Morris tribune., 1883-03-17

all classic nose. Her hands, which were
gloveless, were pale and smooth rs those
of city girls used to sedentary life are
wont to be, but neither well shaped nor
we'll kept. On one finger she wore a lit
tie cheap coral ring.
They had given their orders apparently
on their way through the house, and sat
down at one of the little green tables to
await the arrival of their meal. My pres
ence did not seem to disturb them in the
least; though as they had placed themselves
Just opposite ME, | was near enough to
hear every word they said. Their converse
ton, in fact, was unintelligible to me, Us it
turned almost exclusively OH persons and
incidents we'll known to BOTH with rapid
passing illusions to one thing and another
1t was the girl who talked most leaning
forward little, her arms folded Oh the Ia
BILE she spoke with great viyacity; while
her companion, lounging back in his chair,
with his hands in his pockets, responded by
an occasional word and nod. Now and
then she sprang up and mimicked a
gesture, step, Il movement; then, resting
herself talked on as before The restless
gayeIy Oh Der uanner, IN wnicn there was
no atft elton and which yet seemed to me
not altogether natural, contrasted with the
immobility of her companion. She laughed
good deal, while he hardly took the trouble
to smile All the effort all the exertion OF
the conversation, were on her side.
She paused at last in her eager talk, and
sat silent for moment, leaning back in her
chair, her hands clasped behind her head,
her bright eyes gazing before her; then
jumping up, she began to Hit about the
garden with the half-springing step and
inconsequent movements OF a child. Spy
ing a solitary flower on a blushing rose one
of the few roses which the garden produced
she sprang 10 get it and failed; it hung too
high overhead She desisted after one or
or two attempts, and the man, who had
been watching her, slowly rose and went to
the spot He was tall, as have said, more
than a head taller than she was, and reached
it without difficulty.
Here is your 70 e." he said, holding it
toward her.
She did not at once take the flower. She
had torn her finger with thorn and was
holding it to her mouth. Give ms your
handkerchief" she said, in moment.
He drew handkerchief from his pocket
and gave it to her. 1t was a cambria one
with an initial embroidered in one corner
The girl took it; then using her teeth as
scissors She cut the edge of the hem, tor
wound it round her finger.
There" she cried in a joyous We ice
Whoever embroidered that tor you will
never have her work used by you again"
II have not an idea who worked it, you
perhaps. One buys them by the Dozen"
81 don't do embroidery" she said rather
CURLY. She took the rose from his hand.
This is miner" she said. "Well, then,
give it to you. 1t was for you l wanted it. y
She put it in his button-hole and felt
for pin VITA which to fasten it securely,
but could not find one, mo matter" she
said, 'it will hold. Now promise one thing
that you will keep it always"
He looked down at the flower. always?
This rose2" he said. 500 you know what
a dead rose looks like2 Like that
picking one from one from the rose tree.
What on earth should / keep thing
like that for?"
She laughed. well, give me that" she
said snatching the dead rose from his
hand and thrusting it inside her frock.
Now, we've each got one; and il l keep
mine you might keep yours"
II don't in the least want you to keep
it, he answered; "but do if you like.
You're always rather sentimental, you
know"
Pm not; you know I'm not" she cried.
"But I suppose one may have feelings"
"No, DON'T" he said, walking away to-
passed so close to me, that had newt
ably heard every word that
was spoken; and now,s as her
companion turned his back on her, l saw
a look of pain that momentarily Whitened
her cheeks and lips, come into the girls
face. She stood motionless, her broWs
drawn together, her fingers tightly inter
laced, apparently struggling to master
some oVerpoWering passion or emotion.
She succeeded. In another moment the
blood came rushing back, her fingers IN
locked; With a snatch of song and the
same gay, springing step as before, she ran
up the garden to meet the white-cappet
maid who was advancing with tray.
Here is our Breakfast" she cried,
And | am hungry. What have you order
ed2 Will there be chocolate and GAZETTE
and omelet?"
They sat down together just within the
shadow of one of the vine-cOvered berceaux,
precisely opposite to where l still kept my
seat and my book. Between us lay only
the garden path, flooded by hot midday
sun. The girl interested me, and it was
they who had chosen their position oppo-
site me. | found no indiscretion in keep
ing the seat previously held. Their repast
lasted long time. l observed, however,
that while her companion made an excel
lent meal, the girl, who had decl AIRED her.
felt hungry, touched hardly anything.
All the delicacies she had desired appeared
and she allowed herself to be helped from
each dish in turn; but she employed herself
in feeding a dog and cat belonging to the
inn, who had come an seated themselves
one on either side of her. Her gay mood
bad changed little, she talked less and
looked more at her companion, who did
not look much at her, but rather at the
plates and dishes before him.
1--WE are extremely dull" he said at last
taking out his watch, "and we may have
TIC spend an hour yet in this hot little
hole of garden. / shall go and order some
champagne"
He rose as he spoke and walked away to-
wards the inn. The rose, loosely fastened
in his button-hole, fell out as he moved.
He did not notice it, but the girl did. She
picked it up, pressed it with passionate
gesture to her lips, then thrust it hurriedly
inside the bosom of her frock, pressed both
hands lightly over it with an energy brought
the varying color to her cheek with rush.
When her companion returned, she was
idly tracing design with her forefnger in
some split red wine on the green table. He
glanced down at his coat.
"Where is my rose?" said he.
Have you lost it?" she answered, with
out looking up.
81 suppose SOL had it a moment ago. !"