The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1880-06-17

that she did not find an 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-
fie awkward and constrained, and May
made him the butt for her constant ridi-
Guile. 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 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 log, and LOOKING as dainty
and fresh as rose.
"Miss May, will you come with me
and take a ridel"
"What! at this hourl Why, surely
not. Mr.. Oakland p
"Neyer mind the early hour-the
roads are so good, and this air will re-
vive you-do come, please J" pleaded he,
eagerly.
She looked mischievously into his
face, saying:
"Why are you so anxiousl Go and
find Bertha and take her with ysu she
will be delighted, I'm sure"
Oakland turned away at last, wound
ed by her refusal, and in moment she
was beside him, rosy flush mantling
her bright cheeks, and gay smile on
her red lips.
81 did not think you would desert me
so soon," she began.
He looked at her searchingly, but she
bore his scrutiny with unfinching eyes,
upon which his face lost it's gloomy ex-
preston, and happy smile played over
his features. He helped May to seat
beside him, and they started off at
brisk trot They did not return until
near noon, and when they arrived Ed
win came out to the front gate to meet
them.
swell, that was very fine Of you to
go off in that fashion, without letting
anyone know of it. l 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.
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 of without
deigning to say word.
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.
81 was thinking how my prophecy
was being fulfilled"
"What do you mean?" inquired his
cousin.
81 always said you would be farm
er's wife"
May flushed scarlet, as she said, an
grily:
"That is not true, for I would never
marry Gerald Oakland! 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 II.
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 q
dull, wet day, and they did not expect
any callers. Bertha sat at the piano