Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-12-29


hear any noise, why run " cried Kate turning
again to the tree. - Here, catch my hat, and
bring me some locust leaves I'm going to or
nament upon the OCCASION -
She twined the dark leaves in and out her
glossy braids, and then looping her white apron
upon one arm, commenced filling it with apples.
Zone for Ella Gray--two for dame Liza
both three for little Bobby, and that NICE big
bouncer for ME Thank you, thank You, Mr..
Waters The company big me to tender you
in their behalf, their their-What is that
girls?"
AS Kate spoke there was little cracking
noise among the apple-boughs in the thicket at
her back, and before she had time to sound an
alarm, Squire Waters bounded out in the very
midst of tho frig htened girls, who ran, scream
ing Justify, in every direction. But could
there have been an eyewitness to the comical
scene, it would have been very easily observed
that the squire cared little about capturing any
save the wild reckless leader. Down the long
mall Kate flew like the wind with the dgnried
bachelor following closely after her. Faster
faster she wcnt her long glossy braids falling
about her face and down her shoulders-her
light gray scarf like Il banner Of rosy mist,
floating out upon the breeze as size flew along
Faster faster Another moment past and she
was within single leap of the wide gate But
the squire vas there before her, and like a
frightened deer she sprang away in different
direction. There was another gate that led
from the west side of the grounds, and like
Lightning she shot towards it. But o, horror
of horrors lit was locked fast She turned
away again, but the squire was Close "pn her
track, and there was no hope of escape fer her.
Painting and trembling she stood silent un
til he came up tn her.
Permit Inc to escort you to the houec, Miss
Weston he SAID bowling low before her, and
speaking as though nothing in the world had
happened to mar his sef.possession.
"No, thank you, sir, l will 20 home, if
you please. Kate's voice shook as she spoke,
and she fairly reeled as she made an attempt
to take a few steps forward.
81 cannot permit you to 80 home while you
are so weary. You cannot walk without assist
ance even. Lean on my arm; in In 'ment we
will reach the house..
But Kate did not accept his aid willingly !;
and 50 he went forward, and gently putting his
arm about her, drew her toward the house.
Her breath came freer and easier in a moment s
time, and when she stood within the wide old
hall she was quite heriolf again
~ will not 80 farther if you please, sir,'
she sal, pausing there, and giving hurried
glance over her disarranged toilet.
This, to q man Of my hospitality, Miss
Weston ? This way, il you please " He
threw open door into small sitting room and
motioned her to enter. When she went hesta-
tingly forward, he drew large lolling chair up
before the window and begged her to be seated.
80. but our fruit Excuse me for not re-
lieving you before, of the burden -
Kate crimsonsd to the very roots of her hair,
as he motioned to her apron of apples, which
she still held looped up over her arm Tho next
moment he had gathered them into silver
fruit dish, and was ringing for plates and
knives.
Excuse me, sir, but cannot remain longer,
said Kate rising, and giving little flash Of
light into his face
g But shall insist upon it,. have moral
right to detain you tonight, remember"
"Or would have, perhaps, if was not able
to purchase my own ransom. | think under
stand you, May ask at what price you value
your fruit?'
She drew her purse from her pocket with on,
hand and pointed to the silver fruit dish with
the other.
The squre's lip curled for moment, aud hi
steady eye burned beneath their perfect hr,ws
with deeper light d; but when he spoke, hi
voice was as firm and mellow as though the
faintest ripple of passion had never broken owe
its quiet surface
"By the peck, apples are worth--let me Sc
some fifty cents, at the early season of til
year Perhaps can afford to discount a bi
upon the price, since you have taken so large
; quantity"
mo, no, sir. do not discount fraction of
mill upon them, as you value your happiness
If have not enough money in my purse, Cal
apply to some friend to loan me the remainder
Miss Weston
Squire Waters spoke her name in a low, ster
F., voice.
D " You choose well, sir, | am sure. Anon
t the score OF girls who visited your orchard tC
. night, am the only ono WHO las not SON
l friend to buy them from the unhappy cons'
quences of this adventure. There is my purs
; SIR
. She threw the small purse upon the carp
l at his feet as she spoke, and then ashamed
? her ungenerous words, and her higher flow
= passion, burst into tears.
e "Miss Weston!"
The squire's voice was Il little more trem,
f lous now, but it detracted nothing from its DEF
sternness lie stepped In front OF the door
a he spoke, as he OWNED an intention on the pa
t Of Kate, to glide from the room.
!, " A moment If you please,-I will not d
r tain you long he said, inclining his head t
;, ward her. II believe you are too true a,
e generous, Miss Weston, to think me guilty
II such meanness as You have just ascribed to m
| am sure that for IA long time, you must ha
is known Inc better. If you have not it is not n
z fault. For long time have been interest
it IN you. Your face pleased Inc when first loo
e ed upon it, and felt it was no common SOL
no poor spirit, that spoke 50 eloquently iro
Ii your fen tures Il NAV hnva haen ,rnal II,