The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-08-21


Less exquisite than thuer"
he quoted, too low for her to catch the
full meaning of the words.
She hurriedly picked handful of
half-blown creamy roses. and gave
them to him.
But not another glance could he win
from her, though tell-tale color stole
up her soft throat into her cheeks, be-
traying confusion and tumult of heart,
and he rode gaily away, half crushing
the sweet rose against his lips.
The sun had dropped much lower in
the west, and the yard was all in deep
purplish shade, when Phoebe came out
where her younger sister reposcd on
the grass, her hands clasped over her
knees, her eyes like the eyes of dream
er.
"What are you thinking aboutP' in
quired Miss Scott.
Nothing" starting up.
"lnteresting subject. You have
been completely absorbed. What dull
day this has been | thought perhaps
John Barnard would come," looking
carefully at her plump white hands.
"IIe did, but sent him away" said
Jean firmly.
"Sent him away?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
because Mr.. Stuart was here, and !
did not suppose you would care to be
disturbed"
"You take a good deal for granted
What do l care for Mr.. Stuart? II
you have offended Mr.. John Barnard
l will never forgive you-neverr'
And placid Phebe's eyes flashed, and
she turned away in anger.
Good gracious! does she really love
him, and am 1 sacrificing my sister tt
a heartless matchmaking machinei
But how can she love him after seeing
Mr.. Stuart? Girls are queer creatures!'
mused Jean, somewhat. troubled at tht
mischief she had made.
She felt positively guilty when, wax
ing one night, she heard her sistel
signing.
A week had passed, but the jealous
young farmer kept to his own grounds
at least the SCOTS did not see any
thing of him.
"What is the matter, Phebe?' JeaI
inqr ired tenderly.
"Nothing at ALL"
"Are you troubled about about
John?' dragging the words out hesi
tatingly.
"Well, am sorry you wounded tn
feelings of one who has always beel
our friend"
80 am ], but did it for your good
1 promise you will never meddl
again.
"Why did you do it?' curicusly.
And then Jean made clean con
fession of her matchmaking.
"But, of course. if you intend t
grieve your eyes out about John Bal
nard, give up the whole affair"
Phoebe listened, FIRST rather shocked
then greatly amused.
"Oh, you blind, silly child. What
mad scheme. Mr.. Stuart cares n
more for me than any other indifferer
acquaintance. Do you think he love
me?"
II think he would if you encourage
him. Why shouldn't he? You al
sweet and lovely"
Phoebe leaned over and kissed he
touched by her honest love and adm
ration.
"There, child, go to sleep; for 20
seem to be eight instead of eighteen
Now Jean longed to undo her wor
to bring back her sisters loye-br
not word of this did she breathe.
were best left untalked of until a,
complished, she wisely thought.
And fate threw the chance in ht
way the very next afternoon.
Returning from the village she mt
John Barnard face to face in the roa,
"Why, how do you do. John? Whel
have you been for this week past
she said with friendly smile.
"At home,' he rather grufliy replie
"Why have you not been round
J see us?"
Didn't know that 1 would be we
7 come"
5 "Why, Johnp in shocked tones.
: swell, to tell you the truth, Jean,
did not believe Phoebe would care
see me-"
"Indeed, she does care; but l sha
4 not tell you anything about it." maxim
move as though to pass him.
"Oh, yes, Jean, please do! Where
that fellow Stuarti''
81 really cannot tell you where NJ
Stuart is. 1t is not pleasant to he;
him called that fellow"
"Hang himl"