The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1885-05-15
for the avenue of escape that was opened for

for the avenue of escape that was opened for
him. "But wasn't gone long"
That's it r. said Mrs. Foxglove, with a
tone of convction-"thate it / do wonder
at you, Nehemiah Any four-year old child
would ha known better. shall count all
my silver spoons at once"
The farmer wriggled uneasily in his
cushioned rocking chair
Il wish old mother Waterman had been
in Jericho, afore she came here" he said to
himself. Il wish Phileny would stay at
home, and look after things herself. It'll be
the last time | ever get caught in that trap !"
Meanwhile pretty Seraphina, singing softly
to herself folded an old striped shawl around
her taper shoulders, and went out to the
huckleberry pastures, after the truant COM
pany of COWS.
Old Tulips bell was jingling among the
silver stemmed birches on the bleak hill !;
they were already on the homeward path, but
Seraphina loitered unnecessarily on the
bars and paused a minute at the tootbridge
that spanned Il brawling brook.
All was still and dusk; q certain frosty
sweetness was in the autumn air, and the
only visible person was n woman further
down tue brook, who was dipping out water.
Suddenly there was another step--strong,
swift and full of purpOse--gliding down the
brittle branches and dead leaves in its pro-
gress.
Seraphira's eyes frightened vivid color
rose into her cheeks.
There he comes now" she murmured.
"There comes George!'
To her surprise and dismay, however, the
cavalier did not come up the HILL but stayed
his steps beside the other woman below.
"He is throwing his arms around her
neck" thought indignant Seraphna. "He
is-yes, he is actually kissing her! Are men
absolutely withdet truth and faithfulness in
this age of the world? But l don't care
Why should l carer I'm sure it don't mat
ter to me-"
No more hesitation, pausing for the COWS,
Seraphina hurried them home, and finished
the milking in less time than it had ever
taken her before.
She was just carrying in the foaming pail,
when tall figure approached.
"Seraphina
pray don't trouble yourself to speak to
me, sir" said Seraphina, with toss of the
head. "Or if you do, please call me Miss
Foxglove."
And Seraphina vanished in the kitchen
door.
whats the matter, Phiny?" said her
mother, noticing the girls quick movements
and heightened color.
Nothing, ma p said Seraphina.
1t was getting toward nine o'clock, and
MIR. Foxglove had already INDUCED in one or
| two surreptitious maps, as his wife read the
newspaper aloud in monotonous accents,
and Seraphina darned stockings, when there
came a knock at the door.
Mrs. Foxglove opened it. There stood the
| Widow Waterman, with her limp bonnet and
inevitable sniff.
II hope amt intrudin'," said Mrs. Wa
1 al,
cloak, Mr.. Foxglove, and thankn' we all the
same, I'd rather not wear it,"
"Eh ?" said Mr. Foxglove, in amazement
ut was very kind ofyou to give it to me"
went on Mrs Waterman, to the utter and
total discontinue of the poor farmer. "But
| there's some things as human flesh and blood
can't a. bear, and to have deacon Pullaby's
son akin if he couldn't see me home when
come outen the store with cents worth of
snuff and Mr.. Ferdinand Pluff sayin' was
to be at the dance at Melindy Ed'ardses,
| Tuesday night, and might he call for me at
| eight o'clock. Well, it's kind of upsettin'
| But the worst Of it all was when l went to
| get q little water at the brook-for my hogs
head dropped all to pieces that last hot spell we
had in September-and as true as you live,
young fellow seized holt O. me and was goin'
| to kiss me, if l hadn't up and give him box
on the ear And l believe it's the brown
cloak as done it ALL" with meaning glance
| at Seraphina Foxglove. $50 if you'd please
to take it back, III try and get along with my
old shawl spell longer. And the roast
chicken was proper good, sir" with cour-
tesy in the direction of the luckless farmer,
land that there appe-pie couldn't be beat!
There was a moments direful silence, and
then Mrs. Waterman, seeing no probability
of being invited to sit down, sidled out of the
room and betook herself once more to the
mysterious silence of the night.
well, declareV said Mrs. Foxglove.
MA, don't scod pa" said Seraphina, half.
| way between the laughing and crying.
The farmer feebly rubbed his hands.
II guess I'll 60 to bed" said he.
And he went While Seraphina, running
out to the well for pitcher of water, the
last thing before shutting up the house for
the night, had nearly stumbled against poor
| George Peterson
Goodness me what are you doing here?"
said Seraphina.
81 can't go home and sleep, Seraphina,
| while you are angry with me" said the poor
young fellow, who was very desperately in
love. "What have done to deserve your
GOODNESS ?"
Even in the starlight he could see seraphi-
mas eyes sparkle.
Nothing" she answered. "Except-ex-
cept that you can't blame me for being jea- |
GUS when see you hugging and kissing the
Widow Waterman
ut was the cloak, Seraphina-the brown
cloak-that misled me" pleaded George. II
thought of course that it was you"
"Oh, it's very well 20 talk p said Seraphi-
ma.
And she began winding up the well chain
with great energy.
And Mrs Foxglove thought that Seraphina
had never before been so long in bringing
pitcher of water.
TO George Peterson, however, the mom-
ents seemed winged, but nevertheless he went
hcme rejoicing.
Seranhina had forgiven him.