The Cecil Whig., 1883-03-24


/ bloom upon them.
The kitchen. too, was such 4 pretty
picture with it's well secured floor and
dreesers, its asparagustopped clock. its
shining stove with punches ofherbs hung
/ behind. and great boquct of vivid cardl-
nal flowers set on the snowy table. The
/ kitchen was perfectly still, save the buzz
Of flies and the ticking Of the clock; and
outside the cricket and the insects alone
disturbed the peace. Bessie believed
/ that every one in the house was asleep
but herself, and yawned somewhat wear
| lily as she tossed over the berries finish
ing the yawn with a bit of soliloquy ut
/ tered about half aloud. "Oh, dear, this
having summer boarders isn't very plea
SAINT
"Miss Bessie" said a voice in the door
way so suddenly that Bessie nearly upset
her berries in her great surprise.
/ "Oh. Mr.. Nane, is it you?' she said,
bashfully. bending down to pick up few
berries that had rolled rom her apron.
"rI pick 'em up?' exclaimed the new
conner, tall and handsome youth Of
| about twenty-o with merry blue eyes,
short auburn hair curled closely under
straw hat diving for the missing berries
with ungraceful dexterity.
! Yes it is I, of course. Have you for
gotten your premise to go for lilies with
me this afternoon?
/ "Oh, but didn't say this afternoon,
you know: only some afternoon this
week, - responded Bessie demurely.
"Well, we'll call it this afternoon,
won't we?" was the persuasive rejoinder
as the straw hat was tossed on the chair.
''I'll help you. Lend me half that apron
and We will have them picked over in
trice.
But | shall have supper to get.
Mother is away, and there will be bis
cult to make insisted Bessie, turning
her face away to hide smile that would
curve her lips.
Never mind that" responded Maur-
ice Nane, bringing chair to her side.
Tea is at half-past six ism t it ? and it is
now only half past two. Wen be back
at five, without fail, and have time to
get half the lilies in the river" and he
began to assert handful Of berries with
much earnestneSs.
"W-e-l.l," assented Bessie, after a
pause for consideration and glance at
the clock. Il can go for Il little while,
perhaps. Oh. don't stain yonr coat, Mr..
Nane." But Mr. Nane was sublimely
indifferent to his coat and worked with
such good will that the berries were soon
their way to the river.
Five minutes later, Bessie with her
draperies dainty bestowed around her
was seated in the stern of the boat,
which, propelled by Maurice Nane's prac-
teal hand shot swiftly down the stream.
Although Mr.. Nane said to Bessie five
times within an hour that it was lovely
day, and although Bessie assented every
time, hardly think they appreciated the
beauty around them, for Bessie was quite
absorbed in the lilies and their reflection
in the water, and Mr.. Nane looked mere
at his companion than at the aspect of
nature. They had enough lilies to satisfy
them, and Bessie was leaning backward
and idly trailing one hand i'll the water,
when she suddenly uttered little scream
and sat erect with white cheeks, from
which the color had been frightened.
ooh. almost lost it. How careless
am" she exclaimed, replacing an old
fashioned ring, set with tiny circle of
.ubies on her finger.
Did the water sweep it out Of your
hand"'
II suppose so. It's too large for me.
I'm always losing it and finding it
again. | wouldn't lose it entirely for
the world, because it used to be grand
mothers. She gave it to me-
What curious old ring it is,'' said
Mr.. Ware. without interest. May !
look at it, Don't trouble yourself to take
it eff = he said drawing in his oars and
leaning toward his companion.
Bessie allowed her tiny brown hand to
lie III his aristocratic white one a moment
then as coquettishly Withdrew IT, " Isn't
it pretty" she inquired. archly.
Very pretty. Shall tell you how
l. - IN r 1,a f,,t,,
"Oh, yes, if you please.
Well, wear this little ring of mine to
guard it. or better yet, exchange with
me- Give me yours and you take this
instead, " said the young man, daringly.'
Bessie looked at the heavy chased gold
ring he held out to her, then looked
back at the water with an innocent "Oh
don think it would fit? p;
TRY it," suggested her companion,
softly.
Bessie shook her head, but finally
| agreed, blushingly, that it would be 10
harm to try, and slipped the ring on her
toretinser.
Its perfect iit,' cried Mr.. Nane,
delightedly; nothing can be BETTER
Why Miss Bessie, you surely don't
mean to give it back -
"Of course do" was the saucy re-
ioinder. why not"
Because" said VI. Nane, speaking
| earnestly and disregarding his fears al
together, while he tried to get glimpse
of the face hidden by the flat hat, "be-
cause meant to ask you to wear it for
my sake. | meant to ask you
"Oh Mr.. Nane," cried the listener,
"do you see that lily on your left?
Won't you get it for me?'
III get that and twenty others if you
will listen to me first. Do you care for
me? viii you marry me-"
Bessie's head was turned away. and
her head bent lower. \ crimson flush
stole over her ears, neck and chin.
Bessie" No answer. Her compan-
ion leaned over and took her hand ven-
turously.
Bessie, will you wear this ring? ~ he
questioned, softly. But the hand was
hastily drawn away; pair of saucy
black eyes flashed int, his own, and
Bessie's merry laughter rang over the
water
II d rather have grandma's, please.
ought to go home, Mr.. Nane, for know
II almost % tin,p -