppose you can, if the artist has no objection," I answerod in the same tone as before "Oh! the thing is yours, Major, do with it as you like if you want anything moro in its line, remember me will y«u?" returned Glib. "If I may follow my own desires then," continued the Major, "I'll give you no further alinoyance, Miss Bessie," and ho tore the obnoxious paper into shreds and threw them into the yard. The tea bell here

HomeUmes." Why not now, th tliemt

Because my voi does not harnioiiixe with Helen1*.,' You prefer then to sing alone

Sometimes." i&u "Bometimes, not alwaysf'

Kol t-night.'1' wh 1 otr

•felf. Tbtt vralked !r*w« .... ,»n. my bead upon

1 .»«! II,

"No nncle Ben anil l«'ft«» h.n^toijetber and Alee.** I most bear you.H

rhen ate tmhappy k'-night, -i. be inquired with «f»n^ th n® Uk# mpatliy in hi* volee and •Not 4 exactly unhappy, bttt hiive a li.. tiftod to-day until I orleil an It-mil* I cannot ^ng ao soon alter *er." 1 «mrw f«JL a frtm sense of exiranea occurring to my mind an I

flu mt n» nMBHat iad i*"uncle

'"i

trn audi an by Ben. Mstooi beside mother and nt tiMul utton her knee.

nti. 'i -,- -t

?T?E HAUTE SATURDAY EYmtNG MAIL.

nod I observed ft doeely. "Paternal friend, Indeed/*! thbrahtafter sjrutinising Mm awhile. •sea thirty-live, never forty thatfs oertain. Whew are the eye-glasses and snuffbox Alee set apartas_his roodaltlefc: those eyas are as sharp and wide tvake for blue aa mine tor black. I widt his whiskers were trimmed so that I could see bis mouth—it must be ugly, ar he has bad teeth that he covers it up

And who would think of offering him a nightcap with that werith of nutbrown hair. I smiled broadly aa this thought crcwned my mind in memory of one of Glib's suggestions. I wm rtlll mnlUng when theMfaJor's eye met mine wid by Ita expression I knew ha had been cc^nirant ofmy obsei~ations all the While.

Fon weeks has passed and to-morrow the Major goe» West and Alecgoea with him.at his urgent request. These four weeks have been M*j*r baa made vast strides in our

ones. The

teem, certainly. Mother shows that she likes him, aua it ia somtrthing to get on tho logto aide t(bor aflfootioiiA. with tho boys "paternal friend" has Hades,'and "capital fellow,", "deuced

th the

gone to "dei

fine elmp" is now" the cry. Petite haunts him Uka a bee does the flower, and Helen—well Art don't know her devotion elsewhere, or he'd be jealous. I would if I were he. And, I, what do I do? I mended" ped itliastening me.

had clambered up

myself, but I was in such mortal agony for fear the ladder would topple over with me that I made slow progress. The Major happened along and offered to relieve me. The task done he was coming down when an unlucky nail did the mischief He looked so rueful at tho rent that I laughed heartily and offered to repair it. Wo went and sat In the grapery while I did it, and afterward walked down to the south orchard. There we pm»nftl tree which we call "Old Russet" and I showed him the branch I fell from when I was six years old and broke my arm.

You were young to suffer such pain," ho said. 1 cannot remember much about the pain, but I know I toro my pinafore and the boys laughed" until they learned I was hurt," I said..

The boys they are your oracles of good and evil, are they not?, You measure my sex by them do you not •'Yes, they are the only ones of the sex I ever "bothered my brains about, that's sure. Perhaps, I do compare others by,their standard especially Alec Glib is moro faulty."

Bessie why do you call that boy by that ridiculous nickname Because, Major, ho is so everlasting he says and does. An ne. I'll tell you opt the law for his profession. If ho gets the right kind of a partner we will find Dickens' "Spenlow and JorRins" a mere picture.''

Tho Major laughed, "you area little severe on nim, I fear—but Alec how do most men compere with him? You find them often deficient, no doubt?"

Very often, sir." How is it with me?" Oh! you, you are different." "How so?" 'ou are too—too—" I was going to say too old, but held it back for a wonder. Ho said it for me. I caught the sense quickly. "No, not exactly in the sense you mean, Major, but you are too much of a man to be. compared to boys like them. You are more after uncle Ben's fashion."

How's that?" "Good, kind, generous, a noblemen among men," I said enthusiastically. Then It occurred to me ho might think I was flattering him. I glanced at him and found him regarding me with a look in his eyes I could not translate. Well tomorrow ho goes,* but he means to stop on his return. Supper is over and we are all gathered on the porch in the light of tho broad harvest moon. Petite, Helen and Glib are on the steps. The Major and Alec lounge on tho camp chairs over against the balastrades, uncle Ben occupies an intermediate space botween them and mother at whose feet I sit, my head upon her knee. "There tho moon shines full upon tho Major, and Alec's feces How unlike they arc. Alec's is so boyish, so thoughtless looking. Hia is a strong, serene, trustftd face. Whoso does it resemble? Let me think—like-like, oh, yes, that bust of Schiller's up in my Voom. I thought there was something about him that was familiar." Alec is humming Tennyson's "Brook," and is asking Helen to play it for him. The demand has increased, thev are all in the parlor now but mother, tho Major and I. Now what was tho uso in Irish Kate calling mother awav. I lean my hoad npon the arm of her chair now and listen to tho music. Alec's bass, uncle Ben's and Glib,s tenors mingle with Petite's contralto and Helen's sweot soprano. But somehow tracing that resemblance between the Major's face and Schiller's has brought to my mind the lattcr's exquisite little poem "Three words of strength." The closing 'whisper!

stranssa I was half whispering when the Major's eye tell on mine. What was you saying, Miss Bessie?" he said. «How did you know I was saving anything?" I asked, lifting my head. llecauso I heard von wliisporing to Yourself," and ho smiled.

I was repeating Schiller's 'Three words of Strength.',r What brought them into your mind?"

You did." "I did, how?" Viewing your fitce in the moonlight it looks llko a bust I have of him.4»

Ah! so you have been watching me I thought as much. It Is not tho first time you have made your mother*# knee an outlook."

I laughed. "You are exceeding wise and suspicious," I said, "but listen isn't this fine:

in* the shadows out there. I* them anything I can bring yon when I com® hack, 5»r* he Inquired "^nothing! bH^v*," I answered.

M1*y

got si flur aa tho refrain, "It may he for years, It may be forever," when I felt something rising In me aa lmrge an a pine apple. On it eame, but I'd sing that song if I choked to death. If my voice did tremble a little ai a close, surely I was excusable for I wa» literally crying. I leaned my head «a the music rack and pie (Mured for a good hearty cry, whoa I felt a hand upon my bead. I looked there stood the Mr^Jor. I pushed away his hand and confronted him. "Let me be, will you? You hare given mo the blues horribly. Let me alone," I sobbed.

I am sorry (he ought to have been tor be looked woe begone enougbt) I have not meant to give you the blues," he added.

Then why do you talk so? Why do you talk about being fiw fiw away from me. Ugh I I feel like I had been kissing a corpse in the dark, I know something will happen to Alec. I mean to persuade him not to go." I cried.

to make you sad. 1( 1 have used words to that effect, forgive me. I suppose it was because I have felt oppressed myself to-day. I have been happy here. We will be gone before you are awake in the morning. I'll say good night and good bye as well, now," and ho held out his hand

I gave him mine. Take

441

poo ilofd

?nf i.v.N^r thou Khait find

Strength when lift*'* surges nijletjtr bight when thou else vrert blind."

As I began he turned away his ftice and was wring down the grapery where th© shadows and moonbeams made bright patches of mosaic. •*T shall remember the import of that when we are for apart," hp said.

Kow what did ho do It for? What

to think of something," he

urged. WeU, in® eottte go -logical

bring

IM. Bttk

Won't vott Sing 'Kathleen Mauvonrneen' for m® when they all come out? I wont hear you aoostagatei"

Yoa, I'll sing It," I said wondering whnt dM make wm aay things that made in. feel *o dreary and iad. felteo sure that there were t«a» in my eye* thatl got up and walked to the fer endof the .that fright r»nj» and remained there until they aH If buslncw wet© all CUM* nut again. Then I 'otonu*t hurt my eyea after that

a^in. The g"

pari.

shone frill upon the Major's &ct,

"Gaod bj live, Mqjor,

to good care of Alec andpuid yourself," gulped, for I felt that lump com

I will, and you, yon be the merry cricket you were when first camo here," .1 laughed in spite of the tears in my eyes as thought of

(he

first time he saw

me. "I haven't told yet. Major, have you I said. He laughed back at that, "Not a whisper. You will euro me after all~~even if I am old," he added,

Oh! Major, donf iv member that: the boys said it was one ofmy nnlucky hits. I guess jt was."

We again said good night and I ran up stalra to bathe my eye®. When I heard Alec's atop on the stairs Iran out to hug and kiss him, and espied the Major and uncle Ben in tho hall. I leaned over the railing and sung out, "don.t

forget

specimens. Major. He lifted his race and answered back, "never fear." I never saw him nor Alec twain for three month's. Yes, three terribly long months. We all missed Alec so much. He was so good natured and full of old mother wit that his presence was like leaven in meal. We got many long letters from them, but still we missed them sadly. At length there eame-a day in October when uncle Bon and Glibdrove down to Alton and when they came back two more had been added to their number. We all ran down to the gate £o meet them, mother as eager as any of us. The carriage had barely stopped until we had Aloe in our arms. He, dear fellow, returned our hugs and kisses with a vim. "And you too, Major," I cried, seizing his hand.

Yes, here I am safe and sound, and Alec shows his keeping, don't he "You remembered that I laughed.

Yes, of course." Here the rest crowded around him. That night we all sat again in tho moonlight and listened to them tell reminiscences of that far West, rimmed around with mountains.

The next morning, after breakfast, I took a basket and a pair of garden shears and proceeded to denude the grapery of many a purple cluster. My basket was well nigh filled, and I was singing a quaint Autumn hymn I had learned when a child, when I heard a voice behind me saying: "Well, Cricket, you are happy today?" "How do you know?" said I, facing the Major, for it was he.

Because you said once you nover sang unless you wero glad and happy." But I did once, tho night you went awav, you remember?" "Yes, what did you cry about. I have often wondered if you really told me the truth,'? he looked as if he doubted me now. "Of course I told the truth," I declared, sitting down in one of the rustic chairs.

You gave me tho blues I had them fbr weeks after you left in fact, I dont believe I fullv recovered until last night, I finished with a little laugh.

Then you really missed us? I have said so." "Perhaps when I go again, you will not miss me so much Aloe ,will not go?" "I don't know, Major I think I would. You seem in some way to belong to us. Yes, I should miss you very much I said this looking into his honest bluo eyes, and somehow, so looking I felt the truth of my words.

am glad to know this, for I feci that I indeed belong to you." Ho seemed to lay stress upon the pronoun, but perhaps it was my imagination, for, taking my shears, ho proceeded to finish my task for me. feasant days we the Major, i^Jor hinted of deserting us, that often would we raise such $ clamor that he was forced to retract. ,,

It is no use, Kent," uncle lion would say, "hero you are, and lieife you stay." "You have spoiled me, so make the best of me," he would answer, so we kept him.

October, Novombei and snow too feet ^iTo must- go down t« the theater, tonight," said Alec, that morning at breakfast, "what say you, Major

I say go tho sleighing win be excellent." So the big cutter and the Belle were overhauled aud put in order that day, (The Belle, by tho way, waa a natty little cutter belonging to Petite.) It was put to vote who should go In it, and the lot fell upon the Major and myself.

A high, frill moon, mow crisp ami smooth, and a bracing air, not too cold, what wonder we enjoyed the ride to Alton and the play afterward. We were all in the highest possible spirits when weset out on our return. Homo onesug cmgted the river road and wo took it On, on, with a rush past the bluff, past the rpill, until we Reached tho bend, then tho Major allowed the horses to fell into a quiet trot. It seemed my heart was light as air that night. I made the Major laugh time and again at some of my unlucky speeches.^ wish lcouM my prewar thing*, but I cant, it is no tise I think and out it comes.

Then came a little pauae which the Major ended by saying Bess, I going home next week, «hQ»1amwon\h«ar

I vou,I won't

do you understand?" I rawed myhand full of snow threkteidn|riy towards his ftcO. He caught it and held It.

Yes. I understand, and so must you. It I* uselm* for me to stay hew longer." UselefM, when we want you and you

are enjoying yourself with us?" Yes, entirely ueelem I an rav «m1 BOW than when, 1 ft)

here*" What

saa hurt my eyee rtT I turned if -w, hunted and began ng. lhad

•onllah music

'Sis

no nearer first came

f|tmr

uwutwm witire all, Sens, I could •tay until doom's day but I tell you It is fer from that I mean. It ia something nobler, better, dearer Bcssio L«my won't mi understand now?"

up in the black. A swift sensation. It jpaint can never say,) eeiked heart, my' brain gave one wild whirl, and I drew In my breath with a gasp.

took my oeld bands in hfau Beaa, you area child or you would have known it long ago. You would have known It a hundred timee over since I came back. Have I not shown my preference for vou from the first? Have I not shown that I loved you with aD my soul, In a hundred wayaf Perhaps," I am a presumptuous fool, no doubt, but I am?' "Ok! hush, hush!" I rried,'pulling •way my hands and putting them over my eara, "I have liked you ao much and it has come to this. What do I want with lovers, when I have the boys? oh! it has come to this?"

He smiled bitterly "Yoa, poor child, It has couio to this, you have had a lover without knowing it, right under the boys' noses, too. But I in going away and you must forget it," he said grimly.

You sAafl not go away I won't fearget it if you do!" I screamed. "But, Bess, think about it we can never be the same after to-night, even if we tried. I cannot think less of you, and you would shun tuo for my very love's &ako. I could not bear that, Bess, don't ask me."

I'll try to be tho same, Major, indeed I will, if you will only stay," still plead eel*

No, Bess, my resolve is taken I go in a week. If you don't want them up at the house to know this, say no more and let mo go. I won't tell if you won't," and he laughed .a little, unmirthful laugh. "J wns a fool to ever tell you, but I've sometimes thought you really cared for mo, aud, girl fashion, was just leading me on. I was mistaken, I see. Forgive me."

The bou^c wfts'nbw in sight. I must come tosoni understanding before we reached it. They should not knaw it no, never. I rallied my wits, and said:

Forgive you, Major? I have nothing to forgive. You should rather ask forgiveness of yourself. I think you $u"e a fool to fell in love with a harem scarem like me, but ns you havo seen fit to do it, I don't know "as I can help vou out of it."

I know now that this was another of my unlucky speeches. I do not wonder now that the Major should look at me so indignant just then and bite his lip until the blood showed,

No, you can't help it dont even try to, or you will make it worse," lie said, at length, in atone so cold that I looktd at him in surprise. "Here we ace," ho ,«aid, as we drew up at the gate. Alec was there to meetus.

Where havo you two been he«aid, we have been in a half hour or more." "Coming," laughed the Major, "wo wero cotping, weren't we, Bess

Of course," I answered, with just tho slightest quaver in my voice. We paused in the hall to talk with tho rest, and warm ourselves over the register. I could not help glancing, at tho Major now and then. Ho was slightly pale, and his serene, Schiller-like face a little cast down, but once or twice his eye met mine and it was calm as ever.

I am tired and sleepy, and am going to bed come girls," I saia, gathering up my muff and wraps. "Gooa-night, boys, pod-night, Maior," I said, passing him.

Ie held out his hand, and in spite of me, mine trembled a little as I put it in his warm palm.

How much misery can be compressed into a day, a week, an hour! I think I suffered pangs innumerable that l&st week of the Slajor's visit. It was easy enough to say I'd be just the same towards him, hut it was quite another thing to do It. The truth is, I shunned htm. I was restless. I was unbappv and this unhappiness was augmented whenever I thought of him as really going or gone. Something said to me, 'he will stay,' and I listened and believed tho whisper of the siren.

It was the night before be was to go. We were all in the back parlor. The bovS were cross, Helen and mother sad, and Petite had been lying on the sofa crying. Uncle Ben was meditative, the Major reading, and I had been sitting staring into the grate for an hour thinking many strange thoughts. At last tho Major laid down his book with "Ladies, can't I have some music before I go to bed Let us all go and sing 'Auld Lang Syne'" and he lead the way to the parlor, the rest all following.

I did not. I would not have gone if I had died, for I was standing face to face with a revelation, I was tasting the first draught from the fountain of mysterious womanhood and found it bitter-sweet. The house rang with notes of "linked sweetness long drawn out," but still I moved not. I sat and listened as ono in a dream. Perhaps an hour passed when I felt a hand upon my head. I looked U» it was the Major.

Come and siHg for me, Bess ho said, softly. I'll slug a dozen songs for you, ifyou like, but you

must

against liim. 1

promise beforehand

to stay?" said I vith

smile.

I cannot, Bess, vou know I cannot," there was pain in his face and voice. But you must, Major, you really must!" I urged leaning my head back the cushions and looking up at

Ho turned aside I staid him. You see, Major, if yon go Ipwitttyou." I felt tho blood in my cheeks but it bad to be said, and I said it. He- faced about quick enough now, and leaning over the back of my chair, looked down Into my foce.

Do* you know the import of your words? he demanded, and I saw his eve darken aa it did a week ago

Yes," I answered. Do you know that if I stay wo must ono day be man and wife

Yes, know," I answered again. Do you know that only your love can satisfy mo—esteem, friendship, and all such subterfuges wont do?"

I could not help answering a little pettishly now, "yes, I know all that, and I know too that I won't answer any more such questions to-night. Yon told me a week ago that you loved lye, I have believed you and I liava come to the truth of the matter and find that I love you In turn, so there now, will you "^Stoy Boss, stay? Yes, until Christmas, no longer, understand?" and taking ray fece in his hands ho kissed me quietly almost reverently, I thought. "€k and tell them in there," I said pointing toward the parlor.

You must come with me," he averted, his face all aglow as I had never seen it before. "Come." and lie drew my hand through hi» arm. We walked in and straight to mother.

Bess Has just told mei something that Induce* roe to stay until Christmas if you will permit," he said hall earnestly

aif$t my

«l, Major bull new, you brother attending to

feoegrow a purplish red. but

he"Idon^mderwtand,"

began mother,

looking up helplessly from one to tho She says if I will stay until Christmas she will give me herself as" my gift for life, what say you he went on. {ooKcijUDED O rc SXVXNTH PAQS.]

'HJSr

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