The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-05-19
WESTMINSTER, MD. SATURDAY, MAY 1e, 1877

Grafton, that any young lady would not
answer an immediate "yes," to PROPOSE
tiJn Of marriage emanating from him, had
never entered that gentlemans head as
one Of the possibilities; therefore, he could
afford to be amused in contemplation Of
the reports TO which the conversation Just
related might give rise.
The bright morning sun overturned
Rhodas self-sacrifcing intentions, and
charitably resolving to bestow upon old
Miss Dennis the first rainy day, should
one occur before she left Belleville, she
took her seat in Mr. Rivers comfortable
little carriage. She was beginning to re-
cover from the shyness which she had al
ways felt toward her companion, in conse-
quence Of the awkward mistake she had
made when she first met him; and now
this drive through lovely country, sur
rounded by the most enchanting scenery,
had an exhilarating effect upon her spirits,
aud her fbmpanion was charmed with the
wit and freshness Of her remarks, and
wished that this tete.a-tete drive might
last all day. II came to an end all too
soon, aud the entire party was established
in the woods; some sitting in groups, some
10 two, and some taking solitary walks,
perhaps in quest of congcnial company.
Mr.. Rivers had unconsciously fallen into
a brown study, from which he was rather
rudely awakened by one of the party, who
stepped up to him, excaiming
"a | was TO be the first to congratulate
youw
For what?" asked the gentleman,
somewhat startled by the abruptness.
" For being the lucky chap who has Sc
cured the prettiest girl in the company"
was the reply, "At least, we suppose you
have secured her. We we're told that she
was taking you into consideration; but as
she drove with you to-day, we fancy that
is equivalent to an acceptance" And
there was a malicious glance in the eyes
Of the speaker, who had so frequently been
eclipsed by the gifted young lawyer,
"Save your congratulations Until you
receive your information from more re-
liable source than boarding.ho gossip"
replied Mr. Rivers, as he turned haughtily
away.
"Confound that little school girl he
mentally calculated. "She first takes me
for pickpocket, and then places me, to
all appearance, in the position of humble
suitor, waiting meekly for my sentence"
just then peal of laughter greeted his
ears, and turning in the direction whence
it proceeded, he beheld the "little school
girl" surrounded by four of her compan-
ions, and Mr.. Rivers was obliged to ac-
knowledge to himself that he had never
before seen so lovely picture. The sun
shine had lent an additional flush to her
cheeks, and was playing bo-peep through
the leaves with her soft brown hair, from
which her hat had partially fallen; her
beautiful eyes sparkled with mischief, and
merry laugh parted her rosy lips, In
her fingers she held four blades of grass,
with one end concealed in her dimplcd
hand. Each gentleman eagerly drew, and
compared lengths with his neighbors, and
thea they exclaimed in a tone of disap-
pointment:
"All alike p
Certainly" replied Rhoda, demurely.
"HOw could | be the partner of either of
you when | am already engaged for the
first game Of croquet?"
The gentlemen took her joke good ma
turedly, and went off in quest of other
partners.
"That little coquette !" mentally ejacu-
lated MIR. Rivers. 81 never noticed before
that she was so much admired, she seemed
such shy little thing"
But this gentleman was doomed to make
several discoveries in the course of the
day, one Of which was that he felt GER
tain unpleasant sensation in the region of
his heart, when Rhoda's smiles were show
cred too indiscriminately among her ad-
mirers, and that his own attentions, hith-
erto carelessly bestowed, had a deeper
meaning than he was himself conscious of.
He noticed that his courtesies now were
accepted or declined with the same saucy
indifference which greeted her other ador-
ers. He wearied of the day and reioiced
when he found himself once more seated
in his carriage, with Rhoda beside him,
their faces turned homeward.
"Well, said Rhoda, "this is the last
picnic of the season l shall be half
sorry to return to the city and settle down
to propnety once more"
That will not require much exertion,"
remarked her friend, mischievously, "if
you can return to it as easily as you left it,"
"What do you mean 2" demanded
Rhoda, half angrily.
Have you forgotten that you attempt
ed to pick my pocket on the journey p"
"Oh" laughed Rhoda, at was you
who were trying to rob me, only by some
legerdemaiu you managed to get both
hands into your own pocket before you
emerged into the light"
" But you really did steal something
from me, Rhoda. | was unconscious of
it at the time, but l have discovered my
loss since. Give me an equivalent for it,
and | will promise not to make the theft
public. Then he added, more seriously,
L Ou SuhhVt "ahI thO utdTlS.
A saucy reply rose to Rhoda's lips, but
something in that earnest gaze put it to
flight.
81 don't think you have been any more
honest than l." she faltered. al have
missed"
But the rest Of the sentence was lost,
as her lips were smothered with kisses.
" Then you do love me, Rhoda, after
all? | thought you were indifferent"
And thought that, after you had
stolen my heart, you had merely played
with it for awhile, and then thrown it
away"
f" When did you begin to care for me,
darling?"
Z" believe it was when found my hand
in your pocket, although / wished then
that | might never see you again"
A few days more ended Rhodas visit to
Belleville; but she did not return home
alone. Mr.. Rivers declared it would be
necessary for him to accompany her, to
prevent her from making arrests on the