The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-02-28

half opening the door. #'4Will you take
them down to the man, for I am not dress
eda Why, dear me, you're in your dress
ing gown, yourself, Molly"
$50 AMI forgot-but never mind,
aunty, it's good enough for scissors
grinder. don't believe he'll be shocked
| in the least And, indeed, there was
| very little to shock a scissors grinder, or
| any other man, in the dainty peign0ir of
blue flannel, with its pinked rulings and
open front, revealing glimpse OF asnow-
white petticoat. A more becoming Co.'S
tune could scarcely have been devised.
Perhaps our little maiden was aware of
the fact.
The grinder had taken up his position
on the front door-steps.
"Here," said Molly opening the door;
''my aunt would like to have these put
in order. And please be careful Of the
carver"
Two naughty dimples came into her
cheeks as she thus confronted her un-
likely valentine" and the voice trem-
blcd slightly with secret laughter. He
was young man and very good-looking,
now that she saw him closer.
Sarah, miss, the howly saints reward
ye!' =~
The Irish tone was so very broad that
it sounded like farcical imitation. Mol
| ~ could not refrain from smiling; and a
CLINT of mischief appeared in the grind
er'S eye as he watched the effect of his
speech.
>" Bcdad," he went on, "this maids at
tinshum savarcly."
| The wheel was now revolving rapidly;
but the man seemed to have eyes for his
employer as we'll as his work. He was
neatly dressed, and his hands seemed
to Molly strangely white and we'll kept
for the hand Of a workingman.
In wonderfully short time the job
was done.
slave you far to 60 to-day?" asked
Molly. as the grinder handed her the last
article.
"A good way, ma'am."
"Then," she said kindly, 'perhaps you
would like glass of milk and something
to eat. My aunt's servant will bring it
out to you, if you would"
"You are very kind" began the grind
er, in good English, and courteous tone.
Then he seemed to struggle with desire
to laugh. "Thc saints have you in kaip.
ing, MISS" he went on, rclaps-
ing rapidly into IRISH; "but nivir mind
the bit nor sup. It's nothing I'm na;ding
the morn, but just to thank yc for your
favors, and be atf.' He shouldcrcd his
wheel and set off at rapid rate while
Molly was fumblin, with her purse.
"Stop!' she cried after him; stop a
minute, please. 1 haven't paid you
But the man only lifted his hat nd passed
through the gate. Itwas gracefully done
"hke gentleman" Mol :, thought
and she wondered more and more.
"Such droll man ~ she said aftcrward
at breakfast; she wouldn't wait for his mon.
cy, and took his hat off to me like q
young prince. wish you had seen him
auDty."
"H'm,' replied Miss Gale, mcditativcly
1T would have been more to the purpose
had he put a good edge on my carver.
don't like the looks Of it at all, Molly
In effect it proved hopelcssly dull, as
did also everything else submitted to the
gentlemanly grinder. Of course Molly
had to endure some teasing upon the
subject.
She bore it with good grace; and as
weeks passed by the subject was forgot.
cen, or, if remembered at all, only by
herself.
The spring was advancing, It proved
an carly one. Violets starred garden
beds by the first Of April; hawthorn
hedges blossomcd into smiles to greet in
coming May; the early roses crowded on
their buttoncd-up buds and flushed with
bloom. 1t was impossible to resist the
sudden summcr-tide of all things. No.
body prated of rheumatism or preached
prudence. Old and young alike fl. ne
caution to the winds, and, as if intoxica
ted by the fragrant air, ignored dews, sal
on fresh grass, and committed all Other
impudences. By the middle Of June {
picnic had been proposed and organized
Such parties were not unusual even il
quiet Woodbury., but t'.c oldest inhab;-
tant could not rccoltect one so early in thu
season.
Ofcourse Molly was to 60. What coult
picnic in Woodbury. be without her
Her sweet temper, pretty, merry face and
deft fingers made her universal favoritc
No one knew the wild, beautiful fores
hooks so well; no one comprehendcd SC
perfectly the due admixture of salad anc
lemonade, or had such trick of dcckin!
an impromptu table tastefully with fern:
and flowers. Of course Molly must 20
And it was while in in the very midst O.
some dainty outdoor housewifery that
stranger was brought up for introduction
and miss Gale" had to look up from he1
oak wreaths and frosted cakes to courtcs,
to "Mr. Conrad" A pair of dark eye:
met hers, with sudden, amused, glao
, recognition, which pcrplexed and mysti
fled her.
, "Whcre have I seen him before?" sh,
thought, again and again, as the day wor'
on with its lively alterations of luncheon
laughter, and Irritation. But no answer
occurred, and the new arrival followed
her movements with devotion which
caused some teasing from the o!',cr girls
and not few jealous pangs among tn
|, young mca. at is case of see and con
, quer," whispered her friends among
, themselves, but neither with surprise o.
envy; for Molly was belle in her LITTLE
set, and none disputed her pretty su
. | nronnocv