Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-08-19
Gales arro Skstfbts.
WINDMILL GRANGE.
CONTINUED from yesterday. }

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There were letters tor himself and
friends. Upon one his name was written
in a graceful woman's hand there were
two letters addressed in similar hand in
his inner coat pocket. He had opened
these rather hurriedly. but this he merely
gave two chances and then thrust them
unceremoniously in his pocket to be read
by and by he was busy with other thoughts
tonight. But afterwards, when he reach
ed where the camp-fires were burning, he
sat down, and sheltered by hedge Of ce-
dars and underground OF various kinds,
he read the letter clear through. Then.
after musing while, his companions be-
ing busy with their own letters and papers.
he took the portable writing desk which
was the property Of the camp collectively,
dipped his pen in the ink and sat down to
write. Dear Zoe." he began, and then
he paused, threw his pen aside. crnmbled
the sheet and threw it into the fire.
II must WRITE he said, ''or ] shall
have no excuse for going to the village
tomorrow afternoon. wonder though"
and he smiled trife. chow Zoe would
relish il If she knew / made the answer
ing Of her letter serve as an excuse fnr
calling upon another girl. II IL quite az
well. perhaps, that women don't know
everything. and that they have so much
self-esteem they never suspect our loyal
ty To them without first receiving the
most convincing proof to the contrary"
So he wrote the letter, lighted cigar
and thought-not OF Zoe, but Of rosy,
dimpled Rachel. and Of its being such
pity that she was losing her head over
him, az she undoubtedly was; and not
AL H. l. kz IIaa hat he
should avoid her and 80 save her from a
broken heart never entered his mind.
Accordingly, next day he was obliged
10 90 to the village again. lie had letters
TO post, and. besides. he forgot to make
some very necessary purchases. The
ride was rather lonely. No one else de-
sired to take il, and Russell set out 10
wards nightfall. saying he might be de-
tanned an hour or two in the village. His
letters were soon posted. his errands
performed. and he took his willing way
10 the Grange. Rachel stood on little
porch which overlooked the road. She
was evidently watching for him. How
pretty she was, even in her black dress.
with the white crysantbeums in her hair.
She gave him her hand in greeting. and
did not attempt to conceal her JOY in see
ing him once more He sat down for a
few moments, and then, as the evening
was rather cool, they went into the house.
where a fire was kindled upon the wide
hearth. Aunt Mary was there, but she
soon set out on household duties intent
and Russell was left alone with Rachel.
She looked exceedingly fair as she sat
in the freight. chatting in a pleasant.
childish way. her face lighted up with
the Joy of his presence. She poured out
her troubles in his listening ear, and he
replied in a cheering. almost affectionate
manner. partly because it was his way to
be courteous to pretty women generally,
and partly because he was growing some
what interested in this one especially.
you must be lonely" he said. "my
poor child. If possible will find you a
purchaser for the Grange, and then
shall see more of You in the city. SO
YOU see my interest in the matter is not al
together unseltish."
She smiled. thanking him once more.
you have friends in the city?'' he
said.
'.Ycs. but only a cousin, whom I have
never seen"
"a gentlemanP" he asked.
"No, n lady"
I'm glad" he returned. 'ior then
shall not he Jealous of your cousin"
"You might fall in love with her in
stead" she answered
That would be impossible" he re-
piled. ''if you were near; and. though he
said it for effect. he began to be little
frightened as he wondered what he would
do with two women in love with him.
Supper was soon announced. and Rus
sell did full justice 10 the viands set beior,
him. and atterward he fingered rs long
rs he dared When he did leave Rachel
stood upon the porch to bid him adieu
the moon was shining very clearly down
the girl looked very fair. and when she
gave him her hand in parting. saying she
was sorry to have him 60. he raised it to
his lips rs he said goodnight, and kissed
Il unreproved.
Aiterward, with or without excuse tc
his comrades, Russell visited the Grange
every dav He had sore throat. and
Aunt Mary. who prided herself upon be
ing wonderful nurse said she was worth
dozen doctors. and he quite won hei
heart by cordially agreeing with her. and
taking the most bitter herb teas Offered
him AS proof of his belief in her healing
powers.
When. at last. the camp broke up ano
left Rachel with tears in her eyes. VIVA
could he do9 She was SO pretty and gen
tie. and So grived to have him 60 away,
MY darling" he said. turning back
''could you find the Grange endurable fol
half the year were to spend it with you
and you were my wife"
YES. yes." she said. "but do not binc
me just yet; have known YOU such :
little while
.'Such dear. delightful little while.
he said in answer. a. But it shall be
little one. exactly rs you say. Ii woult
not be right to bind you yet. perhaps
but rest assured. you shall hear from me
soou.''
He kissed her-not this time her hand
and went away. Well, he ackuowl
edged he made fool of himself in spite
of all his resolutions to the contrary. But
he wosld do the same thing again. He
would have that iair girl tor his wife
come what would. OF course-dear pru-
dent little thing-she did not wish to seem
too eager in accepting him at once: bu,
he must find some means of bringing her
to the city. even If he had 10 purchase the
Grange himself. II he could take thai
much capital from his business without