The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1870-09-01
PROFESSOR MORTON.
BY CONSTANCE CARLETON.
CHAPTER III.


The young ladies had been Tor SOM
time talking of having picnic, and thu
second Saturday in October was tbt
day set for it. They were to cross thu
river on the ferry boat and 90 from
there to the woods and hills. 1t was
mild, beautiful day, and the party start.
ed early. 1t consisted of Mr.. and Mrs
Brentford, four or five of the lady teach.
ers, Professor Morton, Monsieur Ga.
rou, and about fifteen of the girls. They
were all in the best of spirits as they
waited at the wharf, and many iests
were interchanged and many bursts Of
laughter foated on the balmy air in
their short voyage across the river.
Professor Morton leaned on the railing
at India Testers side and talked to her
in low tones, until the girls, noticing
this, exchanged meaning glances. Very
pretty the heiress looked in her becom-
ing walking suit and coquettish hat,
very bright were her eyes and very
pretty the soft color that bloomed in
her cheeks. But she bit her rosy lip
with Vexation when the boat stopped
and Professor Morton walked off with
Alice Downey, while answering some
question that the latter had asked. Af
ter leaving the basket of provision un-
der group of trees in charge of one of
the servants who had come with them,
the party separated and wandered off in
groups.
About two o'clock they met to enjoy
the nice lunch which the baskets con-
tanned, and you may be certain that
they did it full justice. After dinner,
while the rest were talking, Professor
Morton was busy making a wreath of
brightly tinted leaves. The girls COM
plimented him upon the dexterity with
which he wove them together. India
Lester, who sat near him, tried to seem
unconscious of his occupation, not
dreaming but that the wreath was des-
tined for her.
81 propose, Professor" said Mrs
Dougan, one of the teachers, "that you
crown some young lady with that
wreath, and let her be the queen of the
day."
II second the notion" said Mrs.
Brentford, smiling.
"Very WELL" said the Professor.
"We can easily guess who he will
choose" said Lou. Dinsmore, with
glance at India
When the wreath was finished, he
held it up for them to admire. 1t was
indeed beautiful, and woven together
with rare skill.
"Now Professor you shall crown the
queen," said Monsieur, stroking his
Professor Morton arose to his feet,
walked over to where Violet Vane sat,
and placed it Oh her head. A rosy
glow suffused her face, which was not
one of pleasure, for she thought, ale
only gave it to the because they thought
It was for India"
India smiled and assumed a careless
air, but host of jealous feelings were
in her heart. Some of the
girls started for another ramble through
he wood.
"We must all meet here in about an
hour, to start home," said Mr.. Brent
ord, looking at his watch.
Violet, still wearing the wreath, took
lp her hat and sketch book and went
With them. Soon stealing away from
he others, she wandered off alone.
hill which commanded a
inc view of the river and the town be-
Iond, she began to make a sketch of it.
Absorbed in her work, she forgot the
apse of time, and thought of nothing
'ut her picture. For sometime it had
gradually been growing darker, but
he did not notice IT, At last largo