Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-07-18
Gales ano Sketfbfs.
Confined from Yesterday }

Confined from Yesterday
Twelve O'Clock, and Nettie sat at the
table waiting breakfast, her hair and dress
neat and prim as ever; her work IN one
lie hand. as she leaned over the prettily
arranged breakfast table and softly moved
with the other q spray of fading hawthorn.
rather brown at the edges. which stood in
a glass near her fathers seat; looking at
it, and touching il very thoughtfully.
At the sound Of the opening door she
started up. reading her fathers face rather
intently as she greeted him. Poor child
there was little to read there save utter
moodiness and discomfort.
'.Is this all you have for breakfast ~ be
asked sitting down bef re the i tie dish
of ham.
YES. father. that is all to-day"
He dropped his knife and fork and pushed
his chair little back. tapping his foot i'm
patiently. Nettie took him his cup of tea,
hardly wondering why he had no relish
for his food.
IF you want some of this, help your
SELF" he said. nodding to her to put down
the cup; and he did not speak again
through all Nettie's futile attempts at con-
versaiion unit, he rose.
Il shall not be home again until tO-mor-
row." he said. Il suppose you won't cry
about that though. You can 60 to bed
when you like tonight"
You are away great deal, father
said Nettie, with an odd, little catch in her
voice. Il never 60 away at all"
You are welcome 10 90" he said care
lesslv. ''if any body likes to have you"
Shouldn't you care ?" she asked, with
a pleading wistfulness In her eyes.
Not bit," he replied, in listless as
surance OF the impossibility of the truth OF
his words being tested. what would
it matter TO me? Now then is nv hal
brushed -
When Nettie brought it to him, she laid
one nervous little hand upon his arm.
Come. open the door," he began i'm
patiently.
But say by, father; you are 60
ing away yodt Few"
"Fangh' ~ tragics. How many
kisses do you whlt p''
"One"
Take it then"
Father said Nettie, looking into hi:
eyes with an odd, old look on her small
face. Il believe if we were parting for
ever you would not kiss me of your own
free will. Should you ? should you3
Take your arms away. you baby.
When you are going away forever you can
judge for yourself. That is not likely tt
happen yet awhile. Open that door wher
| tell YOU
Standing back almost shrinkingly in the
little passage. Nettie watched the tall FIG
ure hesitate a moment on the step, looking
up the street and down, then turn of
slowly out Of sight with never the back.
ward glance which little Nettie would
have grasped at in this moment of doub
and indecision.
The dainty shadows rolled smoothly
alorg the level lawn at Greenlands as the
little heecy clouds chased each other coy.
ly over the broad face of the white Au
gust sun; and as these shadows hurried
on they ran up Nettie's white dress and
touched for moment the little. thoughtful
face. But they passed quickly and softly. as
shadows should pass from young and
guileless face, though some one strolline
towards her thinks that these fitting
shadows stay too long in the big. radian,
eyes.
A young man this some one was, in q
summer suit and an old felt hat on the
very back of bis handsome head: and as
Nettie sits on the grass, thinking how
sweetly and sadly the chime from the dis.
tant steeple breaks the Sunday hush upon
the valley, he stands and looks down upon
her with very tender light in his laugh
ing. gray eyes.
81 wonder you did not hide in my ab.
sence as you generally do. was gather.
ing this" he said. holding out delicate
halt-opened tea-rose
How beautiful. Graham" she said, her
whole face showing the passionate love
that had grown up within her for these
beauties that had been so unattainable TO
the city girl lis it for me?'
NO" he answered, slowly drawing
back his hand. and beginning to fasten the
rose in his coat. mot unless you ask me
prettily "
Then We may as well 60 to tea; the
bell has rung."
She blushed little in her effort to look
dignified; but Graham read the childish
nature, he thought very easily. He knew
whether his random, tender speeches hurt
or pleased her.
Look straight into my eyes," he said
laughing. land say dear Graham. give me
the flower, please You know exactly
how to plead when you like, little lady
IL have never any thing to plead fol
now" she sand quantity. az have greal
deal more than l want in every way
What should plead for?''
lis it so new to you to have every thing
you want, dear?" asked Graham tenderly
s.You know it is," she said with little
gulp. Come, let US go in"
stop. Nettie." he said, slipping down
beside her on the grass. II will not go or
asking you about your past life rs have
been so fond OF doing. 1t was quite nat.
ural for my mother to insist on your drop
ping all connection with, aud il possible
all remembrance OF your father; but car
perfectly understand how you do not like
to speak slightingly of him or show him
to US in the character of a-beas
Graham chose the mildest term he could
think oD as you must do if you tell us o.
your old privations therefore will never
speak of it again if can help it. but will
try the harder to render your home brgh