Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-08-18

The windmill tossed its arms unceas-
inRjy. moved BY the faintest breath of
breeze. II was fanciful and quite use-
less modern affair, made gay with patri-
Otic colOriDg OF red. white and blue, very
different from its old-fashioned and nm
calmly predecessor. For in the days
when Windmill Grange was almost a
wilderness, the hill upon which the house
stood and the valley below were covered
with forests, through which the wild deer
Ramboled, the bears roamed and the
wolves howled and as there was no place
for obtaining provisions near, the ungain-
" 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 ieisurely along
the road which wound at the foot OF the
hill was anything but the wild one we
have pictured. He saw handsome coun-
try seat set upon high hill, the southern
exposure ofwfIich was divided into smooth.
sIopfng fields upon which the grass and
grain were waving. The house-gabled.
picturesque and rambliDg-tronted the
south. To the westward trailed an arm
Of the forest, 70 protect the house from the
fierce wind Toward the east, but stand
ing little away from the house to avoid
the shelter Of the trees, lowered the wind
mill, the breeze which twirled it 80 CON
stantly, 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.
A sharp curve in the road-for 1t was
all curved somewhat-brought Russell
near the Windmill. and he now saw that
between the windmill and the house stood
q rustic we'll, and, standing near 1t, yet
half beneath the windmllfs sheltering
arms. stood girl with pretty pink and
white face. which was shaded with some
thing which appeared more like frown
than the trace oil sorrow, though she was
attired in deep mourning. He studied the
face as he rode slowly near; IT was
neither strong looking nor noble in ex-
preston or mold; yet 1t was undeniably
pretty, and IL Interested him greatly, part
" from the fact that it was the first grace
ful woman's face he had seen for some
DAYS past. He had been out on hunting
and fishing excursion with some gentlemen
friends In the vicinity and though he had
enjoyed IL. he was growing little tired (;
and, today. being out on foraging ex-
petition and TO get the mail from the neigh
boring village, the home-like air OF the
Grange AMI the woman's face were both
attractive, since they contrasted so strong
" with the scenes of the past few days.
He had been riding far, and was tired
and thirsty--why not ask TOR draught Of
water p-and refining up his horse, he lift
ed bis hat and addressed her:
IL beg your pardon. but am a strang-
CIR and have ridden for some distance
thro,xxk tuaaI I fhlrsfy
may trouble you for drink of water Pr
Certainly" she answered the frown
disappearing, and n smile dimpling her
face instead. please come into the house
and will zee that you have other refresh
ments."
Thanks" he answered. the thought of
eating and drinking in this picturesque
spot--at table. too. after the past two
weeks OF roughing twas a temptation
too strong to be withstood.
II only fear | should trouble you in
doing so.''
ION the contrary. it is great relief to
see strange face occasionally and il you
accept my invitation, shall be your debt
or, for the loneliness of the place is terri
BILE to me-"
"You are alone. then ?" CHANGING at her
mourning dress as he dismounted from
his horse
"Quite so, except for the company of
maiden aunt. have recently lost my pa
rents. sir.''
"lndeed!" in surprised and sympa-
thetic tone. rs though it caused him the
deepest sorrow.
She was leading the way to the house
Russell walked beside her. and as they
neared it, he secured his horse and then
paused a moment to look upon the beauti-
ftl scenery which surrounded the house
ON every side-of lake. hill. valley. forest
and PLAINTIFF wind waves in the grain
and the cloud shadows passing over max
ing panorama grateful to the sight. lie
turned into the house without further re-
mark. and was presented to a mild-look-
ing. but rather grave middle-aged lady,
as traveller who was stopping for an
hours rest. Refreshments were immedi-
ately forthcoming. and through this aunt.
Russell learned that the young girls name
was Rachael Sidney; she had but one
brother who was only content with rowing
over the world. II was strange. the old
lady said. tor the elder Sidneys were
quiet and content to live at Windmill
Grange for century. ever since the land
was new. but both Rachael and her brother
heartily disliked the place. having no
pride in keeping it as the homestead of
the Sidney family. The brother had been
provided tor in other ways, but the
Grange was Rachael's portion. 1t was a
goodly place. but she was determined to
sell it. for then she would remove at once
to the neighboring city.
The near station was the Grange. and
II would be just the thing for country
residence for some city gentleman who
had large family of children 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 au-
tumn was scarcely the time of year for
purchasing country residence, and it
would, in all probability. be some time
before purchaser could be found who
would be willing to pay what the place
was really worth.
II don't know Of any one," he said
s'but will bear the thing in mind when
return to the city. and il can be Of any
service to YOU in the matter. shall be
most happy to render it."
Ia. 4