Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1885-02-19
Hn u Stage-a'Oach.

hills that lay stretched out before her
with here and there flash of o half
hidden lake, or the ribbon like glitter
of tiny river.
She stood leaning against the rustic
cedar post that formed the support Of
the hotel piazza, while her modest little
trunk and travelling bags were piled up
at the rear
Don't fret, Miss" said the land
lady, who was bustling in and out -
The stage will be along soon"
"Oh, | AIN in no hurry for the stage
said Lillian pleasantly: Il could stand
aid look at this beautiful landscape all
day
"Ain't that strange now?" reflective
ly uttered Mrs. Peck, the land-lady.
"Me and Peck, we never think about
1t at all"
"ls the stage often as late as this p
eaid Lillian, glanclng at her little silver
watch.
Not generally said Mrs. Peck.
"But today they're waiting at Wells
Station, for the deaf and dumb gentle
man"
For whom p said Lillian, in amaze
ment.
For he deaf dumb gentleman,
Miss" explained Mrs. Peck "A cous-
in Of our minister's up at the Crest
Hill. He's been down to New York
for treatment; but deary me, there
ain no treatment can ever DO him any
good. As deaf as stone, Miss, and
never spoke all intelligent word since
be was born. Bu, they say he's Il very
learned man, in spite of his draw backs. .
Pm afraid he won't be very lively
companion," said Lillian, smiling.
"No, calculate not, said Mrs Peck.
in matter-ot fact sort of way.
just at that moment boxwagon
drove up; the charioteer handed out Il
valise, AID assisted young lady to
aliSht.
Has the stage gonc?' she cried
flNginc aside her veil, and revealing
a pretty brunette face, shaded by Jetty
fringes of hair and flushed with excite
mtnt.
"You're Just in time, Miss,' said
Mrs. Peck. pee"lny down the winding
road, which her experienced eye could
trace, wnen no ones else was Of any
avail. Its a,comin' now!'
But Lillian Ferguson, who had been
| gazing at the new conner earnestly, now
cane forward with an eager smile and
an ou;stretched hand
"SurcIy am not mistaken, said she,
this is EulaIie Morton?'
Lillian Ferguson. Oh, you darling,
am so glad to see you!' cried the
stranger. Bat where on earth did you
come from %
The two girls had graduated a year
ago, from Madame De Tournaire's
fashionable boarding school in New
| York, and had not seen each other
since.
Just at this moment, however, there
was no time for explanations. The
ponderous sta relic Of forgotten gen
.eration, rolled up, with crcak of
leather curtains, tramp of horse, and
general confusion of arrival, to the
broad wo den steps Of the hotel.
The sun was already down. in the
twilight EuIalie and Lillian could only
discover that the stage contained but
one other occupant. man, who leaned
back IN the far corner, with the top of
bis face partially hidden by a large,
wide brimmed hat, and its lower part
wrapped in the folds Of a Persian silk
pocket handkerchief.
lie inclined his head courtc ously as
they entered, and moved handsome
travelling case which lay on the middle
seat. as if to make room for them.
rs there another passenger?' said
Mrs Morton, with little nervous
STRAIT.
Its only deaf.and dumb gentle
man. Lillian explained, her eyes full of
pity. "The landlady told me about
him."
What nuisance p cried Eulalie. 81
had hoped we should have the stage to
ourselves But now, my dear" as she
seated herself in the most comfortable
corner, "tell me wat this unexpected
encounter means"
ut means" said Lillian, with smile,
that l am going to be nursery govern
ess at Chessington Hall, up among the
Adirondacks-that is, if give satisfac-
tion. l was engaged by letter from the
T IL,