The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1878-07-12
A BUNCH OF ROSES.

Maggie Denne was standing on the
terrace in the rectory garden at Whites
leigh, gazing over the lovely bay, when
young man came close and gently
placed his hands over her blue eyes.
Frank, how dare you p she ex-
claimed; Z" let me go this instant p
The hands were Immediately with
drawn, and the fair girl turned round
half angrily, to encounter the rude dis
turber of her reverie.
"Why, Algy, is it you? How did
you get here? 1 thought you were at
Motcombe. This is surprise p she
added; papa will be so glad, and Frank,
too"
"And you, Maggie ?" said Algy, as he
shook hands with her warmly, venturing
upon gentle pressure of her taper
fingers.
"Of course, I am delighted, particu-
larly as Jessie hamblyn is coming to-
day. You recollect her ?''
ooh, perfectly; she used to be my
ideal of beauty until" He stopped.
"Until that terrible attack cost her
her eyesight, you mean. Yes, indeed.
she was lovely girl. 1 admire your
taste, Algy."
81 did not exactly mean that" he re-
piled; meant"
Never mind just now, but tell me,
like good fellow, is that the smoke of
the steamer over there? If 80, must
go and tell Robert to get the pony chaise
ready"
Algy shaded his eyes from the glare,
and bent all his powers of vision upon
the tiny cloud on the horizon.
1t was indeed fair scene upon which
his eyes rested. The blue waters of the
bay were fiecked with foam, as the brisk
breeze met the restless sea on the flood
tide. Till now, Maggie had in vain
sought for q token Of the vessel, and
with shaded eyes had watched the wide
expanse, at times almost despairing.
But now all doubt was removed. The
black streak grew more and more de-
1ned; long trail of smoke extended far
across the blue distance.
Come along" said Maggie; "we
must tell papa and Frank. They will
be astonished to see you. By the way.
do you generally greet your lady friends
at Motcombe as you did me Just now"
Il Aigy blusned as he replied, "Of
course not; besides, have no particular
friends there.
Oh Not Miss Luttrell and Miss
Affects 1t Aliee-Carrington? Fie,
AAgy, fie what would they say to hear
You disown them thus But here is
Frank"
AS she spoke, her cousin, Frank Car
son, appeared. He walked slowly, and
with peculiar watchful gait, but he
turned his head neither to the right nor
left, as he approached the merry pair.
"Well, Frank, old fellow, how are |
you?" exclaimed Algy, heartily as he ex-
tended his hand.
Why, Algy Vernon, back already !
We thought you were studying medi. |
cine, or cutting peoples legs off to keep
your hand in for surgery. Oh, you |
truant p
The young men shook hands warmly.
Have you been here long this timer |
asked Algernon.
"About a fortnight" was the reply: |
Maggies school-chum is cominoEI |
am very anxious indeed to make her ac- |
quaintance. L understand she's lovely |
NOT that her good looks matter to
me-"
Algy was about to make a reply when |
Maggie made him sign not to speak.
VIM you OVhe anu neet ner, FRANK |
We are going"
OF course. l shall be delighted to
welcome her. I'll go and get some flow |
ers for her-a bunch of roses will do"
As he spoke he walked quietly away.
What did you mean by telegraphing
to me In that mysterious mar ner?" asked |
Vernon.
Frank doesn't know that Jessie is
blind now, so don't tell him. She may |
recover her eyesight, the doctors say.
Perhaps your skill may prove of use."
"Not much, am afraid, " said Alger.
non, signing. But I've made the eyes
my study, too. Now your eyes"
But whatever compliment he intended
TO convey was cut short by Maggie's
sudden departure.
In half an hour the party we're all