Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1884-08-02
NOT A COwAR

been with us. We've had such a
scramble over Honister Crag and brought
back no end of flowers for Gertrude. But
one thing must say--that fellow Losford
is Jolly muff, though he doesn't look it.
Just a funk, girls, and nothing else
Will you give me some tea, Mrs. God
winl"
What nonsense you talk, Bobr'
cried his sister, conscious by some femi-
nine instinct that her friends face was
hotter than moment before. = You
are perfect mauvais enfant bursting in
like that. / wish Mr.. Losford would
teach you manners.
''rd like to sec him try It would
take apluckier man than he is. Why, he
wouldn't come within yards of the edge,
Mrs. Godwin!"
He showed his usual good sense,
Master Robert" was that lady's tart re-
ply. She had her reasons for looking
favorably upon Walter Losford, of Los
ford Court, Monmouthshire, by no means
the least honored guest at Mr.. Goodwin q
Lake villa And they were a very CHEEKY
and pleasant party; the pleasantest set,
Gertrude thought, that her mother had
ever got together; and Gertrude was a
young lady of decided tastes, and some
what difficult to please. Even Bob Mar
ston, when he was not saying mal-apropos
things, and appearing where he was not
wanted at inopportune moments, was as
amusing as any other Elton boy. Never
theless, at this moment two people at
least were ardently longing to make his
ears Jingle.
''And what is the programme for to-
morrow, Mr.. GodwinW resumed the
young gentleman, not a whit daunted
by the unfavorable reception of his last
remark. "Can we picnic on the Red
Pike2 1t would be jolly fun. -
The host hummed and hawed; he
rather preferred an open air entertain
ment at place accessible in an open
carriage. But if you have a house among
the mountains, up them you must go.
The climbing disease is infectious, and
there is no evading it until, by per-
maneut residence, you become proof
against its attacks. Mr. Goodwin would
have to succumb sooner or later
Eyes, Bob" said Gertrude, suddenly
laying down the fan with which she
was playing, 1--WE will 60 to Red Pike
tomorrow.
Gertrude,s face as she went up to dress
for dinner was thoughtful. S'He showed
his usual good sense,' Mrs. Goodwin had
said, and the words kept ringing in her
daughters ears until her lip began TO curl
with scorn if there was one thing
which Gertrude admired it was courage !;
was she beginning, almost more than be-
ginning, to like man who could be
called coward even by boy? 1t made
her cheeks Jingle with shame and anger.
Proud and high-spirited herself, good
sense Of the kind Mrs Goodwin meant
was not in high esteem with her. And,
alas the insinuation chimed in with
other things Walter Losford was hard
ly one to please a romantic girl at first
sight. Cold, sensible and wanting in en-
thusiasm even in his ambition, trying near
ly everything by the arguments of reason
with impartial severity, he would have
made just and not too merciful Judge.
Living bv rule of thumb, no wonder
that he looked older than his thirty years,
or that he repealed chance acquaintance
who called him prig. Generally re-
ticent, he would sometimes tell the truth
with rude abruptness. Altogether, his
friends said, little wanting in charity :;
too practical, too matter of fact. And
yet, poor Gertrude when she met him at
dinner, the hauteur she assumed melted
away, and she blushed and smiled at his
glance; for what is so fascinating as the
homage of one who seems utterly, almost
contemptuously, careless of all beside?
If Walter had spoken that evening, he
would have assuredly gained his object,
and Mrs. Goodwin been made happy
woman.
The Red Pike was red indeed In the
evening sunlight, every cliff that but
tressed its rugged top FURNISHED to rud-
d;ness, and yet the party fingered, re-
luctant to abandon the view OF sea and
land from Forth to Windermere that held
them entranced Tea was over, and the
servants had started downward with
the baggage; yet the party, which all
day had wandered separately or in pairs
at their several wills, still sat together
on the top. Bob only was on the move,
diminishing hither and thither untiringly.
Il say, Gertrude, here's specimen for
you! Here's blue gcntian growing on
this Cliff, and rare good climb it will
be to it.
The party FASTENED to the edge of the
cliff. Ia a granny of the rock about
twelve feet down grew the flower Ger
trude had been long seeking to obtain.
A slight opening in the wall Of the cliff
made it just feasible, if somewhat dan
gerous, to reach it.
Robert, don't 90 too nearm cried
Mrs. Goodwin
Gertrude turned with her face a little