The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1880-12-16

get home safely; but haven't much time.
fact, I'm in hurry"
what is your time worth to you?" asked
Ada, with the air she once heard Million
aire use in speaking to some workman he
was about to employ.
sometimes more, sometimes less," an
swered the man, with the same quizzical
smile.
But he had procured cord from his
pocket, and, with deft fingers, began mend
ing the broken trace. Then he produced
some nails, and with stone pounded away
vigorously beneath the carriage.
There! By driving carefully you will be
able to reach home safely" he said, at last,
rising
There was something in his composed
manner and distinct enunciation which
made Ada stare for an instant; but she
could see little beneath the broad straw hat
but curling black beard, tanned cheek,
and two piercing eyes.
What is to pay?"
*'Nothing?"
He offered hand to help Dora into the
carriage.
She seated herself and drew out a little
embroidered portemonnaie.
II beg your pardon" she said earnestly,
"but you must let me pay you. You said
you were in hurry; we have taken your
time, and you have done US great service.
have nothing but half sovereign, Pray
take it. am sorry it is so little, " blushing
as she rendered him shining coin.
Again the quizzical smile, and the eyes
they had a word of meaning in them, those
piercing dark eyes under the hat brim.
Dora felt her heart beat strangely.
It relieved her greatly that the man extend
ed his hand and took the money.
''Thank you" he said, quietly.
''What may your name be" asked Ada,
who had seated herself unasissted, 'sand
your occupation? You are quite handy"
patronizingly.
The man laughed outright, q low, mellow
laugh.
my name does not matter; am farm
er. Good-day, ladies.
He stepped back, lifting his hat smiling
again at the look of CONSERVATION upon the
features of the girls at the grace and the
face the movement revealed.
A kingly brow shaded by close clipped
yet beautiful hair, white forehead, eyes
dauntless bright, with scorn and a smile in
them.
The phaeton turned one way, the hay
wagon another.
that, under that old hat, in hay -cart?"
said Ada, breathlessly. "who can it be?"
How provoking! He was a right down
gentleman, though he said he was only a
farmer"
Poor Ada! Her modification had just
begun. That evening, with silk hat dotted
from the handsome head, faultleseiy ar
rayed, Mr.. Allen Waters presented himself
in the little9parlor of the Hollyhocks land in
Producing himself, begged leave to inquire
if the young ladies had reached home quite
safely.
Ada apologized quite eagerly, and tried to
be sweet, but Mr.. Waters seemed to have
eyes only for Dora's brunette face.
He came again and again to the Holly
hooks, and at last one day boldly declared
himself Dora's lover.
"You have known me but such little
while, you don't know half my faults, muir
INJURED she.
II don't care if don't, ;" he laughed. IT
love you, and have loved you ever since you
offered me that half sovereign so charm
ingly, blushing and ashamed of the small
sum. Why, you little darling, do you
know your appealing dark eyes kept me
from meeting man who would have paid
me G100 that day?"
''And you never got it," cried Dora,
aghast.
mo; but that does not matter. have
your half sovereign, and had rather have
it."
Such an incoarrigible fellow as that of
Mrs. Allen Waters She loves her husband
because, under all the circumstances, she
finds him gentleman. And ada is in the
cu1Ec