The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-07-18
SELECT STORY.
APPLE BLOSSOMS.

APPLE BLOSSOMS.
1t was rare, impressive scene, and
Ernest Lysle, who was at all times an
ardent admirer of nature, passed in.
voluntary in rapid walk through the
blossom-strewn orchard, and leaning
idly against the gnarled trunk of q
grand old apple tree, silently contem-
plated the peaceful country scene. The
glorious sun was just sinking to rest
amid all the gorgeous splendor Of
crimson, amber and gold. Another
moment and it had sunk from sight
behind the distant hilltops, leaving
only broad band of gold along
the horizon, which slowly faded as the
witching summer twilight approached.
He was perfect specimen of man
hood, this only son of the aristocratic
old banker whose imposing country
residence was but a quarter of mile
distant, and few could have helped ad-
miring his manly beauty-certainly
not sweet little Kitty Elton, who was
his promised bride. and of whom he
was tenderly thinking as he stood there
in her fathers orchard, with his eyes
fixed dreamily upon the long, low farm
house where he believed his darling
was at this instant awaiting his com
ing.
A shower of apple blossoms coming
down on his bare head abruptly
aroused him from his reverie. He
glanced up quickly to discover his lit
tie sweetheart perched like bird upon
one of the swaying limbs and almost
concealed by the fragrant blossoms.
"Rock-a- bye, baby, upon the tree
top" hoated down to him in sweet,
silvery tones, while second shower OF
blossoms descended beside him, to be
followed moment later by something
more substantial in the shape of Kitty
herself, who swept him a mocking lit
tie curtsey as she landed lightly beside
him.
"Kitty 1t was the only word
that Ernest spoke, but the tone in
which he said it contained world Of
reproach.
"Well, sir?
"My darling, why will you not try
to be more womanly, more dignifed
You know this is the only subject of
dispute between us, the only drawback
to our happiness. Really, Kitty, you
are, to speak plainly, veritable tom
| boy y
Kitty's blue eyes flashed, and she
drew her slender form to its full
height.
"Thank you sir, she said. in tone
of finest irony. "Mr. Lysle is pleased
to be exceedingly complimentary"
"Don't be angry with me, little one,
her lover pleaded in softened tones, at
tempting to pass his arm around hel
tiny waist
But Kitty's pride had been sorely
wounded, and she drew quickly away
For moment an embarrassing silence
fell between them, which Kitty was
the first to break.
"We will 60 up to the house, if you
please, Mr.. Lysle. 1t is growing
quite chilly, and even tomboy may
be possessed of capacity for feeling
the cold"
Ernest scarcely recognized the cold
sarcastic tones as belonging to his gen
tie little love. They had been be
trothed but six weeks, and Kitty wa,
passionately fond of her handsome
naughty lover; but, as he had remark
ed, her saucy indifference to the rule
of etiquette had been a constant sourc,
of dispute between them.
Kitty was possessed of a sweet, for
giving disposition, but, she argued
Ernest had gone too far in presumina
to express his disapproval of her sligh
fault so plainly, and she resolved a
that moment to punish him when al
opportunity presented itself, and t
make her victory more complete, sh,
would use his own weapons in doinl
so.
The short distance to the farm hous
was passed over in silence. Arrive,
at the great, old-fashioned porch, Er
nest was warmly welcomed by MI
Elton, and cordially invited in
to the tidy sitting room, where Mrs
Elton was busily knitting by the din
light from the huge log fire, for, a
Kitty had remarked, though earl
summer, the evenings were chill
still.
The evening passed quickly, as al
evenings are wont to do at Elto
Farm, and as Ernest rose to take hi
leave Kitty accompanied him to tn
outer door.
Kitty had by no means abandone
her determination to teach Ernest
lesson, and had already concocted
plan for doing 80.
Although Ernest would never hay
admitted the fact even to himself, y,
certain it was that the same defiar
disregard of the established rules
society TO which he, all his life, ha
been accustomed, had captured fir
his fancy, then his heart by its refresl
: ing originality.
Ill A month later Ernest was obligs
i to leave Westenville to transact son
y important business for his father, wi
e had been seriously i'll and was not y
II sufficiently recovered to admit of ira
Il eling--business which would necess
d tate an absence of several months.
j, Somehow, Kitty did not appear
99ee depressed as Ernest had expect,
y when he communicated to her the ia
d. of his approaching journey, He hi