Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-11-05
WINDMILL GRANGE.

gay with patriotic cOloring of red, white and
blue, very different from it's old-iashioned and
ungainly predecessor. For in the days when
Windmill Grange was almost wilderness the
hill upon which the house stood and the valley
below were covered with forests, through which
the wild deer gamboled, the bears roamed and
the wolves howled; and as there was no place
for obtaining provisions near, the ungainly
windmill which gave the farm its name had been
wont to grind corn for food.
The sight that met the eye of Russell North,
however, as he rode leisurely along the road
which wound at the foot Of the hill was any
thing but the wild one we have pictured. He
saw handsome country seat set upon high
hill, the southern exposure of whichwas divided
into smooth sloping fields upon which the grass
and grain were waving. The house-gabled,
picturesque and rambling-fronted the south.
To the westward trailed an arm of the forest to
protect the house from the fierce wind. To-
ward the east, but standing little way from
the house to avoid the shelter of the trees. tow
cred the windmill, the breeze which twirled it
so constantly stopping to rock in the graceful
bows of a venerable elm, and to sigh moment
through pine tree ERE it came to toss the arms
of the mill.
sharp curve in the road-for It was all
curved sOmewhat-brought Russell near the
windmill, and he now saw that between the
windmill and the house stood rustic well. and.
standing near by it, yet half beneath the wind
MIL sheitering arms, stood girl with pretty
pink and white face, which was shaded with
something which appeared more like frOwn
than the trace of sorrow. though she was at
tired in deep mourning. He studied the face as
he rode slowly near; it was neither strong look
ing nor noble in expression or mold, vet it was
ia vt..v
partly from the fact that it was the first grace
full wOman's face he had seen for some days
past. He had been out on hunting and fish
ing excursion with some gentlemen friends in
the vicinity, and, though he had enjoyed it, he
was growing little tired; and to-day. being
out on fOraging expedition and to get the
mail from the neighbOring village, the home
like air OF the Grange, and the WOman's face
were OOth attractive, since they cOntrasted so
strongly with the scenes of the past few days.
He had been riding far, and was tired and
thirsty-why not ask for draught of water?
and refining up his horse, he lifted his hat and
addressed her:
81 beg your pardon, but am stranger and
have ridden for some distance through the
a drink of water!''
certainly" she answered, the frown disap-
pearing, and smile dimpling her face instead.
please come into the house and will see that
you have other refreshments"
Thanks" he answered, the thought Of eating
and drinking in this picturesque spOt-at a
table, too, after the past two weeks of roughing
twas temptation too strong to be with
stood.
II only fear 1 should trouble you in doing
son the contrary. it is a great relief to see
strange face occasionally, and if you accept my
Invitation, shall be your debtor, for the lOneli-
ness of the place is terrible to me-"
You are alone, then" glancng at her mourn
ing dress as he dismOunted from his horse
'Quite so, except for the COMPANY of a maiden
aunt. have recently lost my parents, sir"
Indeed" in surprised and sympathetic
tone. as though it caused him the deepest sor-
row.
She was leading the way to the house; Russell
walked beside her. and as they neared it he Sc
cured his horse and then paused moment to
look upon the beautiful scenery which sur
rounded the house on every side-Of lake hill.
valley, forest and piain-the wind waves in the
grain and the cloud shadows passing over max
ing panorama grateful to the sight He turned
into the house without further remark and was
to mild-lOoking. but rather grave
middle-aged lady, as a traveller who was stop
ping for an hours rest. Refreshments were i'm
mediately forthcoming, and through this
aunt Russell learned that the young
girls name was Rachel Sidney; she had
but one brother, who was only content
with rowing over the world. 1t was strange
the old lady said, for the elder Sidneys were
quiet and content to live at Windmill Grange for
a century, ever since the land was new, but both
Rachel and her brother heartily disked the
place, having no pride in keeping it as the home
stead OF the Sidney family. The brother had
been provided for in other ways but the Grange
was Rachel portion. 1t was gOOdly place. but
she was determined to sell it, for then She would
remove at once to neighboring city.
Inc near station was the Grange. and it would
be just the thing for a country residence for some
city gentleman who had large family of chill
dren and the means to buy the place Did Mr.
NOrth-fOr Russell had long ere this presented
his card-knOw of any such?
The thought struck Russell that the autumn
country residence, and it would in all proba-
bility. be some time before purchaser could be
found who would be willing to pay what the
place was really W ORTIZ
II don't know of any One," he said; "but /
win pear the thing in mind when l return to the
city. and II can be of any service to you in the
matter shall be most happy to render it."
"Oh, II you only would" exclaimed Rachel, in
a beseeching tone. How much longer do Won
remain in the country. Mr.. NOrth?"
"A week." he said, lifting his eyes to scan
once more the young girls face and figure. I.
sion. cannot tell you how grateful to me has
been this hOme-like meal, after days of camp
life"
g Then you must come often and Join us at
meal-time,' she said quickly. ''We shall be
very glad to have ycu cOme-shall we not, Aunt
Nary"
I'VE shall. indeed" responded her amt cor-
iially
So far there was little in the way of mutual
attraction, except desire upon both sides for
slight gain. Russell was secretly weary of the
spot; he bad hungered for home-like accommo
1atlOns. and felt that an occasional stolen hour
nc the Grange, when he came to the village upon
errands for the camp, would prove exceedingly
agreeable. Rachel was anxious for some means
Of killing time at first, and later she began to
hope that through this chance visitor she might
dispose OF the Grange, which she felt to be
milestone around her neck-the one thing which
detained her from the gay life of the city, which
sh e coveted.
Thank you bOth," Russell said, "for your
kind hospitality" and there was something in
his manner which gave great earnestness to his
words and made them fall sincerely upon the
EAR. Il would be glad to inger longer now,
but Unjust hurry to perform my errands there;
but If you will not think it too great an intru-
sion, will stop an hour or two on my return to-
morrow evening""
We will welcome you gladly" Rachel said,
and there was a smile upon her lips, in her ewes
and dimples in both cheeks and chin.
This smile Russell took in the light of a reye
latiOn.
1T would take but a trif1e to make that oirl
very fond Of me" he thought as he rode away
There Letters for inn