Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-01-18

awaiting Christys reply. a0d regarding
her With mingled amusement and admira
ton.
Excuse me for startling you. an
certain you can not get the grapes, and
bein a head and shoulder taller than you
I am equally certain that can" he said
with a smile.
"Oh, thank you, IL do want them.
like grapes.
Most people do" was the laughing re
sponsc as he reached high over Christy'
head and plucked two or three lunches
He dropped these into her lap, and reach
ed for more, while she sat, in schoolgirl
fashion holding the gatherings and stealth
lily watching the gatherer from under hel
vide hat bftHa.- When he at last looket
down at her, having filled the bottom o
the boat with grapes. to ask II those were
enough. she was BETRAYED into laugh.
"On. great many m re than enough
for me. But you like grapes yourself
don't youp'
Indeed l do. But pray do not dc
that Pr for Cbristy was eagerly piliug frul
clusters into the wherry.
There isn't room for them and for mt
too. Ii you will let me" he added, with {
glance at Cbristy's still flushing face. 81
will eat one bunch here In the shadow be
fore rowing down the river"
There followed time-Chrstv never
knew how long-of positive enchautment
How it was that she forgot her awe OF the
elegant Mr.. Ross, and began to talk to hei
companion OF her doings and feelings, "A.
she did, will ever remain mystery. And
how thoroughly charming he was. How
he listened and laughed at her schoolgirl
relations. aud how handsome his dark
| Spanish face looked under the scarlet boat
| ing capl And how enthusiastically he
talked Of hundred things seen in travel,
while Christy listened as enthusiastically,
with wide eyes and lips, and fingers
stained with the purple Juice OF the
grapes
Mr. Ross must have forgotten about row
Ing down the river. The sun was very
low and the shadows were growing chilly
when at last he said. apologetically. rails.
ing himself from his longing position in
the wherry, Il beg your pardon for talk
ing to you so long. and without an intro
duction, too; but | believe we know each
other. You have twice called my name,
so know you know me. and know you
are my neighbor, the youngest Miss
Evarts."
"Christabel Evarts," she said simply.
"You must let me row, or rather tow
you home, to pay for my impoliteness.
There Is only room for one In the wherry,
unfortunately, but if you will let me fas-
ten this chain to the bow of your boat, il
will save you rowing up stream"
The light of the sunset was on the river,
and they seemed to be going straight into
the crimson glory. Christy was too much
astonished at her position to say much,
but Mr.. Ross was very merry-'.just like
any boy as Christy soiloquized. The
latter was still In state OF wonder as she
stood again on terra firma, and watched
her cavalier tasten the boat and remove
the oars.
81 always DO that myself. she said, tax
ing perforce the last clusters of wild grapes
which were imperatively thrust upon her.
| There was bow and smile, and the scar
let wherry shot out into the stream
Christy turned and went slowly up to the
house, flaming bunch of cardinals in one
hand and the remnants of the grapes In
the other.
where have you been, Miss Christy Pr
was the cooks rather cross greeting. Sup
per's over an hour since. You'll have to
take pckings In The pantry.
Supper was the last thing Christy
thought Of The remembrance of the par
ty came back to her, and after hurried
peep at the decorated parors, she ran up
stairs and began to dress. She was very
happy as she industriously scrubbed the
status off her hands. Could it be possible
that Mr.. Ross whom she had admired afar
cH h. ht M
had talked to her an hour and rowed heI
home And he was coming to the party
tonight (Christy shrewdly guessed that
the party was given for him, (and perhaps
he would speak to her again.
Maria curled hair, and pulled it cruelty,
but Christy was very serene. Her white
muslin dress and tiny slippers were quickly
donned. u few flowers pinned at throat and
belt, and she was ready. The parlors were
already lighted, and the full moon shone on
the plazzas aud dewy gardens. There was
a subdued hustle in the kitchen, and Belle
a radiant vision of beauty, had already
swept down stairs. 1t seemed as if every
one had come. The first strains of music
had already sounded, the dance was be-
| ginning, and no Mr.. Ross yet. Christy
was much in demand. So tired was she
Of fastening sashes and trains and bows,
OF running for pins and powder, that wheE
at last the dressing-room was empty, she
thankfully descended the stairs. and tim
| idly creeping in at the rear door of the
parlor, Immediately shielded herself be-
hind lace curtain.
They were waltzing. What would poor
Christy have given to have been "a grown
up young LADY," Her little sippered feet
beat the carpet as she obviously watched
Que gay couple after another whirl past
her.
CONCLUDED TOMORROW