Stephens City star. (Stephens City, Va.) 1881-1883, 1882-07-22


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 en-
chanted land lay upon upper Broad
way.
But Dolly Penfield was there, fresh
ening up the stock of the day before
with wet moss and cool water, and clip
ping the stems of the rosebuds.
"No 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
twenty. eight extra bouquets for din
ner.p party, aud hope You have brought
plenty of camellias and scarlet gera-
niums, and those bright flowers"
~ 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 60
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 window, and"
"Dear me-" carelessly interrupted
Dolly, "why don't they put it in the
greenhouse
because, Dolly" said the young
man, reddening, sit reminds us of you.
And the meadow lark in the cage sings
beautifully and old red Brindle has q
little spotted calfl"
"Has she?' asked Dolly indiffer-
emily.
John Deadwood looked hard at her.
ODDLY" said he, ''you don't care
about the old home any longer"
"Yes, do," said Dolly, rousing her.
self; "but-"
She paused suddenly, the rosy color
rushing in carmine tide to her cheek,
an involuntary smile dimpling the cor
ners of her mouth, rs she glanced
through the smilax trails in the window.
John Deadwood, following the direc-
tion of her eyes, glanced, too, just in
time to see tall gentleman lift his hat
and bow as he went jauntily past.
els that t?" asked Johu bitterly.
els what ?" petulantly retorted Dolly.
I" I'm sure I don't know what we are
standing here for, and I with the
twenty-eish extra bouquets to make up
by two O'Clock. That's all, I think,
John. Don't forget the lilies.of-the
valley"
"But you haven't answered me.
Dolly"
Answered you whatP"
"About the dance in the cid barn,
and coming back with me when the
wagon returns at five O'clock"
TIT quite out of the question:" said
Dolly, listlessly.
"Dollyl
"Well."
"You promised me, years ago"
Nonsersel" p" said Dolly, finging the
azaleas and pinks about in fragrant con-
fusion. 81 was only child then"
But you've no right to go back on
your word, Dolly, child or no child"
"I never promised, john"
"But you let me believe that one day
you would be my wife. And I've lived
on the thought of it. Dolly, ever since.
And if this city situation of yours
should break up my life's hope"
"Don't hope anything about me,
John 7" brusquely interrupted the girl.
Here comes a customer. Please, John,
don't stand there any longer looking
like ghost"
And honest, eart-broken John
turned, and went with heavy steps out
to where the wagon stood and old Roam
was waiting, with down-drooping head
and half closed eyes.
sit does seem to me-" he muttered,
between his teeth, s'that there's nothing
to live for any longer"
Dolly looked half remorsefully after
him.
Give almost mind to call him
back" said she to herself, as she picked
out a bunch of white violets for the new
conner. "I do like John Deadwood /;
but / think he has no right to consider
himself engaged to me, just because of
that boy and girl nonsense. Ones
ideas change as one gets on in life."
And Dolly's cheek was like the re-
Election of the pink azaleas, as she
thought of Mr.. Fitzalan and the tur-
quoise ring that he had given her as 3
troth- plight.
And Mr.. Frixham came in presently.
"I've note from the Sedgewicks, on
Fifth avenue" said he hurriedly. "They