Daily Kennebec journal., 1877-01-19
mused Christy; but wonder he docs not

One thing was certain-Belle was un-
usually cross; so cross that Christy was
fain TO do her studies out of doors OF
locked in her own room. A little summer
house covered with vines was her favorite
retreat. and thither she repaired every at
tcrnoon upon returning from school. She
bad no more river expeditions, for. poor
child, she was afraid of meeting the pro-
prietor of the scarlet wherry. But per-
haps the secret of her liking the summer
house was because she could see the aior-
said wherry pass and repass. and watch
the rover frem behind the sheltenn2
vines.
Two weeks passed Then a crisis came.
One Indian summer afternoon. when Belle
and her mother were out calling, Chnsly
was having romp with the dog ON tie
side piazza. In the midst OF this roml
she was mortified to perceive Mr.. Ross er'
terlng the stree: gate Her first impulse
was to run away but knowing that be
had seen her. there was nothing for il but
to meet him with flaming cheeks and dis
ordered attire. The dark eyes that had
haunted her waking and sleeping dreams
So long were lii by merry smile.
"Whv, Miss Christv, il | had not just
shaken hands with YOU | should have sup
posed Won d myth" he said. with one OF
his bright laughs. "What are you gong :
to say to me in excuse for running away
a fortnight ago, and keeping away ever
since Do YOU know you robbed me OF
five waltZesP'
Belle-that Is. mammal mean
couldn't stay And you danced the
values. you know
"lndppd didn't. | searched for you,
Not Ending you sat still the rest OF the
evening Then the next night came
over to let you apologize, and YOU would
not come down to see me. tried to see
YOU on the street, and you always van
ished. Now what have | done? ?' asked
the pet OF society, looking sincerely puz'
zled.
"Oh, did you really not dance p asked
the delighted Cbristy.
Really, no. Why do you ask ?''
90. IL thought-they said"
"Who said p the young man asked,
surprised at the simmer of tears in Chris
ty's eyes.
Nobody
Mr. Ross, not knowing what to say
after this climax, sat silent. Christy des'
perately attempted TO explain herself.
"Wby. l thought-people thought-you
were Just dancing with me for fun. and
laughed at me because didn't know how
to act, and" Here Christy broke down
and burst into tears.
For a moment Mr.. Ross looked con
founded, then exclaimed
Thought | was laughing at you Why
-"
Il know I'm not grown up, and ought
not to have gone to grown-up party. /
had never been ut one before" sobbed
Christy pitifully.
why, my poor little girl, ! never
thought of laughing at you. You dance
like a fairy. Who could have told yor
such thing?' he exclaimed. distressed.
No answer. All the sorrow OF the past
weeks seemed to be crowded into the mo-
meut, and Christy cried as if her hear
would break.
'I'n never go TO a dance again till am
q young woman"
Probably it she had been young lady,
Mr.. Ross would not have acted just as he
did. sIn moment he had taken her hand
drawn her,down on the settee by his side,
and was vainly conjuring her not to cry.
alt is too hard of YOU he pleaded. IL
have STAYED two weeks for no reason in
the world but to see my little river gypsy
again, and now she wont look at me-
She did look at him with wide eyes oI
wonder
"Staid to see me Oh, you don't mean
som
"Why do you say that ?'
You're laughing at me again. as if
didn't know
"Well?'' was the patient query.
Poor Christy was crimson to the waves
of hair on her forehead, but she finished
bravely from behind her screen of curls--
"As if didn't know that you are Bellies
beau"
There was a pause. If Christy had
dare- to look up at the young mans face
she would have seen first bewllderment.
then amusement, then another expression
harder to define, as he said, rather mis-.
chievously.
"Yes, Bellies beau-Christabe beau =
Christy uttered little cry, aud hid her
face. Mr.. Ross began to think he shouC
never see the face again, it was SO per
sistently concealed.
wv ont you look al me Chflsty, VOL
you tell me if offended you ?'
Silence, till he was fain to ask again.
won't you tell me whether you care
for me p
"Oh," was the almost inaulibe answer
"you know do
81 don't know how know. | can't SET
anything but your carls, and want to see
your eyes, Christy, your mother is com
ing in at the front gate"
The last sentence was effectual. Christy
sprang to her feet with the idea of escap
ing, but found herself detained.
"She is not here yet. Stop just one
moment and tell me if | may ask you,
mother If she will let You marry me somt
day. Christy, may ?'
And Christy, blushing like rose, an
swered low;
"Yes-some day-when am youns
ladv pn