Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-04-09

somewhat moderating her violence, rs her
mother looked annoyed at her extreme
statement, "you know we have always
heard what fine fellow Allen Waters
was y
Dora said no more, Her bright, dark face
burned with Indignation She was ashamed
Of Ada, grieved, yet secretly tried to make
some excuse for her sister.
Perhaps the IIollyhocks was dull beyond
endurance to Ada. They had never been
alike. 1t was wrong, perhaps, to blame her
too much Yet she still shuddered at Adas
unwomanly words.
Day by day Ada continued her complaints
of the Hollyhocks. She was miserable her
sell, and she certainly made everybody else
so. While Dora was as busy as a bee, Ada
moped herself almost sick
The little old Phaton which Dora had
driven in as a child was left the family, and,
at her mothers suggestion, Dora hired a
mild, fat dobbn of a neighboring farmer one
day and invited Ada to drive.
There's lovely scenery along the valley
road. 1t will make Il little change for you,
Ada Besides, Eve bit of news to brighten
you up
Ada turned languidy.
ALLEN Waters is coming home" said
Dora, with II family mischievous smile.
Alter moments thought Ada arose, ar
rayed herselfin the prettest driving costume,
and entered the carriage.
"Drve past the Waters estate, Dora.
What fat, lazy horse There is no fun in
driving if you can't drive in style. There,
now, see the Waters place. It's all expect
ed it to be. Therc'd be some comfort in
living if one could be mistress there. It's no
better marriage than | ought to have made
il papa had not ialed;" and with discon-
tented lips and an arrogant toss Of the head,
Ada was driven past a hay rigging driven by
IA man in his shirt.sleevcs.
He glanced at the young ladies with frank
curiosity,
did you bow, Dora? Impudent fellow!
How he stared Country folksr sneered
| Ada.
al bowed because he bowed to us, Ada.
You would not have me rcpcl such mere
civility. lie is probably some one who
knows US, because we are strangers here"
al detest such people"
al don't think could detest any one who
wore such white shrt-sleeves and looked so
comfortable under broad straw hat this
hot day. laughed Dora, carelessy.
But the very next moment Ada was thank
ful for the existence Of "such people," for
the phaeton broke down, and, with a dismal
scream, she was tipped from her seat and
landed among the roadside buttcrcups and
clover.
The mild, fat old horse instantly stopped
Dora looked anXiously about for help. No
house was near She looked appcalingly up
and down the quiet road then-oh, gladly
she saw the hay rigging, the straw hat and
the white shirt-slceves drawing near.
You have broken dewn," said the owner,
heartily, jumping down.
"Thank you, yes The carriage seems
coming all to pieces" said Dora, still tremb-
ling from fright "Could you do anything
to help us? | should be, oh, so much oblig-
ed to you.'
Yes" said Ada, shaking the dust off her
silk skirts we are the Misses Athertons
We will pay you of course"
The man bent 10 examine the axIetree.
His side face was toward Dora, but she
plainly saw him smile.
" It's not 50 very bad, then ?" she said, anx-
ously
1t might be fixed, think, so you could
get home safely; but | haven't much time
In fact I'm in great hurry"
"What Is your time worth to your asked
Ada, with the air she had once seen II mil
lionaire use when speaking to some work
men he was about to employ
"SOmetimes more, sometimes less," answer
cd the man, with the same quizzical smile
| But he had produced cord from his pocket,
and with def fingers began mending the
broken trace. lie then produced some nails,
and with II stone pounded away vigorously
beneath the carriage
"rhere; by driving carefully you will be
able 10 reach home safely" he said, at last,
| rising
There was something in his composed
mannerand distinct enuncation which made
| Ada stare for an Instant but she could see
| little beneath the broad straw hat but curl
ing black beard, tanned check and two
| piercing eyes.
"What is to pay = she asked.
Nothing"
lie offered a hand To help Dora into the
carriagc She seated herself and drew out
little embroidered portmonnae
81 beg your PARDON she said, earnestly,
"but you must let me pay you. You said
you were in a hurry; we have taken your
time, and you have done IA great service
| / have nothing but that and a ten dollar
note. Pray take it, am sorry il Is - it,
tie" blusbing rs she rendered a shining half
dollar
Again the quzzical smile, and the eyes
they had a world u meaning la them, those
piercing dark eyes under the haibrim Dora
felt her heart thrill strangely.
Il relieved her greatly that the man ex-
tended his hand aud received the money
Thank you" be said, quietly.
"What may your name be-" asked Ada,
who had seated herself unassisted land
your occupation. You are quite handy"
/ patronilingly.
The man laughed outright, low, mellow
lasgh.
MY name does not matter; am farmer
GOod-dly, ladies.
lie stepped back, lining biz bat, smiling
again at The look Of CONSERVATION upon the
features Of the girls at the'gmce aud the face
the movement revealed
A kingly brDw shaded by close clipped
yet beautiful hair, a white forehead, eyes
danntles bright, with scou aud Fmie IN
them. The pheton turned one way the hay.
rigging another.
whoever thought that he looked like
that, under that old hat, in a hay cart y said