Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1882-07-14

| cigar smoke, with feet considerably ele-
waited above the level of his head, glanced
towards tho door, as the graceful figure
in the threadbare waterproof came timid-
ly in the room.
Down came the feet, out went the
cigar, and Clifford Chandos, pushing q
chair forward. bowed gravely, question
ingly, to the lady before him.
IL called to inquire about cot
tage advertised, F"
1.-THE cottageY" Oh yes, to be sure.
Will you please be seated, and | will
give you the particulars p
And Viva, taking the profFered scat,
listened while the grave man, with
straight black brpws and keen, kindly
eyes explained tle terms with pleasant
courtesy
And when she lifted the obnoxious
green veil a moment to conclude some
necessary arrangement, Clifford Chandos
started ever 50 lightly as he saw the
pretty. girlish face before him, rs serene
and dignifed in its grave business-like
composure, as though its owner were
eight and fifty, instead of eight and ten.
when will we look at the place,
Miss -"
"Rayner," supplemented Viva.
"Miss Rayner, shall we say to-mor-
row at one ?"
cat two, if it is convenient"
Certainly two, if preferable"
Tha. he 1alI tbn Hoo, a~o., NJ, no...
teously as though she wore scalskin and
diamonds. while, with quiet grace she
bowed slightly, and passed from the
room.
And Clifford Chandos went back to
his chair, softer-light in his keen gray
eyes, and actually. for once in his life,
forgot to relight his cigar
The day came at last when, from the
stuffy city house, the Rayners moved to
the pretty. roomy cottage, where honey
suckle and wild roses struggled at their
own sweet will over roof and porch.
And Viva, coming home from the
dusty city three evenings in the week,
pale aud tired, frightened and laughed
her own low, happy laugh ut the sight
of her mothers face--growing young
again-at the window, at the sound Of
Dick aud Jessie's boisterous laughter
1t was curious all the repairing that
cottage needed after they moved IN.
II was moro curious that their quiet,
handsome landlord should insist on sh-
porvising it all himself.
He grew into their simple lives in
those days.
Mrs. Rayner came to think the CHEEKY
voices better than medicine, the children
to shout Justify at sight of him and Viva
to listen for the sound of his firm foot
steps on the garden path.
One evening the soft May wind was
swaying the "lady fingers" as the chill
dren call them, over the door.
Viva snatched up her hat and strolled
down 70 ~ P-etty rustic gate.
inst little more tlrod than usual,
after desperate struggle to teach an
irritable obtuse pupil the mysteries of
crochets. aud quavers, and domi-semi-
quavers.
She stood there, fair, girlish figure,
in her soft, white dress, great bunch
Of blue meadow. violets at her slender
throat aud waist.
The scented wind gently loosencd the
dark-brown hair and blew n fitful drift
Of rose .bloom into the pure, pale face.
Every pretty J"
Well, Clifford Chandos thought 80 at
all events, as he came along the uneven
country road with his light firm football
Good evening. Miss Raynerp
She turned suddenly, the faint flush
deepening to carnatlon.
Good evening, Mr.. Chandosw
| think person can give one very
tolerable shake hands without holding
ones fingers quite minute.
But apparently Mr.. Chandos thought
differently
"Miss Rayner, will you come for
walk-just n little way down the road 7
There is place there | would like you
TO see"
He asked ploadingly, hungrily, as
though fearful of refusal.
rs it far?"
mo-" eagerly, quite near Besides,
Miss Viva, have something TO tell you,
or rather ask you"
They were already strolling on. She
paused and looked up in vague alarm.
ITO ask me, Mr. Chandos 7"
Eyes, Viva, | want 10 ask you 10
loavo Roao rottooa
Was he mad
"To leave Rose Cottage" she repeat
ed blankly.
She stopped short and looked up at
him with brown bewildercd eyes
"Are you not satisfied with US as ten
ants What will mamma sayp
II did not ask your mother to leave
Rose Cottagc"--and his voice was trem.
bling and low--"I ask you"
"Mc? Why, Mr.. Chandos g."
She broke of abruptly as she saw the
look in the eyes Of the man regarding
her
Such look M would make more sue
cessful wooers IN the world to-day--a
look of passionate love and rcsolute de-
termination TO have her in spite Of her
self.
Viva, my darling-my darling" be
cried, all the mischief in his voice swept
away in his fiery carnestness, won't you
understand 7"
Il love you very dearly. Viva, and
want YOU 10 be my wife"