Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-09-18
Gales ann Skstfhes.
TIE OLD LOVE.

field and through the beeches and past the
fragrant garden and the low homestead,
laden with thousand perfumes and a
Thousand happy sounds the bees fly hith-
er and thiher. intent upon their summer
toll; the swallows sweep in glad reloIc-
ing life through the blue a;F; snatches of
song Lreak from weary human lips, 50
bright is the summer afternoon.
That home among the meadows the
green hills have known MANY years. Ivy
is thick around its windows, and moss and
lichen hide the time-stains on its gabled
roof. But its old age is well cared for.
Not spot dims the brightness of the low
easements, the gravel walks are trim and
clean. the garden is bright with roses and
carnations and stately figer-lilies. Look
through this lower lattice, left open to the
air. 1t is the keeping room Of the farm.
with scrupulously white floor and shining
oak tables and chairs. Green fir-branches
are piled up on the hearth. and big china
bowl Of roses is on the sde-table between
the family Bible and the few volumes that
form the library of the house. A cat is
sleeping on the low stone sill in the sun
shine. but the room IS empty. The busy
mistress Of the house is in the kitchen be-
yond the light Of the hearth flashes out
Of the open door, and there is the murmur
OF voices. II is ironing day, and the ser
wants are hard at work over the stout
shirts and the working suits of the large
household OF boys and men.
Work is not pleasant 10 think of on
such heavenly day; there is a picture
more suitable in the vine-wreathed porch.
A girl is sitting on the stone seat, with
some blue knitting in her hand and "a book
- D. 4.
or reading; her hands have fallen upon
the open page. She leans back against
the stone arch of the door, gazing out at
the rn-iield and the trees and the vii
lage tower.
They see nothing of these things, those
grave dark brown eyes; the sight of
something more than outward form fills
their vision. She is looking at life-life
as it appears with the halo of first love on
its fair brow.
A sweet pleasant face she has. frank
and clear and truthful. 1t is the face of
one who has never known much trouble,
Of one who has lived happy innocent
life. with kindly people. in the beautiful
country. Her book is pretty copy of
LOngfellow's poems. There are marks
here and there which have been made by
strong masculine hand, and the pages
fall open naturally whore these are thick
est. 1t is plain that Miss Mile has
guide in her reading. The shadows of the
vine tremble on her dark brown hair,
and over her simple gray dress the faint
rustic OF the vine-leaves seems an echo of
her thoughts, and whispers of love and
hope and happy days to come.
She rises presently and passes down
the little garden path. knitting as she
walks. From the garden gate one can
see along the footpath under the clms
She stands there looking. Somebody
crosses the stile. and comes along
the narrow way; but it is not 1.-THE
somebody 1t is only woman
but no common everyday visitor
at the farm; and Miles brown eyes open
In wonder. and she stands hesitatinr with
a shy flush on her face, not daring to run
away. but longing to do so, and asking
herself in intense establishment what has
brought Miss Ingleston from the Manor
House.
Miss lngleston seems quite unconscious
OF Miles gaze. She comes along with a
rapid imperious step. swinging her white
parasol and calling now and then to her
dog, which seems tempted to rush into
Farmer Leighton's corn. The quick step
and the naughty carriage of her head suit
the masculine beauty and the stately figure
OF the heiress of the Manor
IL have come to see you.' she says. sit
ting down on the messy mounting stone
and throwing her parasol on the grass.
81 came from London yesterday" she
goes on, after Miles shy expressions of
thanks. How bright you look here
Your garden is in its glory"
will YOU come in and have some flow
ers, Miss lngleston Pr asks Mile.
But Miss lngleston shakes her head and
begins to play with her dogs silky ears.
There are strange sad memories between
these two women, so widely parted by
wealth and rank. Years ago, in early
girlhood, they had been fast friends. but
pride had stepped in and torn their friend
ship asunder. and the heiress and been
away from her village home, in the great
world of fashion. almost ever since. They
have met but seldom. and then in the pres
ence of others. This is the first time, since
their old familiar cOmpanionshp has been
broken. that they have been alone together
The consciousness of it keeps them silent.
and Miles pulses beat wildly and the
cheek of the heiress grows pale with sad
thought.
You are gong TO be married she says
presently. looking up at the farmers
daughter.
YES" replies Mile briefly.
80 should be. The world SAYS so"
Miss Ingleston hesitates, and the remand
er OF her speech is spoken with proud
composure that cannot hide the deep feel
ing prompting the question. Have you
heard from your cousin lately ~
Miles simple glance cannot see the
pain of the dark eyes hidden under their
dropping lids. She thinks her companion
cold and stern. and answers quickly
"le is coming home. Miss lngleston., ;
Whens
"Now-soon-ior little time to take
his mother back with him. and his wife,
Miss 1ngleston makes no remarks on
the news. For a time she goes on play
ing with her dog; then suddenly she lifts
her proud head and looks Mile in the
iace.
"Who is the woman he is going to
marry?''
Miles gentle face shadows.
didn't you know. Miss Ingleston /?
=. l.