The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1872-06-29

not spoken with him in a mouth, tho
she could sec him at his work in the
fields beyond her fathers meadow al
most every day. llor father, she knew,
would be angry if he visited her, and it
should come to her knowledge, and yet
she hoped he would come. Lucy vas
not long kept in uncertainty, for lac was
soon seen coming up the lane, followed
closely by Eddie, with his hands full Of
chestnuts.
The young mans pants were tucked
in his boots, aud the wind was tapping
the skirt of his coat about numerically,
while the straw hat was only kept in
place by its owners hands.
Lucy wondered what freak had brought
her lover out in summer apparel, when
nature had not SO much as put on a leaf
Of her5.
Harry tossed his hat on tho floor,
and sat down before tho glowing fire,
stretched out his hands over the blaze,
approximately, for, truth to tell, he felt
rather chilly than otherwise, while Lucy
sat down by the window to watch the
road lest some mishap should bring her
parents homo prematuroly, and Eddie
took possession Of the rocking chair,
where, with the cat purring in bis lap, he
amused himself BY watching the young
people, and occasionally throwing
chestnut ut IIarry's nose, which hap.
poncd to be a prominent feature. Ilar.
ry, of course, wanted to talk love, but
how conld he with that urehin's eye
fixed upon him!
But Eddie was all unconscious, and
ate his chestnuts with a relish, saying
to himself, " It's most stupid here, aad
I'd just like t. go and fly my Kite
There's a glorious wind, (how it did
toss his coat-tail, though J but I won't
bulge au Inch till he gives me the rest
oil them chcstuuts. His pocket is bulg-
Ing out with EN-" Had Harry had
the benefit Of those whispered words
his pocket would, without doubt, been
emptied in a triee, but he was kept in
Ignorance Of the youngsters wishes, and
Eddie remained obstinately stationary,
Notwithstanding Harry made several
remarks well calculated to let the juvc.
nile know that his chair might, with
proprio.y, be vacated At length the
clock struck four, aud Lucy went about
preparing supper. She put the kettle
over the G:e, mado biscuits, and then
signifed her intention Of going TO the
smoke house for ham. Harry took
his bat and followed, glad Of chance
at last to escape Eddic's vigilance
Lucy unlocked tho door of the smoke
house, aud Harry stepped in to get one
Of the hams lie took it dove, aud
holding it in his hand, was on the poin.
Of saying something sentimental whicl
he had been rchearsing in his mind all
the afternoon, when the old people drove
up to the gate. Lucy snatchod the
ham from her lover, aud whispered in
au ugitatcd voice, as she closed the door:
You can't come ont, now Harry,
stay where you are till you hear me
singing cod Hundred" aud then run
across the fields"
So Harry was left in utter darkness.
I've a good mind to 60 right out
aud beard the lion 10 his den, /" he NUT.
tered, as he leaned against the smoke.
bagrimcd wall Of his prison. Presently
ho heard the key turned 10 the lock,
and realized that he was fastened in.
The farmer, iu passing from the barn to
the house, saw that the smoke house
was unlocked, and locked it, putting the
key into his pocket.
Whom her parents aud Eddie were
seated at the table, Lucy took pail
aud went out to tho well, singing loudly
and clearly that sweet old tune "Old
Hundred" Then, without looking at
the smoke house, she came in and took
her place at the table,
" wonder where Harry Gray is =?
said Mr.. Trowbridge. Ellis horses arc
tied 10 the fence, and l know by the
look he hasn't turned furrow this
afternoon"
Eddie looked very wise, but his sister
trod on his toes to make him keep still
Hes up to the house, no doubt, /"
said his wife.
Clara Beamer is there, with her
hair all in ringleis, There II be match,
shouldn't wonder"
Well, l should, then, said Lucy's
father. "What does any sensible man
want with such a gal about him as she
is. Why, sooner than see that happen,
I'd give Harry leave to court our Lucy
three or fnnr vnnrs frnm nnru