The Osceola times., 1881-05-28
THE LITTLE HAT WITH BLUE RIBBONS

What impeled the Rev. Mr.. Hunter to
glance ont of his study window, in the
suburbs of the pretty town of I.udleigh,
on that particular evening? And what
did he see2 A bewitching little figure,
in a quaint, but becoming dress, which
was crowned by coarse straw hat, tied
with blue ribbons. A pair of bright,
brown eyes, glanced shyly up beneath
the brim, and the full, pouting lips look
ed very kissable; but it was rather
dark, pale little face, on the whole, even
if beautiful.
The girl stood hesitatingly for a mo-
ment, by the gate. Presently she walked
mp to the door and rang the bell. A few
moments later Mr.. IIgnter was summon
ed to the parlor. A lady, il was said,
wanted to see him.
Ii was not very cheerful parlor. 1t
lacked, evidently, the tasteful hand of a
woman to give graceful touches of flow
ers and books, and delicate work; for
the mistress of the parsonage had been
carried TO her grave three years before,
and the ministers sister, Il plain matter
ofiact woman, kept house for him in the
most unpoetical way, and trained his two
motherless children TO the best of her
ability.
Somehow, Mr.. Hunter thought the
room more cold and bare than usual as
he entered il wondering within
himself what possible errand this bright
little parsonage could have with him at
such an hour. His appearance was not
exactly terrifying, being that of a tall
scholarly, yet handsome man of 30, with
a fine head and face, and gentle digni-
fed demeanor. But his visitor seemed
utterly overwhelmed and at a loss what
to say for herself
rs there any thing can do for you?"
he asked, kindly.
"lf You would please" in very low
voice, and with considerable stammering,
"to give me your name-I-l-don't
want any thing else"
Mr.. Hunt regarded the blushing face
before him, in such a perpexed way,
that the stranger crtremblngly drew forth a
book from satchel, and presented it to
him. He smiled involuntarily, as he
glanced at the contents. II was the
PROSPECTUS of a newly.issued work of no
great merit, illustrated with rather big,
coarse wood-cuts. Book agents had often
visited him before, but of different
type from this one.
thNt Only JloN 'oiht ny tlit ai'ti-
noon train" - stammered the visitor,
pleadingly, "and your name will be of
great importance to me TO head my list.
/ started out to secure it, tonight, even
though it was--rather late" with in
creasing embarrassment. lit is the
first time have attempted any thing OF
the kind; but the directions say to be
sure and get the names ofall the minis
ters first, even if they don't buy the
book"
Poor child she was trying to remem-
Der the "Instructions 10 Agents" and
reveling more than was at all wise.
"But that would not be honest" was
the answer, MS a pair of clear, gray eyes
rested penetratingly on her face; lit
would imply that ! intended buying the
book. Ny child, can not give you my
name. The book, although not bad
one, is not book that ] can conscien-
uously recommend. But any thing else
that lean do for You will do with pleas
ure. Perhaps you will tell me some
thing of yourself, and where you are
staying You ought hardly to be out so
late May ask your name"
"Call me Miss Dickson, if you please" !"
was the half inaudible reply. "And J.
I--didn't think it was so lonely, here in
the suburbs"
"But that is not your real name?"
"No," still more embarrassed.
"My dear young lady," continued MIR.
Hunter in kind, fatherly sort Of way
"you are making great mistake in this
matter. There is nothing whatever TO be
ashamed of, in the occupation you Lave
chosen. But it might bring you into
trouble to travel under an assumed
name. If discovered, as il is liable to be
at any time, il would certainly weaken
confidence in YOU"
"My name is really Melicent Clay
she said. tearfnlly: "but did not wish