, 1880-06-17

drives, boating, WalkS, CtOlueC paTtIcS,
etc, her time was so fully occupied
that she did not find au opportunity to
do so.
Shortly after her arrival at the hall,
she made the acquaintance of a wealthy
Young farmer, who owned large farm
and country seat few miles away. He
was not handsome, but possessed a
frank, ingenious countenance that was
very attractive. His manner was tri-
tle awkward and constrained, and May
made him the butt for her constant ridi-
cule. He bore all this with undimln-
ished good humor, and was her constant
companion From the first, her lovely,
bewitching face had made him her de-
voted admirer.
1t was a pleasant day in September,
and early in the morning young Oak
land drove up in his pretty phaeton and
stopped before Mrs. Webb's door. He
jumped down and darted tn 'ough the
flower beds, regardless of the damage
they sustained, to the lawn, where he
had seen little figure in white muslin
vanish. AT last he found her demurely
sitting on a log, and LOOKING as dainty
and fresh as rose.
"Miss May, viii you come with me
and take ride2'
"What + at this hourl Why, surely
not. Mr. Oakland !"-l1o ..
"Never mind the early hour-the
roads are so good, and this air will re-
vive you--do come, please I" pleaded he,
eagerly.
She looked mischieyously into his
face, saying:
"Why are you so anxious2 Go and
find Bertha and take her with you she
will be delighted, I'm sure"
Oakland turned Iaway at last, wound
ed by her refusal, and in moment she
was beside him, rosy flush mantling
her bright cheeks, and a gay smile on
her red lips.
81 did not think you would desert me
so soon," she began.
he looked at her searchlngly, but she
bore his scrutiny with unAinching eyes,
upon which his face lost its gloomy ex-
preston, and happy smile played over
his features. He helped May to seat
beside him, and they started off at a
brisk trot.' They did not return until
near noon, and when they arrived Ed
win came out to the front gate to meet
them. a. h.9.f .7E era
swell, that was very fine of you to
60 off in that fashion, without letting
anyone know of it. | began to think
that Mr.. Oakland had eloped with you,
but mamma thought otherwise, and
she insisted upon my dragging the
pond"
Mays face flushed slightly, and in
order to cover up her confusion, she
leaned over and pulled her cousins hair,
saying:
"You are very impertinent, even for
a cousin"
'Come, May, jump" he said, impa-
tiently. aI
Oakland leaped out of the carriage,
and stood by in readiness to lift her out.
May looked from one to the other, and
finally allowed her cousin the privilege
of helping her. Oakland looked on with
an angry face, and drove off without
deigning to say word. 1+
May remained at the gate, gazing at
his fast retreating figure. In her heart
she regretted her coquetry, but 1t was
too late to remedy that now
Edwin began to laugh softly to him.
self, and May, annoyed by it, asked what
amused him. G.tflEIagI.'
II was thinking how my prophecy
was being fulfilled. I" '-'
"What do you meanF inquired his
cousin.
81 always said you would be a farm,
er's wife,"
May flushed scarlet, as she said, an
grily; ri g7Qry,
"That is not true, for would never
marry Gerald Oaklandl He is too awk-
ward and simple"
Edwin's face became very thoughtful,
and she began to fear further mischief
but he turned away and said no more.
CHAPTER III.
g Several days later, Oakland called at
the Hall, and was taken into the parlor
where the family were assembled. They
all welcomed him gladly, for it was a
dull, wet daY, and they did not. expect