The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1880-09-22

mossy log, beside the widow, and was
eating grapes as If it were the most nat
ural thing in the world.
SO just concluded to help myself"
said TIE widow.
So perceive" said the hero of the
silky mustache.
Wouldn't you, If you were in my
placer" said the widow.
man. "And if you will allow me, l
will help you to help yourself"
But you haven't time," said the
Widow Winton, obviously.
"Oh, yes, have!" said the stranger
"plenty of time, / assure you. l was
only crossing the woods to call on the
new rector, and"
The purple clusters of grapes slid to
the ground, as the Widow Winton
started up in amazement and dismay.
"Oh, dearl" cried she; "I thought
you were the new rector!"
The stranger laughed.
Do look so very clericalP" said he.
"Then you are the agents son from
Canadap said she. "Oh, dear! oh,
dear! And I've been calling your
lather a crab, and all sorts of names.
Oh, dear! l beg your pardon, | am
pray don't distress yourself"
soothed the stranger. Il am no rela
tion at all to Mr.. Esselmont's agent"
The Widow Winton frightened up
little at this.
81 am thankful for that" said she.
"And now, if you will help me with
the grapes, we can get them all gathered
before the agent comes this way on his
afternoon walk. Can you climbP"
81 should rather think l could"
promptly answered the gentleman.
The widow clapped her plump little
hands in delight, as the huge punches
rained down into her apron.
"There," cried she, that's enough"
Are you quite sureP"
"Oh, quite" said the widow" for
Jelly, and marmalade, and to send a lot
to town to buy my new bonnet strings"
The stranger sprang lightly to the
ground, from the boughs OF q stately
beech tree.
"Then it's all right" said lie. "And
we've outgeneraled Mr.. Esselmont and
his cross old agent, after ALL"
Haven't weP" said tho Widow
Winton, with her black eyes all dancing
with mischief. And now, if you'll
come home with me, I'll give you cup
of real French chocolate, and a slice of
| sponge cake"
Il shall be very happy to carry your
basket for you," said the stranger, cour-
| teously.
There he is now," said the widow,
recoiling little. as they neared the tiny
cottage, with its dropping caves and
Dillar0d veranda.
"Who?" said the gentleman.
"The agent" said the Widow Win
ton.
He can't hurt u.s." said the stranger.
And he walked boldly into the very
presence of Mr.. Sandy Macpherson,
with the basket of plundered grapes on
| his arm; while the widow followed,
much marveling at his valor.
But, instead of bursting out into
invective, the agent sprang to his feet,
and began bowling and scraping most
obsequiouslY
Really, sir-really, Mr.. Esselmont," -"
said he, " this is pleasure that | didn't
expect"
widow.
"I beg q thousand pardons for not
handsome "Incognito." "But you've
no idea how 1 have enjoyed this mas
querade. Will you allow me to in
troduce myself formally at lastP"
The Widow Winton turned crimson
and pale:
"But I've been stealing your grapes
said she.
EVERY fruit and flower on the Essel-
mont estates is at your SERVICE" said
the young heir, with a bow and q
smile.
But when he went away, Miss
Charity took her younger sister formally
to task.
{" Fanny" said she. "aren't you
ashamedP"
"Not bit, said Fanny, valiantly.
"Stealing fruit like a schoolboy, and
romping like Il child" demonstrated
Charity.
"If Mr.. Esselmont don't mind it,
SAID the widow, "why should IP And
we're going to the haunted springs to-
morrow, and shall show him the rocky
glen. Oh, ] can tell you, Charity, it's
great funm
But, as time crept on, Miss Charity
Hall grew more uneasy still.
Fanny" said she. "you must leave
off flirting with Guy Esselmont!"
"WhyP" said the widow,
Because you are poor and heis rich
and people are beginning to talk"
Let 'em talk" said Fanny. "W
are to be married next month, and thei
we can set the whole world at defiance
and, Charity" hiding her face on tn
: elder sisters shoulder.
"Welg"
He say he fell in love with me tina
day he caught me stealing his grapes I!
:" Humphw said Miss Charity
"Well, you've stolen his heart, SO
don't see but that you're quits"