The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-12-03


or a sail, as the other girls do. They
keep her as close as a nun, and will
until she's dried to parchment, like
Becca. don't see how Jessica bears
i'll don'tW
Mr.. D'Albert had spells of deep
thought after this conversation, espec-
tally on learning that the only place
where Jessica was allowed to walk of
aSunday evening was in the cemetery.
From his window it CHANGED, too, that
he could see the back garden where
Jessica sewed and read. and tended
her plants and canary. and daily his
respect and interest deepened. He
had half-a-dozen merry, joyous sisters
at home, and dwelt on the contrast.
Now it happened that Jessica
thought as much of Mr.. D'Albert as
Mr.. D'Albert thought of Jessica.
She knew his window in Mrs. Japon-
icas pretentious boarding house; knew
his horse when he galloped past her
fathers door; knew-at least, knew
well enough-where the lovely flowers
came from which sometimes reached
her.
Olive Allys had beautiful garden,
and Becca thought Olive sent them,
but Jessica knew well enough that the
choice and costly selections came from
an unexpected quarter.
Mr.. D'Albert's glance said as much
whenever she CHANGED to get bow
from him; and if she blushed vividly,
who can wonder? She could not
think of one objection against Mr..
D'Albert as lover; nor, in reason.
could Mr.. Peppers. He was every
inch gentleman.
1t was very accommodating of Bee
ca to fall i'll. She was not painfully
il, only very sallow. aud unable to
drive all before her in the households;
so that she was exceedingly cross, and
Jessica had harder time than usual
at home.
The doctor ordered a change of
scene.
"Pd send you down to the seaside,
and Jessica might 60 with you to take
care of you," said Mr.. Peppers.
"There's too many young men here l
notice that naval fellow lifting his hat
to Jessica. But there's always board
ers at the seaside in summer, and a
great deal of foolishness going on"
1--WE could go to Mrs. Green's said
Becca. "Nobody ever goes there"
They could, and did-Mr. Peppers
first ascertaining that Mrs. Green had
no dodgers, and making her promise
that she would take none while his
daughters remained.
1t was forlorn old place-isolated
enough, but comfortable and clean
within, and plenty of sea air.
Any change was delight to Jessi-
ca, and she climbed the rocks and
splashed in the surf, with her cheeks
like roses and her eyes bright as
jewels.
"Lawsw said Mrs. Green; "see that
girl enjoy herself. Amt she beauty!
1t does my heart good to look at her.
She'll marry early-you'll see"
Indeed she WON'T" snapped Becca.
"We've other Intentions
} "Man proposes, but God disposes,'
replied Mrs. Green, as she ratified her
knitting-needles.
Invalidism compelled Miss Becca tc
: be late riser. Jessica usually had 6
sea bath and run in the morning all
) before her sister came down.
One morning, as she was tripping
across the dooryard, her attention wa:
: attracted by dog kennel, and great
Russian boashound rose up and looked
, at her inquiringly.
Jessica stared, her bright eyes wild
f ened, then she looked inquiringly
around. But there was no one bu
, the dog and herself in the yard, and al
r he wagged his tail invitingly and look
ed kind, in spite of his deep mouth
she drew near and patted his grea
5 head.
Jessica liked animals, especially
: large dogs and horses. This dog wor'
handsome collar with his nam,
i. marked upon it-"Pasha" ha"-also hi
t owners name.
@ Jessica trembled little as she reaC
the letters. Her cheeks burned, too
8 Then she heard Mrs. Green's voic
through the open window.
a "Yes, Miss Peppers, I've taken
dog to board. No harm in that,
| uOpt. J. Jul pa COuiul uoNC uo oOl v
objection to him. l didn't take hi
Q master"
"Nor snapped Miss Becca. d hop
l. you didn't take man into the house!
i "He wanted to, though. He was
g stranger, but nice and pleasant-look
d ing. and I'd taken him but for m
6 promise to your pa He went to tn
= hotel, suppose, bout two miles beloN
Is here"
d What makes such swarm of din
y pies creep over Jessica's satiny cheeks
e, 1t seemed to her the brightest mornin
she had ever known, though Becc
1t came out and scolded her for damper
< ing her feet and running out bar
le headed.
How the sea glitteredl-how th
n waves raced up the beach, Ho'