The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-06-23
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BY THE MIDNIGHT TRAIN.

There was tiny circular garden, filled
to overfowing with pansies, geraniums and
roses Il house which looked like mag,
nifcent pepper box, completely hidden
from view by masses of hop vines, honey
suckles, 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, sauntering along the shad-
ed piazza in his spotless white linen suit,
seemed perfect miracle Of GOODNESS. He
was slim, handsome man, about thirty
with regular features and light olive COM
plexion His hair and the small black
moustache he wore We'd with his eyes in
intense blackness. Such eyes they spoke
when their owners eyes were silent, and
expressed whatever he intended.
He puffed lazily at a cigar, and taking
his stand where the shade fell dark, looked
out on the sun-beaten road.
''Parbleau = he muttered. "What care
| for heat? Heat is my element. 1t is
welI-for doubtless I'll have enough of it
some day" And he laughed sardonically
Il think I'd rather enjoy war with his
Satanic Majesty" He paused an instant.
'Ah, here he comes-the young farmer.
What brings him at this hour"
A young man had just rounded the cor
IL,
toward the Blasmont garden. A stalwart,
brown-faced man with frank open look.
He nodded slightly to Ruy Blasmont, and
said:
rs Miss Rose at home p
Mademoiselle Blasmont is not at
home, her brother answered, slightly rails
ing his eyebrows and playing with his
moustache, to show the large diamond ring
that glittered on his right hand
John Brightly hesitated He did not
believe Ruy Blasmonts 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 A pc
tite figure, clothed in some airy fabric of
pink and white, came hastily through the
French window. 1t was Rose Blasmont.
"Oh, Mr. Brightly!' she exclaimed,
smiling and offering her hand. II thought
| heard your voice.
II understand from what your brother
said that you were not at home.
"Why he knew"-she began, but she
had too 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 this
ahem gentleman"
John Brightly's face flushed, but he
took no other notice of the insult, for Rose
laid hand on his arm, and whispered:
'Poor Ruy isn't well. He is-what do
YOU Americans call it?'
ssInsolent," John Brightly could not
help saying.
"Oh, no, no, no. Only little vexed-
cross. Come into the parlor. 1t is much
cooler there. Que vout etes bon Ces
feurs son magnifques ?" she exclaimed,
catching sight of the large clusters of wa
ter-lilies that Brightly carried in his hand.
"You forgot that don't understand
French" he said, smiling for the first time,
as he followed her into the parlor.
"Ah, oui What pity! But | am
so thankful to you. | must sing at Mrs.
Moreland's garden party tonight, and
these are the veritabie flowers love most
to wear.
s.You told me so last evening"
and therefore you walked through
the hot sun to bring them. How good
you are! .s.
at is not such sacrifice. This is my
dinner hour, you know. We farmers are
extremely busy just at present, so L snatehed
sufficient time to pay you visit.
''Then you will lunch with us. Excuse
me for moment, and [ will prepare
mo, [ wish to speak to you"
"Strawberries and cream! Can you re-
sist the temptation ?" she said, laughing,
and trying to escape Besides, you never
tried my sponge cake.
"Rose," he said, gravely, i've me few
moments. | have something to say to
you"
Ruy Blasmont drew near to the window,
and arranged himself in a comfortable po-
sition for hearing all that might be said,
Rose resumed her seat, her eyes cast
down and the color varying in her face
II have a question to ask you, Rose.
Will you be my wife p
Ruy whispered through the lace curtain
sibulant "no.
Rose heard the word and turned pale.
To her, her brothers will was law.
II don't know" she faltered. IL can
not yet tell.
The eager look on the young farmer s
face gave way to deep disappointment. 81
have been abrupt, but l thought that per-
haps my actions have given you reason to
expect that | might ask this question.
Rose was silent.
"You think am too impatient. L have
waited long time for this opportunity
and it may be my last chance for months
/ start for New York by the midnight
train.
Rose gathered up all her courage.
eyes, John, promise. l will be your
wife whenever you choose
Ruy Blasmont angrily overturned the
rustic chair on which he had been sitting
and entered through the window.
aAh. mes amis,' he said, coolly smiling
uI have been an involuntary listener to
your conversation, and pardon me if IN