The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1865-11-16
THE 4PPLE-BEE.
BY VIM. II. BUSHNELL.


There were great piles of red and yell
loW-cheeked apples on the cleanly-sWept
floor of the large barn, with sconces hung
round, full of candles, and huge golden
pumpkins for seats. Baskets, and dish
es, and pans, were arranged handy, and
everything prepared for the evening"
Nothing was left undone, in the house
or out of it. At least so thought Kitty
Perkins, the one blooming daughter of
Deacon Perkins, as she took a last look
out inquisitive chickens, and tripped
back to help her mother give the finish
ing touches to pies, doughnuts. and ium-
bles, and see that fresh barrel Of cider
had been tapped, and the mugs and
glasses were shining like silver or crys-
tai.
+" Kitty" said good Dame Perkins, as
she busted the sugar over the last batch
ofcakes and turned round with smile of
intense satisfaction, " Kitty, the'll be a
master lot of young folks here tonight,
and father says that Sam Jones-him
that has just got back from college, you
know, promised he'd come"
Kitty threw up her little retrousse nose
still higher in the air, and her steel gray
eyes flashed suspiciously.
"Sam Jones, indeed" she replied );
"Who cares if he is coming"
Why, Kitty!" and her mother held
up her hands in establishment. Why,
Kitty, if your father should hear you
talk SO, what do you suppose he would
say?"
81 don't care! I've been pestered to
death about Sam Jones ever since | was
so high;' and she dropped her little
figure and lowered her hand to show the
altitude since when she had been pes
tered
"But you know, Kitty, his father is
rich, and"
GA big fool! and she hurried away,
not daring to trust herself any longer in
the argument.
Deacon Perkins and Deacon Jones had
long since settled the matter that their
children should be married when they
grew up-each had but one child-and
SO turn the broad acres that joined each
other into one farm. Like most prema-
ture matches, it appeared in the eyes of
other people to be one that never would
be consumated, and, likes who attempt
to control the affections of young people,
they took the very wrong course to ac-
complish their ends. Kitty was bored
with Sam and Sam with Kitty from
childhood, and the natural consequence
was, that they had grown to hate each
others names, and it was great relief
to both when Sam went to college. For
four years he had been absent-or if he
had returned home during that time
Kitty had never seen finland now to
have all the fun she anticipated spoiled
by Sam Jones, was more than her tenn
per could bear.
Other thoughts, however, came into
her little head as she was arranging the
dark brown hair in the most becoming
manner, and putting on the loveliest Of
blue dresses, With an edging of soft lace
round the short sleeves and low neck
Sam Jones had been to college, had as
probably come Just to show off his fash
ionable breeding and make fun of the
poor country girls. But she'd show
him.
!" Kitty, are you ready?'
g Yes, father;' and down stairs she
tripped, looking lovely enough to meet
Sam Jones-or anybody else.
g You do look real scrumptious,' said
the old man, gazing upon her with great
satisfaction; "don't she, mother? And
l am right glad of it, for Sam Jones is
to be here, you know"
$50 you think / will do:" asked
Altty, III return, her gray eyes NghtlnG
up and the rose deepening on her cheeks,
though her nose did turn upa little more,
and her lips were pouted a wee bit, at
the mention of the severlasting' Sam
Jones.
"Do! I'd like to see anybody beat my
Kitty. But come, the barn is beginning
to be crowded, and it's high time we
We're all there"
\ beautiful sight was the old barn,
brilliantly lighted, and crowded with
happy faces. True, there were no red
ears to be found, as at a huslSing frolic,
but everybody knew what plays would
follow, giving the boys the right to gath
or honey from the rosy lips they loved
best. Then, too, there were bearings
to be thrown and read what letters they
forsned-many Il PAINFUL OF the refuse
to be elnptied accidentally, Of coursc,l
over some ones head, and g thousand
anf, enc THINGS to hrasil The nl0not0ny
Of labor.
Come, Kitty dear" said is bouncing
a piece Of mischief as there was 10 be
found in the country, "eome and Try
your llel1,N and an unconmoniy long