Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1877-11-29

ley's blue eyes shone with amusement,
AS his glance fell upon them, Ret was
climbing from limb to limb of an old
oak tree, not being able, probably to
asce nd to the top Of a sapling birch
as did her brothers. In fact, Ret
couldn't shin up but she could come
down gradually, which she did in
Max's sight. High up among the
boughs, the pretty little hoyden
grasped the tip Of the birch, which
young and 1.-the, bent slowly with her
weight, and down to the ground she
descended most royalty. Releasing
the tree, it sprang back to its place.
That was grand, Charlie! she ex-
claimed to the bare-footed little ur-
chin who was industriously shining
up tall birch.
'You'd better not let Rath or that
Mr.. Kingsley see youl painted Char
lie, half way ur.
The girl gave quick look round.
I don't care for Mr.. Kingsly, she
said swinging bnuch Of columbine,
which filled the air with its fra GRANGE
You would if you knew what Eath
told him., answered Charlie, tngging
away.
What was that, Charlie .
Charlie, nearly to the top, gave one
more writhe Of his supple little body
and suddenly dropped lis weight from
his hands, the tree bent and swung
him down to the ground. When his
little brown feet touched the sorrel,
he let 60, and the birch lunsed back.
Charlie contemplated his burning
hands, doubtful if thev were good for
another. Ret caught him by the
shoulder.
What did Rath say
That Mr. Kingsley might have you,
answered the boy.
Refs pretty face famed.
'Rath had better mind his own af.
fairs, and hate Mr.. King1ley
Max commenced whistliog and then
came slowly around the sumacs and
elderberry bushes. Suddenly he ap.
peared to catch sight Of the group
Ret and Charlie side by side, and
Charlie chewing birch bark, while
Henry, the youngest, was gathering
puff balls, acorns, or pine cones from
the ground.
Max lifted his hat. Ret, with her
fragrant wand, and her pretty face, a
little palel by excitement, faced him
like fairy wrath.
"A fine morning, he said, taking no
notice of her flashing eyes. Miss Ret
and boys, l thought | was the earliest
riser in the house, bat You, see, have
beaten me. How fragrant these birch
woods arel Charlie, you know the
secret Of the bark, don't you? I used
to chew it in school and set thrashed
for it.
Charles boy heart was won imme'
diately. He forgot all about the Sc,
cret he had overheard, and which
seemed TO prejudice his sister so a
gainst Max. With him and Henry
the guest instantly became a great Fa'
vorite.
But Ret was another Nemesis
Hardly speaking to Max, she turned
around and walked home. And hence.
forth careless, merry, romping Rel
was changed to maidenly young
lady.
Mrs. Marshall rejoiced in the CANCEL
but Rathbarn hardly considered it an
Improvement when he found that Re,
seemed to hold him no longer in con.
fjdence, and his frien not at all in
favor.
In vain Max Kingsley tried to wiz
her countenance. at least. She would
hardly look at him-would neversmlle
upon him--was barely civil, and state
ly as young Diana. In vain he ex.
ercised the powers Of an Orpheus-
proved himself an Ajax of bravery, a
Calchaes Of wisdom, an Arion of re.
fined tastes, and an Ecus Of principle
and natural nobility. Ret wouldn
be wooed and won.
So fortnight passed away.
At last came The time for Max
Kingsley's return. He had long age
made his way to the hearts Of the old
people. They were sorry TO have lin: