Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1884-12-22

found that she was regarding 0AM with
10 amused smile. Then. desperately, Ii
the endeavor 20 lind out who she was:
do ydn live very far from herel'
I am sorry you arc getting tired
This mischieyousIp.
ssOh. but I'm not. you know, be an
swercd hastily; hoped it was at least
zen miles OF
Thank you, she said. Iaughingly,
tsbut here we are now. And she turned
their carriage up the Qraveled drive Of
Ashcroft. the beautiful manor Of Mr..
Ashley, n. r.
linen You are Miss May Ashley !"
cried Fred, il 8 breath. 4 have often
heard my sister speak Of you. lam Fred
Campbell, and you must let me take your
poor tricycle. and have its axle fixed. ("
Miss Ashley smiled as she dismounted.
1T is not worth while thanks, she
murmured: and then, suddenly holding
out her hand, gave him another dazzling
shaft from those great eyes. Il should
be glad to see you here, Mr.. Campbell. =
Fred stammered his thanks, pressed the
little hand, and strobe down the
drive, treading on igurative rubber ped
ais. II any one had mentioned Miss
Ethells name to him then, he would have
gazed IN blank amazement. Yes, It
cannot be denied, Fred Campbell was
very much in love. He found his steed
where he had left it, and rode home
slowly, saying, Eyes, very.n rather
absently, in response to his sisters
inquiry as 70 whether he had q
pleasant ride or not. He was not so badly
smitten as to prevent his enjoying his
roast beef and pudding, however, and
his father beamed approvingly at him.
bicycling is . fine sport, my boy, in.
nOcent and harmless" But the good old
gentleman did not notice the blush that
Fred chose to explain with choke and
gurgle. After dinner he stood with his
sisters hand drawn through his arm,
looking off upon the gray Christmas
evening. Star after star glimmered out,
and finally the huge orange disk of the
moon rose over the larches. beth, do
you know May Ashleyg" he asked, alb
ruptly. Who. no, Fred that is, have
met her twice this season, but have only
q bowling acquaintance with her. Why're
she asked, looking at him curiously,
"Oh, nothing, only thought / remem-
bercd hearing you speak of her, and
merely asked for the sake of saying some
thing, hastily rejoined this very naughty
fellow.
s'She is said to be little odd; but
she is certainly very charming" said
Beth.
by Jooe. yes.'' mnttered Fred, un-
der his breath; and then. gently releas-
ing himself, he donned his cap and
strolled out to the lawn, where his BIZ
cycle, resting against post, glimmered
in the moonlight. He regarded it min
ute, then wheeled it suddenly into the
drive, sprang into the saddle and flew
the Avon pike, the moonlight cast gro
tesque shadow in front of him, as If an
ape, perched upon stick, were making
frantic efforts to get off.
Fred rode vigorously, as If the exercise
was great relief to his feelings, and
then suddenly pulled up as the great
gates of Ashcroft came in sight. He
hesitated moment, almost motionless,
then turned up the drive. There was q
great deal of shrubbery around the
house; he would not 90 in, but would
quietly ride around, and perhaps, catch
glimpse of the fair tricyclist, unob-
served. "A drawing-room curtain was
drawn; Fred dismounted and drew back
in the shadow, waiting. At the same
moment q step was heard on the gravel,
and young 'cycler came briskly along
the path lie was rather short and slight,
was tastefully dressed in dark blue knichs
and d polo cap upon which a badge
sparklcd, and he wheeled ssforty-eighf''
semi-racer, full nickel, of beautiful de-
sign and finish. by Jovel here's
young Ashley thought our love-sick
'cycler; ] must get out Of this. He
came out upon the drive and walked
slowly up to meet the boy. A glimpse
of his facein the MOONLIGHT showed Fred
that he was not over fifteen.
BEG pardon; but mnss have struck
private drive, have notgp said Fred,
shamelessly.
Eyes, sir; this is Ashcroft, . answered
the youth. pleasantly.
And you, my boy, are : young Ash
ley, just out for q moonlight spinsD said
Fred, with true sophomore condescen-
sion. Ny name IS Campbell; suppose
we take our ride together.
Thank you. that would BE jolly; shall
we start2n Fred gazed admiringly at the
little fellow as he vaulted lightly BY the
pedal into the pigskin, and said, sotto
Uocs, He's got the family accent Won
der IL could pump him about his sis
terri Fred mounted and rode ND along.
side Of his companion, who was pedal
ling along with that careless ease so
natural - young riders.