Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1885-01-16
TWO LOVERS.

"Of course I know it is a great piece
of folly in me-" "Then why do itp
The other young man laughed with a
certain bitterness. He was standing in
front of large oak tree which was half
cut through; he was leaning on his ak,
and looking at the man near him, who
was seated on fallen trunk and smok-
ing cigar.
About this person was the unmistaka-
BILE air of wealth and success. He was,
nevertheless, gazing at his compan-
ion with the ak with an expression of
admiration.
"Why do it2" repeated Holt; and he
lifted his weapon and swung it furiously
against the oak. 4 do it just for the
same reason that that tree is bound to
fall, because it can't help it,"
"Pshaww
Mr.. Barron, though he uttered this ex-
clamation as if in remonstrance, could
not help look as of relief coming to his
face. He felt that his countenance ex-
pressed too much, and he stopped down
and picked up a twig from the ground,
breaking it in his fingers, and not raising
his eyes.
"You see, have grown up near her
since she was a child" went on Holt,
"and l don't think she would ever think
of me, save as kind of brother, Pm
not going to give her the trouble of say
ing No to me. Girls don't care for
people they have seen all their lives"
"How do you know so much about
girlsl" rising suddenly to his feet, and
flinging away his cigar.
"Who is it who knows so much about
girls!" asked voice behind them among
the trees, and girl stepped out into the
opening and looked from one to the
other, not a smile stirring her dark and
vivid face. But there was flash of fun
in the eyes which was not allowed to
overrun.
Naomi Barto must have known very
we'll what was the effect of that Grim.
son, fluffy thing which was twisted ovel
her black hair; aud was she unconscious
that none could wear the drapery of q
shawl with more grace than she could
bring to bear upon that apparently pas.
sive act? There were little red mittens
on her hands, and one of those hands
held athree pint tin pail.
81 suppose you think it a manly thing,
Ralph Holt" she said, turning to that
person, whose face, despite himself, was
glowing with pleasure at sight of her,
to leave your poor old mother to suffer
from fears that you will starve to death.
You forgot your dinner again to day."
Barron had quickly removed his hat as
he had bowed profoundly to Miss Barto,
and now he stood looking at her with
that undisguised but perfectly respectful
admiration, which is 50 great a compli-
ment to woman.
Did she see that admiration? Holt, at
least, saw it, and it was like sudden
and terrible revelation to him.
OF course, Barron was attracted to
her; of course that attraction must be
mutual; for Holt was not so perversely
blind but he could see that this stranger,
rich, handsome, of good address, and,
he added to himself, "a good fellow,
too," was one to ensnare woman's
fancy.
He had just announced to Barron that
he had made up his mind to try his for.
tune in the Far West. He was going tc
Colorado. He could not help going, he
had asserted, for if he remained at home
he should some time be obliged to sec
Naomi Barto smile with love at some one
else.
Before Holt could speak, Barron said,
gayly:
"You put premium on forgetfulness
Miss Barto. You'll make him leave his
dinner-pail every day if you come and
bring it to him. y
Holt said nothing. The girl wondered
why his face was so black as he advanced
and took the pail from her hand.
Everything was now made plain tc
him. He knew why Barron had contin
ued staying in the country when one
would think he would prefer his usua
haunts.
Well, Barron had right to love
her. What could be said against it!
Holt saw Naomi turn with a brilliant
smile toward Barron, and in silent fury
he took up his ak and began plying il
with vigor, finding sort of savage re
Lief as the blade cut off huge chips from
the tree.
The girl remained some minutes, bu
she did not appear to notice Holt agair
until she went away, when she said good
by to him with the free pleasantness o
any acquaintance to whom his whim.
were nothing for good or i'll.
Barron looked after her as if almos
decided to follow, but something hello
him back. He sat down again anC
watched the chips flying fast from The
swift cleaning ak.
Suddenly he exclaimed:
~ believe you are right. Women dom
love the men they've known from child
hood. Il they think they do, they are
mistaken"
Holt stood still, breathing heavily. HI
scarcely dared look at his companion
There was some dreadful impulse in hi
mind to turn and dash his AK against
that handsome face. For the moment hc
was afraid of himself. He saw again a.
through a course of blood, the sweet
involuntary smile Naomi had given Bar
ron,