Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1883-07-25
SET WITH THORNs.

fashioned red-rose bush, began to select
with dainty fingers some partly-opened
buds which she fastened with delibera-
tion in the knot of lace at her bosom.
A broad straw hat, with a scarf of
white muslin shaded her features; and
her morning robe of white lawn daintily
ruffled and dTaped in spotleSs purity, the
little noSegay of roses being the only bit
of color about her.
Philip Grantley, smoking his morning
cigar under one Of the big elms, stepped
forward, tossing the fragrant weed aside.
and doffing his straw hat.
Hewas fine looking fellow, with way
ing, jet black hair, and bold gray eyes;
and when you find such a combination
black hair aud gray eyes, you will gen.
orally find a will as indomitable and i'm
movable as pyramid.
''How do you do, Cousin Rose?" he
said.
The young lady surveyed him with
great calmneSs, quite ignorant of his eX-
tended hand.
II suppose you are, Mr.. Grantley," she
said with the slightest possible berd of
her head; but l am not aware of any
existing relationship between u.s."
No? Then l am not rejoined the
young man. philosophically, as he drop
ped his neglected hand into the poke. Of
. his loose flannel coat.
She looked at him with some perpleX
ity now, but his face was inscrutable.
MAY have rose, Miss Gurney!" he
asked with great politeness, his eyes fixed
upon the little cluster at her bosom.
.sOh, certainly, Help yonrself!' with
a little graceful gesture towards the bios
som laden bush.
But he only glanced upon it with a
smile and turned away as the breakfast
bell rung out an imperative summons
from the house.
s-You will come in to breakfast?' said
Rose, with stiffness not at all natural
to her.
"How very kind you are, . murmured
Philip, languidly. as he sauntered on by
her side.
''Papa. how can you expect me to
marry that MANI" cried Rose, an hour
later as she Joined her father I'D the
library. 90.
is he not agreeable to you my dear!'
aueried Papa Quincy, a shade of anxiety
drifting over his handsome face.
Agreeable? why papa, he is the most
-insufferable man L ever saw! Such
GOODNESS. and such insolent grand selgnor
wavs. WHY. wouldn't marry him If he
was the last man on the face oI the
earthl'
swell. well. Rosamundi, there's no
compulsion about it, And Mr.. Gurney
smothered a sigh. But L had hoped
Won might fancy each other; the boy S
father was an old friend of mine. AT
least Won can treat him courteousiy while
he stavs with us. He is our guest, re-
member"
Rose left the room silently, with COM
messed ljps. ssTreat him courteously, y
indeedI Conventional courtesy seemed
utterly lost on this young fellow, who
made himself so entirely at home, WHO
was discomposed at nothing.
In the DAYS that followed, fhllip was
like the girls shadow, waiting upon heI
with the most scrupulous attention, yer
not hesitating TO criticise playing, nei
singing and her riding. Rose quarre,ied
with him unconsciously. Astor fhllp,
he was as impertubable as mortal man
could be.
After all he could be most dellgitlu III
comnanion when he chose. Rose reall-
zed this when on rainy days he read eX-
ouisitely bits of her favorite authors,
while she busted herself at sewing: OF
when in the long scented twilights he re-
lated strange adventures IN 1ar-a"aS
countries.
There had not been the slightest word
of love between them; therefore II was
GOOD deal Of surprise when Phlllp, I'M
Sering with her over the piano one loveiy
summer night, said suddenly:
Rose. will you be my wifeI
With her heart in her mouth, ana
angry astonishment in her wide eyes,
Rose answered directly, mo, sir!"
Philip did not seem TO take her refusal
much 10 heart. He drummed out llttle
onera snatch rather absently on the White
kevs and presently went out on the lawn
for a smoke: while Rose, very much dis-
turbed, ran up to her room ana caiie
down no more that night.
The next day Mr.. Gurney was stricken
down with paralysis.
He was quite conscious, but as helpless
as a little child. with no control OF hahd'
or tongue. A., ;s,,,l ON
treaty OF his large e.o", "io 80 n.
of poor little Rose, who was sur tn.a' ~ ~
desired to communicate solhe'hihs y
her. ods;de tha
same dumb. passionate beseechms giaiie'
went TO him. The Young man seeiiieu y
understand 1t. ,,,;atlv
He bent over the stricken man quietis
.nd said with his hands upon the poo
HELPLESS hands on the spread: doo
Il know what you wish to say my uea
friend Do not be troubled-every'iiii'
Tears gathered in the old mans rs { eye eseE
and he emotioned Rose and the house-heet sean 81
er from the loom. They could near u. p,
voice low and steady and soothing; an'
when they returned Philip went ,s a~~s way
but the anxious, eager, expression We, wa
gone from Mr.. Gurney's eyes; anu "nen