The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1877-06-13


OF trees, followed by the hushed group.
"After all, don't believe there is any
use in keeping so STILL" she said, looking
around. 1T seems too much like real
out-and-out stealing, instead of graciously
condescending to test our lordly squire's
hospitality. So help yourselves, dears,
while l preside as we'll as can in place
Of the gentleman himself. No doubt
ELL thank me for it when-hc gets a
chance!"
perhaps, after all, he's hid in this
thicket of trees and when we get to helm
ing ourselves. as you say, he'll come jump
ing out here in the very midst of u.s." sug-
gested some one, in a timid voice.
"Pshaw-dont fear, Hattie! Why, we'll
scare him to death in five minutes if he
ventures to show his head. There, take
this apple, and this, and this! Catch
them as fast as I throw them. That's
brave! Stand out where you are. and if
you hear any noise, why, rum" cried
Kate, turning again to5the tree. Here.
catch my hat, and bring me some locust
leaves! I'm going to ornament upon the
occasion!'' =
She twined the dark leaves in and out
her glossy braids, and then looping her
white apron upon one arm commenced
filling it with apples.
'ssOne for ELY Gray, two for dame Liz
abeth, three for little Bobby, and that
nice, big bounccr for me! Thank you,
thank you, Mr.. Waters! The company
beg me to tender you, in their behalf,
Observation-Disclosures that, girls ?'
AS Kate spoke there was little crack
hing noise among the apple boughs, in the
thickct at her back, and before she had
time to sound an alarm, Squire Waters
bounded out in the very midst of the
frightened girls, who ran, screaming lus-
tily, in every direction But could there
have been an eyewitness to the comical
scene, it would have been very easily OBJ
served that the squire cared little about
capturing any save the wild, reckless
leader. Down the long mall Kate flew
like the wind with the dignitied bachelor
following closely after her. Faster, faster,
she went, her long glossy braids falling
about her face and down her shoulders
her light gray, like banner of rosy mist,
floating out upon the breeze as she flew
along. Faster, faster! Another moment
passed and she was within a single leap
of the wide gate. But the squire was
there before her, and like a frightened
deer she sprang away in different d.
rectlon. There was another gate that led
from the west side of the grounds, and
like Lightning she shot toward it. But
oh, horror of horrors 1T was locked fast!
She turned about again, but the squire
was close upon her track, and there was
no hope of escape for her. Painting and
trembling she stood silent until he came
up to her.
':Pernit me to escort you to the house,
Miss Weston" he said, bowling low before
her,and speaking as though nothing in the
world had happened to mar his self-pos-
session.
"No, thank you, sir, will go home,
if you please" Hates voice shook as she
spoke, and she fairly reeled, as she made
an attempt to take a few steps forward
81 cannot permit you to go home while
you are so weary. You cannot walk
without assistance even. Lean on my
arm; in moment we will reach the
house,
But Kate did not accept his aid will
ingly; and SO he went forward. and
gently putting his arm about her, drew
her toward the house. Her breath came
treer and easier in a moments time, and
when she stood within the wide old hall
she was quite herself again.
II will not 60 further, if you please,
sir" she said, pausing there, and giving
a hurried glance over her disarranged
toilet.
This to a man of my hospitality, Miss
Weston? This way, if you please!'' He
threw open door into small sitting
room and motioned her to enter. When
she went hesitatingly forward, he drew
large lolling chair up before the window
and begged her to be seated. 4ss,. D.,
sob, but our fruit! Excuse me for
not relieving you before of the burden.
Kate crimsoned to the very roots of her
hair, as he motioned to her apron of ap-
pies, which she still held Topped up over
her arm. The next moment he had gath
cred them into silver fruit dish, and was
ringing for plates and knives. l.:,
''Excuse me, sir, but I cannot remain
longer" said Kate, rising, and giving a
little fash Of light into his face.
''But I shall insist upon it. I have a
moral right to detain you tonight, re-
member"
"Or would have, perhaps, if was not
able to purchase my own ransom. think
l understand you. May ask at what
price you value your fruit?''
She drew her purse from her pocket
with one hand, and pointed to the silver
fruit dish with the other.
The squires lip curled for q moment,
and his steady eyes burned beneath their
perfect brows, with a deeper light; but
when he spoke, his voice was as firm and
mellow as though the faintest rinnlc of