Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1883-06-06
BN THE MIDNIGHT TRAIN.

There was a tiny circular garden.
filled to overfiowing with pansies, ge-
ranlums and roses; a house which look
ed like magnificent pepper box, COM
pletely hidden from view by masses of
hop vines, hOneysuckles, and the red
blossoms of some flower beans. The
noon sun poured its hot beams over
everything, making the dusty leaves
sparkle as If some benevolent fairy had
powdered them with diamond dust.
In contrast To the outside heat and
glare, Ruy BlaSmont, samtering along
the shaded piazza in his spotless white
linen suit, seemed perfect miracle of
GOODNESS. He was slim, handsome
man, about thirty, with regular feat
ureS and light olive complexion. His
hair and the small black moustache he
Wore We'd with hiseyes in intense black
ness. Such eyes. they spoke when their
owners eyes were silent, and expressed
whatever he intended.
He pulled laZlly at cigar, and taking
his stand where the shade fell dark,
looked out on the sun-beaten road.
''Parbleau,n he muttered. what
care for heat? Heat is my element.
Ii is well-for doubtless I'll have enough
Of it some day" And he laughed s;ir-
donically. Il think I'd rather enjoy a
war with his Satanic Majesty" He
paused an instant. ''Ah, here he
eomes-the young farmer. What brings
him at this hour:'
\ young man had just rounded the
corner OF the nearest house, and was
coming toward the Blasmont garden.
\ stalwart, brown-faced man with a
frank. open look. He nodded slightly
10 Ruy BlasmOnt, and said:
is Miss Rose at home:'
-Mademoiselle BlasmOnt is not at
home, her brother answered. slightly
raising his eyebrows and playing with
his moustache, to show the large dia-
mOnd ring that glittered on his right
hand.
John Brightly heSitated. He did not
believe Ruy BlaSmOnt's assertion. He
distrusted him too greatly to credit any
thing he might say; besides, he did not
feel inclined TO retrace his way through
the hot fields without accomplishing the
end for which he had come.
His hesitation did not last long. n
petite figure, clothed i'll some airy fabric
of pink and white, came hastily through
the French window. 1t was Rose Bias
mont.
--Oh, Mr.. Brightly" she exclaimed,
smiling and Offering her hand. Il
thought | heard your voice.
Il understand from what your bro
ther said that you were not at home. "
why, he knew''-she began, but
she had 100 much tact to continue.
Il meant, " said Ruy BlaSmont, with
an insolent glance at John Brightly,
that my sister might not be at home TO
-ahem,-gentleman.
John Brightly'S face flushed, but he
took 10 other notice of the insult, ior
Rose laid hand on his arm, and Wills
pered:
Poor Ruy isn't WELL He ls-What
do YOU Americans call It?''
.iInsolent." John Brightly could not
help saying.
cross. Come into the parlor. IL Is
much cooler there. que Nout etes
bon, Ces fieurs son magnltlques. - she
exclaimed. catching sight OF the large
clusters of water-lilies that brlShus
carried III his hand.
lyon forgot that don't understand
French. - he said, smiling for the 1rst
time AS he followed her INTO the parior.
An. oui! What pity But l am 50
thankful to You. L must sing at MIS-;
Moreland's garden party to-nlght, anu
these are the verltable flowers lV'o
most to wear.
..You told me so last evening.
sIAnd therefore you walked through
the hot sun 10 bring them. How goou
you are :" MI. =
1T is not such a sacrifice. This Is
my dinner hour YOU know. We far
mers are extremely busy just at present,
SO | snatched sufficient time 10 pay yo"
"A visit.
..Tben YOU will lunch with us. Ex-
cuse me for one instant, and L VIII pre-
pare"
NO. wish TO speak to you.
strawberries and cream Can you
resist the temptation?" she SAID, ialish-
iny and irving to escape. besides,
Won never tried my sponge cake
Rose. = he said, gravely, give me d
fo,,- moments | nave something TO say
To you. +t,o win.
Ruv Blasmont drew near the VIII
dow and arranged himself IN com
Portable position for hearing all 'iiat
might he SAID. cast
Rose resumed her seat, her eyes eo e"S'
down and the color varying III hei noe ,aoe'
II have question to ask yon, hose
VIII you be my wlte! ,a .,r-
Ruv whispered through the iaoe o"i
tain sibulant mo. ala
Rose heard the word and turned p''io'
To her. her brothers will was iaW- ~,
II don't KNOW" she faltered. L
cannot yet tell. fa,,ners
The eager look on the young FARMERS
face gave way to deep disappoint meI'.
II have been abrupt, but L tnousla u,
that perhaps my actions have gwen !,; you
reason to expect that might ask tillS
question.
Rose was silent. .:+
ssYou think L am too lmpdtlen'.
have waited long time for tnls oppoi,
tnnity. and it may be my last chance ss,
for months. | start for New YORK os
the midnight train"
Rose gathered up all her courage