The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1873-07-04
M i S G AN eou S.
POLISHED AND VARNISHED.
LENNON RAYS MISTAKE.


Lennox Ray sprang from the train just as
the June sunshine was dropping down the
west in flood of golden glory, and the air
was fragrant with the perfume of new
mown hay, and dewy with the approach
ing twilight.
"Well, this is rather purer than London
air." sighed Lennox, drawing a deep breath
of delight as he fastened up the green lane
to the wide, old-fashioned farmhouse car
rying his valise in his hand. 81 wonder if
Mary gotmy note, and is looking for me /!
Halo ~
The last exclamation was drawn from
Mr.. Rays lips by big ripe cherry, which
descending from above him, came into
sudden contact with his nose. He looked
up, and there, pcrched like a great bird
upon the bough of a cherry tree, and look
ing down at him with dancing eyes and
brilliant cheeks, was young girl, pretty
and wiful enough to set man crazy"
How do, LennoX Come up and have
some cherries r. was the mischievous greet
ing, with saucy dimples playing about her
ripe lips.
MARY, is it possible ~ exclaimed Len
noX, serenely.
and splendid, too. Have some 2" returned
the nymph, coolly holding out great ruby
cluster.
"Mary, will you come down from there ~
said Mr.. Ray, not seeming to notice the
cherries.
Eyes to be sure, now you've come, and
have had all the cherries | wanted.
And while Mr.. Ray looked on in stern
disapproval, the young witch swung her.
self lightly down from her perch and lit on
the grass at his feet.
"Now don't look so serious, Lennox,
DEAR" she said, slipping her little hands
into his with coaxing motion. 81 know
it's tomboyish to climb the cherry trees,
but then it's such fun"
MARY, you should have been boy" said
Lennox.
II wish had! Then l wouldn't have
everybody scolding me if happened to
move. No l don't either, for then you
wouldn't have fallen in love with me-
What made you, any way, my dear ?" she
said, with fond glance and carcssing
movement.
because you are asweet darling" an
swercd Mr.. Ray, melted in spite of himself.
"But do wish, Mary, you would leave off
these boyish ways and be more dignified."
"Like Miss Ishman?" asked Mary.
"Miss Ishman is very superior woman,
and it would not hurt you to copy her in
some respects" said Lennox, coldly.
The tears sprang into Mary's eyes at his
tone: she loosened her arms from his, and,
dropping down on the emerald grass at his
feet, began to braid bracelet of the long
blades in silence with grieved expression
around her sweet mouth which he did not
see.
There !" cried Lennox, pettshly. Now
you look more like Il five-year. old baby
than well-bred young lady"
Mary threw away her bracelet and got
up again.
81 didn't mean to veX you; shall we go
in ?" she said, sadly. They went into the
parlor, and MI Ray took seat in the great
armchair while Mary flung open the wi /
dow and dropped down on her knees beside
it, letting her gloss curls fall in Il great
shower ON the window sill.
Now, don't do that" exclaimed Mr.
Ray, drawing chair near his own. Come
here and sit down like rational being"
II wish you would pat up those fly-away
curls," said Mr.. Ray. "And see here, Mary
l want to have & talk with you. You know
l love you, but, in truth, my dear, my wife
must have some of the elegance Of refined
society. Your manners need polish my
dear"
Mary Redeemed and her scarlet lips curl.
ed little, but she said nothing.
"a few weeks in fashionable circles will
be great benefit to you, and wish you to
have the opportunity. In short, dear,
came down to tell you that my sister is
making up party to visit some watering
place hissummer, and wish you to ac
cept the invitation, Mary"
"Are you going ?" asked Mary.
ono; my practice will not allow it. Bu
l shall see you several times. You will
CO."
ooh. Lennox, don't make me !" sobbet
Mary, hiding her face on his shoulders, al
vision of his stylish and naughty siste
rose before her. II don't want to go!
hate fashionable society don't want t.
be polished! I'd rather stay here in thu
country, and not wear any bonnet, ant
climb cherry trees every day"
MARY, | am surprised at this display o
childishness must insist upon more self
CONTROL" he said coolly.
fBut don't send me away don't, Len
noxp
LII must I" he returned, but more gently