The post. [volume] (Middleburg, Snyder County, Pa.) 1864-1883, 1878-02-28


old gentleman.
Harry and Maude were very fond
Of each other, aud now talked over
the matter very seriously. MIaude
could not blame her father, aud did
not like the idea Of going to Harry
without a proper portion to contri-
butte to their joint partnership in
domestic life.
"Never mind, Harry, said the
handsome young girl "Ellen will
soon be married. 1 have pretty good
reason for knowing
"Ah. but then your father says he
wants time to pick up a marriage
portion for you, and that will take
threo or four years. perhaps
That is n good while, is IL not,
Harry ? said Maude, just blushiug
a little. for fear it sounded forward
aud bold
"It's ages / said the young fellow
"Think of waiting three years why
wc shall be old folks by that time !
"Not quite 30 bad as that said
Maude.
"I'm sure my hair will be gray by
that time!
Nonsense, Harry Now you are
Joking"
II was never more earnest in my
life, said be. as he stole kiss from
her pretty lips, and ran away, 30 IA
not to hear her chide him for mis-
boldness.
"Maude,' said her father. coming
into the house from tho barn, 81
wish you would ride the sorrel mare
iuto Easton. aud get this hundred
dollar bill changed ut the bank. The
workmen have got done with the
roofing Of the barn, and / want to
pay thom off Tonight.
Very well, father. Let John
put tho side saddle on, and I'll be
ready in five minutes"
'::he sorrel mare was brought up
to tho door, and Maude was soon on
her way at an easy hand gallop to.
ward Il lston. She had an excellent
seat aud was good horsewomau
As she knew this very well, she
ould not have objected to have
Harry see her just now; brt he had
gone few minutes before in an op.
posite direction.
When Maude got into E,ston she
rode directly to the bank. bnt was
unfortunate enough to fad it closed
After few minutes thought she re
solved to try to get the note chang
ed mt grocers or ut some of the
other stores. and went Immediately
to do so. Fate seemed against her
for no one had small change TO &c.
commodate Miss Henderson.
At one Of the stores where she
stopped II very gentlemanly looking
person took ont his pocket book and
said he thought he could change il
for her, and she handed him the bill
but lie re.urued it saying that after
all he had not SD much sinai
money. lie seemed to regret this
however, and even followed Miuic
to the door aud assisted her to 70
mount her horse
She was forced to give mp her er.
rand Ms she did not like TO run about
among strangers asking them tC
change her bill, especially as no one
seemed able to do SO. She there
fore turuel her horses head once
more towards home. Scarcely had
she passed the outskirts Of the town
when she was overtaken by the
stranger who had spoken with hen
in the last storo, anl who at frsl
thought he could change her bill
He was mounted upon fine look
ing bay horse, aud saluted her re-
spectfully as he came alongside.
did you get your Till changed 7
lie asked.
"No small bills seemed scarce,
she replied
ado you live near here 7"
"About five miles off.
"Quite u ride "
, "Oh, we don't mind five miles il
the country"
| "You are an excellent rider |"
II have ridden since I was six
: years DID, she said but my sis,
ter Ellen is better rider than
am"
"You are generous to admit it, y
said the stranger
"Why. it's only the truth sh,
answered frankly.
After they Ind passed over about
/ two miles, they came to very lone
ly piece Of road, quite removed from
any dwelling houses. Still AS thu
stranger appeared 10 gent'emanly
and had addressed her so politely
| she had not the least suspicion o
any avil Intention on his part,
, Presently he said suddenly. 81
will thank you for that bill"
"What = said she half smiling.
"Please give me that bill"
"What do you mean = said Mis-
Maude.
49,. - A., -.