Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-07-15
NO. 165.
Gales ano Skettbes.
From the Argosy Magazine.
Nh. SMITH.

evening, and the rays of the declining sun
were still shining down hotly upon small
railway station in the midst of sleepy
agricultural district a long. low building.
with 4 gr,veled platform and one iron
bench. inclosed in wooden palings. formed
the whole erection; and all glittered in
credibly white in the warm sunbeams.
To break the perfect repose of the rural
scene there was but one rowing figure.
which was that of rather small and stunt
ed boy in dark. quiet livery. His conse-
quence. however, wis sufficient tor an ar
my as he strutted up and down the plat
form he was casting contemptuous glances
at the low, white station house. ut the pas
toral landscape, at the shining line ofr,ils.
This superior being was presently aroused
from the contemplation of his own great
ness by the appearance of the train in the
distance. when he immediately assumed
very business-like. wide-awake air But
the approach of the train had become
known in other quarters also. and an otli-
Ger now issued from the low white build
ing. carefully locking the door behind him.
Upon the stoppage ofthe train il became
apparent at once that there were hut two
passengers for Rcdbrook-onc stout
countrywoman, with amarket basket upon
her arm the other Young man, who
sprang briskly from his compartment. and
made his way TO the luggage van. Leav-
ing the countrywoman to get her fat self
and her basket out as best she might, the
solitary officer hustled up to the iirst-class
passenger.
"lour luggage, sir? Was il labeled
Redbrook? What name Smith. did you
say, sir. Thank you"
But now the small and important SER
want came up, touching his hat. and speak
ing with great air "Allow, me. sir"
said he. taking bag from the young
mans hand. What luggage have youo
I'll see To ii; the carriage is ON the other
side. sir
Notwithstanding the rcassuring air and
. words, the traveller waited 10 see his port
manteau correctly out ofthc van. and then,
glad of the fresh evening breeze. strolled
around in the direction indicated by the
servant. As soon as he had rounded the
station house, the Young man, by name
Jeffrey Smith, perceived pony carriage
in waiting. and seated in it, young lady.
She was attired in Il plain print dress, with
only few knots of palc-colorcd ribbon
here and there to relieve its monotonv;
upon her head was a wide straw hat, rs
face, its chief merit lay in its youthiulness
and brillancy Of coloring. But altogether
the girlsh figure, the low carriage, and
the rural landscape made very refresh
ing spectacle to Mr.. Smith, wearied with
long confinement. the worries and excite
ments of London.
Mr. Smith advanced hesitatingly. not
sure who the young lady might prove to
be. Her words. however. at once inform
ed him. Directly she had caught sight of
his advancing form, she extended her hand
and spoke with frank cordiality; her voice
being as pleasant and refined as her ap-
pearance.
''llow do you do. Mr. Smith Ny
father was so sorry not TO be able to come
himself to welcome you. but he had an
important meeting to attend this after
noon
Mr.. Smith took the outstretched hand.
| thinking within himself that he should
enjoy the drive quite rs much in the com
pany of his hosts daughter as in that of
his host personally; perhaps more so.
''Will you get in - said the girl next.
Thomas. hope. is seeing to your lug
gage. The wagon will bring it,
Il am being the occasion of great deal
| of trouble
Not at all; the wagon had already to
come for some farm implement so that
need not be upon your mind" answered
the young lady in an Independent, bust
ness-like way, that Mr.. Smith soon found
was a characteristic of hers.
rs it all right, Thomase" she asked of
the servant, who now came up and clam
bered to his place; upon which the young
lady touched up the ponies, and away
thev went at a fair pace.
| "The are no lions 10 point ont to YOU,
Mr.. Smith. so that unless you can admire
a quiet country landscape. am afraid
you will be disappointed in the neighbor-
hood
! There was scent of The hay harvest in
the air; the tall ragged-robins in the
pink hedges nodded their heads; the del
icate meadow-sweet held its dainty
flowers erect; the long grasses waved
gracefully; the trees, singlely and in
groups. stood out in deep dark masses Of
foliage; brown stream glided through
the fields, beside which the cattle rested,
Illuminating in full content; all was rich,
peaceful. pastoral, and the young man
looked around him quite satisfied with his
position and the prospect.
at may be a great deficiency in taste,'
answered he laughing; .'but / am not
sure that do nat like rich agricultural
country like this. better than the grandeur
of wilder scenery
.'Of course like the country; I never
find it dull; but I'm afraid Of our not be-
ing able to find you much amusement
Jeffrey was beginning to deprecate this
view of the case. when he was interrupted
by the ponies being pulled up. They had
overtaken the old woman, who had been
the other passenger in the train by which
he had arrived.
''Weil. Nancy. a warm evening. Shall
we take your basket for you? You can
call for it at the house, and get some sup
per az you go by
Thank you. Miss Lettice; It's warm, y
answered the old woman wiping her
heated face, and preparing to disburden
herself.
''Here Thomas said the young lady to
the servant, who was locking on disdain-
fully with folded arms, .help Nancy up
with her basket" And at the command
Of his mistress he had no choice but to un.
fol- J. :.k II