Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-08-03
81 like the double blue violets,"
aid Dolly, gently, With geraniun

S' fe~---' - ff
leaT,s." 5--.
"Then they shall be my iavorite
flowers also" said Calverly, calamity.
The gentlemen had hardly taken their
leave when old Frixham. the florist,
hustled In, with round, red face. shin
ing bald head, and an air Of business all
over him.
"isn'tit time you had the theater
boquets readyP" said he. looking criti-
cslly around, snd moving . glass OF
treshiy-cut czllas ous OF the level sui.
set beams which at that moment fell
like sheaf of golden.lances. at the deep
bow window. ......
81 shall have them ready directly"
said Dolly, starting from her reterie.
The flowers are all sorted out"
1--WE have too many carnations on
hand" said the florist, irctfully; and
those gaudy Cape bells are 20 much dead
loss. Let the man from The green.
houses know, please; there's demand
for half.open rosebuds and forced lilies
of-the-valley"
"Yes," said Dolly, dreamily. " I win
tell him-when he comes"
The closed country wagon, with its
freight of fragrant leaves and deliciously
scented flowers. came early in the morn
ing, long before the fist norist was out
of bed. and while the silence almost Of
IN enchanted land lay upon Upper
Broadway. --
But Dolly Penfield was there froshen'
ing up the stock of the day before with
wet moss and cool wa,er. and clipping
the Stems Of the rosebuds.
No more carnations, John" she
said. briskly; "nor amaryilis dowers;
and We want plenty Of rosebuds and
lilics-of-the-valley. We have an order
for twenty-eight extra bouquets for 0
dinner party. and hope you have
brought plenty of camollias and scarlet
gersniums, and those bright flowers"
II thought perhaps" said honest
John Deadwood. who measured six feet
In his stocking feet. and had the face OF
an amiabls liant, "you might want TO
70 back with me to-day, Dolly. Your
aunt has come on from Kansas. and
there's to be dance out in the old barn
with plenty OF candies and evergreen
boughs. And mother would be proud
to welcome you TO the old farmhouse.
Dolly. Your Olleander tree Is kept care
fully at the south window. and"
Dear me" carelessly interrupted
Dolly. "why don't they put it in the
greenhouse"
Because, Dolly" said the young
man, reidenlng. /: reminds US Of you.
And the meadow lark in the cage sings
beautifully; and 0. red Brindle has o
little. sp otted cali!"
"Hss s.ieP" qu,stio ned Dolly. indif.
ferenily.
John Deadwood looked hard at her.
"DJily,' said lac, you don't care
about the old home any lohgerw
Yes. do" said Dolly, rousing her.
sell; but"
She paused suddenly, the rosy color
rushing in n carmine tide to her cheek.
an involuntary smile dimpling the cor.
ners OF her fresh lips. rs she glanced
through the smilax trails in the win
dow.
John Deadwood. following the direc-
ton of her eyes. glmced. too, just in
time 10 see tall gcntlema an lift his hat
and bow rs he went iaunuly past.
as that it?' slid John bitterly.
"Is what" petulantly retoreed Dolly.
"I'm sure ! don't now what we are
standing here quietly waiting Tor. and !
~ith the twenty-eight extra bouquets
TO make up oy two O'Clock. That's all
John, l think. Don't forget the lilies
ofthe-vailey%
But you have not answered me,
Dolly"
Answered you whats"
About the dance in the old barn.
and coming back with me when the
wagon returns at five o'clock.
Its quite out of the question" said
Dolly. listlessly.
Dolly"
well"
you promised me years ago"
Nonsense 81 Dolly, 6inging the
axaleas and pinks about in fragrant
confusion. II WAS orly child then
But you've NO right 10 30 back oi
your word, Dolly, child or ro child."
II never promised, John"
"But you let me believe that one day
you would be my wife. And I've lived
on the thought Of II, Dolly, ever since.
And if this city situation OF yours should
break up my hfes hope" I. GO
Don't hope anything about me
Johnp brusqusly interrupted the girl.
q" Here comes customer. Please, John,
don't stand there any longer looking
like n ghost"
/. And honest, heart broken John
turned, and went with heavy steps out
to where the wagon stood and old Roam
was waiting. with down-drooping head
and half closed eyes. lI lrrrs
ut does seem to me-" he muttered.
between his teeth. THAT there's moth
ing left to i've for any longer"
Dolly looked half remorsefully after
him. og
"Tve almost mind to call him
back" said she to herself, as she picked
out bunch Of white violets Tor the
newcomer. II do like John Deadwood;
but I think he has no business to con-
slider himself engaged to me. just be-
cause Of that boy-and.girl nonsense,
Ones ideas change as one gets on In
/ ,.e- ~ ih NflN ~ f-1'l.i ITO