The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1881-03-25

But you haven't time,' objected
Phyllis, obviously.
EOh. yes, / have" said the stranger.
''plenty Of time, / assure you. l was
only crossing the woods 10 call on the
new eurate, and
The basket slid TO the ground, as
Phyllis started up in amusement and
dismay.
'+Oi. dear" cried she. Il thought
you were the new curate.
The stranger laughed.
do / look SO very ~clerical?" said he.
"Then you are the agents son from
LondonP' she said. 'Oh, deari oh,
dear! And I've been calling your faith
er a crab, and all sorts of names. Oh,
dear! l beg your pardon. I am sure,
but all the same he is q crabr'
pray don't distress yourself" sooth-
ed the stranger. II am no relation al
all to Sir Edgar's agent"
Phyllis frightened up a little at this.
I'm thankful for that" said she.
And now, if you'll help me with the
Strawberries. we q get them all gath
cred before the agent comes this way Oh
his afternoon walk. Can you pick
themP"
II should rather think I could"
promptly answered the gentleman.
Phyllis clapped her plump little hands
in delight. as the huge punches rained
into her apron.
There" cried she. "that's enoughr
Are you quite surea"
.1Oh, quite" answered Phyllis; ''for
jelly and preserves. and to send o lot
10 markoi t. suy my new bonnet
strings.
Then it's all right" said the stran-
ger. sand we've outgeneraled Sir Ed
gar Leigh and his cross old agent after
Haven't wep'' said Phyllis, with her
black eyes dancing with mischief. '.And
now, if you'll come home with me, I'll
give you . cup of tea and q slice of
homemade cake"
II shall be very happy to carry your
basket for you," said the stranger, cour-
teously.
There he is now" said Phyllis. re-
coiling a little, as they neared the tiny
cottage. with its dropping caves and
uncovered porch.
"Whop' asked the gentleman.
THE agent"
HE can't hurt u.s." said the stran-
ger.
And he walked boldly into the very
presence of Mr.. Macpherson, with the
basket of plundered strawberries on his
arm; while Phyllis followed, much a
Yelling at his valor.
But, instead of bursting out into in
v~ectiye, the agent sprang to his feet.
and began bowling and scraping obse-
quiously.
'.Really. Sir Edgar" said he, "this is
n pleasure that 1 didn't expect"
i'Sir Edgarr' stammered Phyllis, in
alright.
II beg a thousand pardons for not
disclosing my identity before" said the
handsome ''incognito." 'But you've
no idea how 1 have enjoyed this little
masquerade. Will you allow me to in
iroduce myself formally at l~astp":
Phyllis turned crimson and pale.
''But I've been stealing your straw
berries?' said she.
Every fruit or flower on my estate
is ut your service" said the young heir,
with a bow and a smile.
But, when he went away, Hester took
her younger sister formally to task.
Phyllis" said she' "aren't you
NOt u Dlt, bhiu Iuylls, Nullduiy.
Stealing fruit like q schoolboy, and
romping ike a child" demonstrated
Hester.
'If Sir Edgar don't mind it." said
Phyllis, ''why should 1? And we're GO
ing 10 the Haunted Spring to=morrow,
and I shall show him the Rocky Glen.
Oh, I can tell you, Hester, it's great
funr''
But, as time crept on, Miss Gram
grew more uneasy still.
phyllis" said she, .'you must leavo
off flirting with Sir Edgar Leigh"
..WhyF' asked Phyllis.
because you are poor, and he IL
rich; and people are beginning to talk"
LET 'em talk" said Phyllis. ave
are to be married next month, and then
we can set the whole world at defiance.
and Hester" hiding her face on the
elder sisters shoulder.
.'WellP"
"He says he fell in love with ME that
day he caught me stealing his straw
berries"
'.Humphr said Hester. "Well, he's
stolen your heart, it appears, SO l don't
see but that you're quitsF'