The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-12-28
THE TWO ROBERTS.

SINGING softly to himself, Robert
Edbury rode cover dale and over
down. in the sweet stiffness of the July
night. Hardly a breath of air was
stirring in the branches of the trees.
Now and then an invisible night bird
piped a solitary note to keep him COM
pany, and soft waves of light streamed
over the hills as the queenly moon, well
attended by her guards, rode indolently
down the broad highway of heaven.
The blue dome looking soft as velvet,
was, like the tabled path of love, strewn
thickly with the golden kisses of the
stars.
AS he gained the last hill, whose
summit gazed on the little watering
place which was for a few weeks to be
his destination. he involuntarily drew
rein, and sat silent amoment, enjoying
the moonlight scene. On his left an
old-fashioned brick house reared its
twisted chimneys aloft. So close was
he to it that its sharp gables seemed to
cut the air over his head, and only a
strip of green lawn, bordered by horse
chestnut trees, separated him from the
windows, cleaning in the moonlight.
"Scepter and crown I'd fling them down.
If might"
Robert Edbury hushed his song when
he perceived, for the first time, his
very close proximity to the house and
the windows.
"The substantial home of some sub
stantial farmer" he said to himself.
81 had better move on or his daughters
will think | am serenading them"
Too late! just then a window was
opened softly overhead, and lady S
face appeared at it. In the the rush of
bright moonlight Robert caught sight
of the long ripple of gold-gleaming
hair, and was sure that the face was
lovely. AT any rate, the voice was
Robert, dear, is it you?"
For half minute Robert Edbury was
mute with surprise, and made no an
swer.
at is you, Robert, Why don't you
speak?'
He spoke then, low, and with hesita-
ton.
How did you know it was I?''
"Of course | knew it was YOU
There was a dash of petulance in the
sweet voice now "WhO else but YOU
would be riding and singing in that alb
Surd way at this hour of the night, and
hating before the house? Have you a
cold, Robert? Your voice sounds diff
ferent from what it usually does.''
perhaps it is the night air. an
swered Robert, wickedly, and getting
his wits partially together. Cor | may
have cracked it with singing" But
still he spoke in the most subdued of
tones; 81 did not expect the pleasure
of speaking with you"
1.-The very idea of your coming up
on horseback at this night hour! You
know you ought not to be out Why
did you do it? Where are you going!
Into Spafield?
ITO be sure"
but what forP'
"To see friend"
"Who is it?' came the quick re.
Spouse. "Not-not Nelly CameronP'
with shade of jealousy in the tone
now. care the Camerons receiving
this EVENING""
"Not that l know off, returned Rob.
ert Edbury, promptly. q have not
spoken with single young lady to-day
except yourself"
Poor Roberto and a little laugh
rippled on the air. But do go. You
know what your health is, and that
you have no business to be riding al
this time of night. You ought to take
better care of yourself. You will be
laid up tomorrow; your voice already
sounds strange and altered. Coco
night"
Zone moment cried Robert Edbury
earnestly, as he leaped from his horse
fastening the bride to the gate, and
stepped inside beneath the window
where cleaned that mysterious, en-.
chanting face. won't you give me
a tlower-you can easily reach that
clustering vine by your easement. Per-
haps-perhaps shall wish to ask you
some time to forgive me some great of
Tense. Won't you give me flower fol-
tokenP
"How strangely you talk. OF course
/ would give you flower; but these
are only honey-suckles, and you know
we promised to give each other moth.
ing but roses. But stayr'-the pretty
voice caught itself, Il have a bunch
of violets on my table. Would you like
themP'
"Anything-anything that comes
from your handsH' whispered Robert
more sincerely than he always spoke.
The bright face disappeared mo.
ment from the window and then re.
turned-a white hand cleaned in the
moonlight.
There, take them, and now you
must go quickly! hear some one stir.
ring. Suppose it should be mamma
Good night, dear Robert"
The window was softly closed, and