The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-06-26
5nteresting for gobers.
THE MAID AND HEIREss.
pY AMY RANDOLPH.

The hazy veil of Indian Summer lay like
a golden mist over the quiet old forests, that
sweet November afternoon, rs the quick
tread of Kenneth Clyde's horse rustled
through the fallen leaves that literally car
peted the secluded road. Aud the young
man let the reins fall carelessly on Selm s
archcd neck, us he looked with thrill OF
admiration ut the panorama OF purple hills
that stretched along the clear horizon, like
islets floating in sea Of golden air.
Now il were an artist, quoth Kenneth
10 himself, Il should be worring my brains
how to transfer that lovely sky to canvas
but as I'm nothing OF the kind can enjoy
1t without any professional drawbacks
Gently, Selm-ccntly, old fcllow-that was
sharp turn in the road! Let me sce-l
shall have plenty OF time to reach White
stone before dark, | think. Wonder what
time il is-ouly four o'clock and
But the hall.shaped thought never came
to completion in Kenneth Clyde's mind. At
the very instant in which he glanced at his
watch, Selin, terrified by the swift appari-
ton of q yelyet-backed rabbit darting across
the road. gave a sudden sidelong swcrye,
and Kenneth Clyde remembered nothing.
And the shadows stretched longer and
longer through the golden aisles of the
wopds. and the bright eyed sqirrels eyed him
suspiciously from their mossy heights, and
the birds kept up their low-yoiced twit,ering,
while he layed there, stunned and motionless.
All, Sclim, that was an ungencrous trick to
serve your trusting rider!
When he walked to conciousness, with a
dull. heavy throbbing in his head, and a
sharp pain in his left arm, no was in q snug,
low-coiled room. with stars shining IN thru
the red.curtained windows, and cracking
fire blazing on two gigantic brass fire dogs,
Just in front of the broad chin'z-coyered
lounge on which he hay. And clearly out
lined against the genial blaze was pretty
head with braids OF hair knotted low ut the
hack, and black-lashcd eyes thoughtfully
Fixed upon the fire.
.Iwonder how camo herc!' was Kcnneth's
vague reflection. Il wonder who she is! And
| wonder-conlound that shooting pain in
nv arm-I remember it all now!'
lie uttered u slight groan rs some trivial
movement caused him acute pain OF anguish.
Aunt Patty--he is opening his eyes, said
the pretty vision of the FIRE, springing to her
feet, and speaking OF him, Us though no were
not eagerly listening to every word!
.Gmcicus sakes alive!' calculated Mrs.
Patty Brewster. trotting nimbly in. with a
colossal camphor bottle in one hand, and a
bowl of sage tea in tho other. well it's a
real marcy. aint it, that you happened to be
out arter moses, and found him in the woods,
Mary. Lie still now, she added to Kenneth,
who was grimacing vainly ngains, the smok-
ing sage tea, and take your medicine, that's
a DEAR
Il don't think he likes it, aunt Patty in
terpOsed the young girl.
.IW give i, to him, aunty-you see IL the
doctor aint coming said the younger lady,
taking the bowl from Mrs. Brewster's hands.
Aunt Patty hustled away and Miss Mary
quietly turned the contents Of the formida-
Die blue bowl out of the window, her bright
eyes brimming with mirth US they met Ken
neih's grateful glance.
Don't YOU think it has done you good al
ready?' she asked. with admirable gravity.
.lthink il has, responded Kenneth solemn.
And when Mrs. Patty returned. she nod.
ded approyingly Mt the empty bowl, remark
ing that .sagc tea was wonderful quietin"
Kenneth lay there, watching the young
girls graceful motions with languid interest
may, he found himself observing the very
bow Of blue ribbon at her throat, and the
azure belt that circled her slender waist, and
wondering how her hands happened to be
so wondrously small and well.shaped! To
be sure, 1t was none Of his business; but
then he had nothing else to think Of.
Ii was nearly month before the doctor
would allow him to mount Selim again, for
slight fever followed his fall and exposure;
ibut, contrary to his usual custom, our hero