Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1878-08-14
Cant Jane go?'

Cant Jane goy'
No She says sho hurt her an2le
yesterday, and it pains her this morn
ing. There is nobody TO send but you,
Betsy"
"Very we'll; will CO."
In few minutes was on nv way
across the fields. / rather liked the
novelty of the expedition, which would
afford chance of seeing Mr.. Graham
AS vet had not spoken with him, nor
hardly seen him, so constantly was l
engaged in sharing the hOusemaid's la
bOrs.
On reaching the crossroads l sat
down on rock by the roadside, plac-
ing the yalise before me on the grass.
In short time ! heard the coach COM
ing, but no Mr.. Graham was in sight.
1t (the coach) soon came up. The
driver called to me. 'Going in the stage,
ma'amY I shook my head, and the
numbering vehicle sped on its way,
leaving me half smothered in cloud of
dust.
So Mr.. Graham had missed the coach.
And what was to do with the valise
Return with it? Not /, indeed 1t
was much pleasanter idling away the
forenoon in the fresh air than working
with Jane in hot, dingy kitchen. l
raised the valise and retreated with it
to the shade of friendly birch. There
was roll of half finished embroidery,
copy of "The Lady of the Lake." and
a much worn drawing pencil in the
pocket of my dress.
Having made this inventory of my
present available property, l selected
the pencil and amused mySelfin sketch
ing the passers-by on the smooth, white
bark of the birch. The body of the tree
was quite covered with oddly-contrast-
ed figures when put up the pencil and
turned to look across the meadow. Mr..
Graham stood near, regarding my
rough draughts with an amused look
Pardon me, if l have disturbed
you," he said.
Having worked un my material, l
can afford to be disturbed. You are an
hour too late for the coach, Mr.. Ora
ham,"
Eyes; l was misinfOrmed as to the
time of it's arrival. l see my valise is
here, but not the person who brought
it,"
II brought it over before the stage
came along, and have been keeping
faithful watch and ward over it since"
"You brought it over l extremely
regret it-nor can l understand why
the task was imposed upon you. I left
directions for Mr.. Smiths man, Tom,
to come on with my valise."
"Mr. Smiths man, Tom, was other
wise engaged. Therefore, it devolved
on Mrs. Smiths woman, Betsy, to full
fill your commission"
"That a-young lady should have
done me meniaPs service"
"Need occasion no uneasiness, Mr..
Graham. l belong, literally, to that
class of individuals who are hewers Of
wood and drawers of water Were
! to sketch myself it would be with a
burden on my shoulders, cumbersome
as that which Christian bore, in the IL
Illustrations that grace the ancient edi-
tions of his pilgrimage. But if you
please, would like my shilling, my
porter's hire, sir"
"Thank you, for reminding me-" he
said, laughing, as he held forth bright,
gold eagle.
keep your gold, Mr.. Graham; l
shall not take a penny more than l
have earned. Haven't you a stray
shilllng?"
"If l have l would much rather give
you gold"
"And will have nothing but silver"
Without further parley he bestowed
the compensation asked.
"What will you do with it-buy new
pencil?" he said.
mo; l shall keep it for the sake of
lang syne." .r.......
II do not see the drift Of your eng
NAUTICAL expression" said Mr.. Graham,
slowly, looking at me attentively the
while.
"Then the riddle must remain a rid
die. l have neither time, inclination
nor intention to enlighten your under
standing, which, pardon me, is quite
obtuse. Now that my mission is ended
and my wages paid I will 60 home.
wish you good morning, SIR"
returned by way of the field. On
gaining the shelter of the bushes that
grew along the border of the meadow,
l looked back and saw Mr.. Graham yet
standing beneath the old birch, engaged
in studying the delineations on its bark.
For many day 1 had not known SO
light heart. The interview Just past
reminded me so pleasantly and forcibly
of the old times that for the moment l
seemed once more child, delightfully."-
occupied in vexing and perplexing
Weld Graham. However, no sooner
did l cross the threshold of my guard
ian's door Il was Mr.. Smiths ward
than these pleasant fancies vanished. l