The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-09-07

| OOuQu6t6 Itaut Sdlu ITO, 1OOAlnS
critically and moving glass of freshly
cut callas ont of the level sunset beams
which at that moment fell like sheaf
of golden lances in at the deep bow win
dow.
81 shall have them ready directly
said Dolly, starting from her revery.
''The flowers are all sorted out"
1--WE have too many carnations on
hand" said the florist, fretfully; 'and
those cape bells are so much dead loss.
Let the man from the greenhouse know,
please; there is o demond for half
open rosebuds and forced lilies of-the-
valley" =.
eyes," said Dolly, dreamily, ST will
tell him when he comes"
The closed country wagon, with its
| fragrant leaves and deliciously scented
flowers. came early in the morning, long
before the fat florist was out of bed, and
while the silence almost of an enchanted
land lay upon upper Broadway.
But Dolly Pen6eld was there, fresh
ening mp the stock of the day before
with wet moss and cool water, and clip
ping the stems of the rosebuds.
ssNo more carnations, John" she said
briskly; NOR amaryllis flowers; and we
want plenty of rosebuds and lilies of-the-
valley. We have an order for % extra
bouquets for dinner-party, and hope
you have brought plenty of camellias
and scarlet geraniums, and those bright
| flowers"
II thought perhaps" said honest John
Deadwood who measured six feet in his
stockings, and had the face of an amiable
giant, ''you might want to go back with
me to-day. Dolly. Your aunt has come
| on from Kansas. and there's to be dance
in the old barn. with plenty of candles
and evergreen boughs. And mother
would be proud to welcome you to the
old farmhouse, Dolly. Your oleander
tree is kept carefully at the south win
dow. and"
Dear me-" carelessly interrupted
Dolly. "why don't they put it in the
greenhouse?'
because, Dolly" said the young
man, reddening, lit reminds us of you.
And the meadow lark in the cage sings
beautifully; and old red Brindle has q
little spotted calf"
HAS she?' asked Dolly indifferently.
John Deadwood looked hard at her.
ODDLY" said he, "you don't care
about the old home any longer"
eyes. do" said Dolly, rousing her.
self; "but-"
She paused suddenly. the rosy color
rushing in a carmine tide to her cheek,
an involuntary smile dimpling the cor
ners of her mouth, as she glanced through
| the smilax trails in the window.
| John Deadwood, following the direc-
ton of her eyes. glanced, too, just in
time to see tall gentleman lift his hat
and bow as he went jauntily past.
"Is that it?" asked John bitterly.
SIS what?" petulantly retorted Dolly.
"Tm sure I don't know what we are
standing here for, and with the % extra
bouquets to make up by 2 O'Clock. That's
all, I think, John. Don't forget the
ilies-of-the-valley,"
but you haven't answered me,
Dolly"
Answered you what?"
"About the dance in the barn, and
coming back with me when the wagon
returns at five o'clock.
cts quite out of the question, said
Dolly, listessly.
Dolly"
"Weli."
"You promised me. years ago"
Nonsense :" said Dollie. fiingiug the
azaleas and pinks about in fragrant con-
fusion. II was only child them"
But you have no right to 60 back on
your word, child or no child"
never promised, John"
but you let me believe one day
you would be my wife. And have lived
on the thought of it Dolly, ever since.
And if this situation of yours should
break mp my life's hope"
Don't hope anything about me,
John |" brusquely interrupted the girl.
Here comes customer. Please, John,
don't stand there any longer looking like
. ghost"
And honest, heart-broken John turned,
and went with heavy steps out to where
the wagon stood and old Roau was wait
ing, with down dropping head and half
closed eyes.
g. It does seem to me" he muttered
between his teeth, that there's nothing
to live for any longer"
Dolly looked half .remorsefully after
him.
1--WE almost mind to call him back, .
she said to herself, - she picked out q
bunch OF white violets for the new
conner. II do like John Deadwood but
/ think he has no right t. consider him
self engaged to me, inst because OF that
boy and girl nonsense. Ones ideas
change - one gets along in life."
l A. nnlI.-f. ~1~~k 1tko Aha poAoO-