Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1881-01-06
CHAPTER VIII.

The Summer was gliding imper-
ceptibIy into Autumn, rousing to sense
Of her presence at last by clear, still
nights, ano he gorgeous pomp of her
sylvan carnival. The air was still mild
and pleasant, but some dark days the
wind would rush along with ominous
fury, and yainly strive to denude the trees
oftheir gorgeous trappings. Vain Why
not wait the time Of nature; she will DO
her work faiihiuIIyl No mistakes; no
neglected work. Al the appointed time,
those mighty giants will stand and wave
there naked arms in mute farewell to
Summer and all her soft, delicious Joys.
But that tree, apparently so rude and
bare, Is grading tcnderly those infant
buds which will gloriiy the tree with
the return Of Spring. But the air was
still warm and Summer was evidently
loath to quit her domain. had com
menced my school work, aud though
much iaiigued by evening, sat up far
into the night to study. This had 10 be
done secretly, for cousin Martha was
always watching 10 detect any noncon-
formi4t 10 established laws, which were
as unalterable as those OF the Mcdes
aud Persians. Because nv mother
did il, was sufficient reason. SO I
would gather my books in heap
around me; erect a screen 10 prevent
the lamp from telling on itself, and above
all, lock my outside door. But / had
another opening into cousin LewIos
room, 10 which had no key, and against
this ] pushed char. and fondIy mag
med myself secure after taking these
precautions. Slowly dark circles grew
deeper under my eyes, I'LL one
night tboughtlessly neglected my
screen and the light streamed from un.
der the door. Martha spied It as she
was proving around and tried 10 open
the door; of course she did not succeed
and chuckled silently. Let him
laugh who wins" Bot had mol made
any calculations about the other door,
50 when she called out, "Wha. are you
doing, Bretai Why are you not IN
bed 7" did not answer, but turned
the light down fancying myself secure
IRON intrusion. My miscalculation was
evident moment afterwards, as heard
her IN Lewis's room coming straight to
the door. What should do? Very
angrily the voice cried, "Breta, open
tins door. There was no help for it;
come in she would. so puhextinguished
the light, and | sat holding my breath
as she threw open the door in utter
darkness aud silence. "Where are
youf 7" No reply. heard her feeling
around in the dark and knew that be.
fore she found me she would stumble
over the books, so waited quietly, but
not long, for her loot struck the pile un.
expectedly and she came headhrst over
my barricade, smashing the lamp aud
almost ann;hilating me.
Lewis, reused by the noise, came
with lighted lamp. "What is the
matterS What are you two doing among
all that coal oil and these books :"
Cousin Martha was iearluIly angry,
but saw Lewis was Too much disposed
to laugh TO abet her. "Whal do you
mean by acting in this manner, sitting
up late at night, when you ought be in
bed Z" IL was up because | wished
to study, and have not enough time
during the day" "Why did you not
answer me when | calledh eolored
and hesitated, then said slowly, "be-
cause did not wish to be disturbed"
"Did not wish to be disturbed! Hear
my lady | tell you what, you had
better 60 to bed or you will be consid-
erably disturbed" II hope there would
be no addition to the remains Of Greece, .
| said, gazing !houghtfulIy al the pile OF
broken glass. Cousin Martha bit her
lips, and Lewis laughed. IL think we
will leave you, Breta; go to bed at
once" And they LETT the room.
threw myself on the floor and laughed
unrestrainedly till | could laugh no
more; then | thought seriously Of the
situation.
II was evident | could not study a,
night, for time at least. There was
no use of resisting and declaring, thai
as was grown, | really should have
more latitude allowed me than when
was child.