Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1885-11-07
CHAPTER ".


CHAPTER ".
DOLLY buttons DISCOVERY.
Dunstan Kirke, the hot-tempereC
miller of Blackburn Mill, on bright
balmy morning in Aprll-the month
of rain and sunshine-stood at hii
mill door enjoying the genial air.
The weather had been unusually
bright and warm for an English
spring. The winter had been a Ions
and dreary one, therefore every one
appreciated the change. The sun
beams were dancing merrily over the
waters OF the little stream that ran
past the mill; the birds twittered and
sung as they flew from tree to tree;
! the air was scented by the perfume oi
a thousand wild blossoms, and all
nature seemed to rejoice that the
most beautiful season of the year had
arrived.
The miller was pleased with the
fine weather, as he thought he would
be able to get rid of his guest, who
was now convaleseent; but Arthur
Carringford still fingered at the mill
to the surprise of his host.
Dunstan Kirke laughed at the
squire's notions regarding Arthur and
Hazel. He thought his child would
not break her promise. Her we'd
ding-day had been set, and the marri-
age was to take place on the fourth oil
June. Mrs. Kirke was preparing for
the event. The father felt he should
be glad to see Hazel Squire Rodneys
wife, because he knew that he could
trust The squire with her future.
Dunstan Kirke was so busy with his
thoughts that he did not recognize
the trim figure of his daughter APP
preaching the mill until she had
almost passed by. As soon as he saw
her he called out;
What brings you this way, Hazel!
Do you want me I"
mo, father; am going to the barn.
Dolly is busy, and mother sent me to
seek for some new-laid eggs, sir; you
know that you complained that you
had none for your breakfast"
"You will find some in the barn,
lass. Be careful that you don't wet
your feet, child; the grass is damp
yet" cautioned the miller, as he gave
his daughter fond smile.
Hazel nodded to her father and
walked toward the barn. Hearing
the sound of an angry voice, she
fastened her footsteps, and overlook
Joe, who WAS running after Met, the
half-witted foundling of Blackburn
Mill.
The young girl always protected
the unfortunate boy, who had lived on
her fathers charity since his birth.
She would never allow any one to i'll
treat him il she could prevent 1t. Her
patience was often severely taxed, for
Met was very mischievous and contln-
ually provoking the wrath OF the mill
ers. Hazel called cut to Joe, as she
came up to them:
"Leaye the boy alone"
Joe did not heed her. He ran after
the boy, whom he overlook just as
Hazel came up, and Met ran to her
for projection.
Let me at him." cried Joe, angri-
mo, don't touch him." pleaded
Hazel.
II willard no woman shall stop
me! !" cried Joe, whose temper was
aroused.
Come on, Joe: I'd rather fight
than blow my pipe!" exclaimed Met,
doubling up his fists and squarlng oil
at Joe.
You have found bit of pluck at
last. you imp OF Satan" cried Joe, as
he took hold of the boy by the collar
of his jacket. ,
There Joe, leave Met alone. I'll
punish him for you"
"Td rather be punished by you, mis-
sus, than petted by the rest OF them !"
exclaimed Met, as he gave Hazel an
intense look of affection.
"Well, then, come with me. Joe"
she said, turning to the miller, ."you
had better go back to your work, or
my father will call you to give an
account of your lost time"
Joe walked away, muttering to him
self: "Missus always takes that FOOLS
part"
As soon as Joe was gone, Hazel
turned to the boy and said:
Met, come with me-"
But Met stood still, looking at her
suspiciously, and asked:
@Are you going to meet Mr.. Car
ringford ?"
why do you ask me such a ques-
ton, Metz"
because | saw you walking with
him yesterday, and hate Mr.. Car
ringford."
"IIate him? What for ?" demanded
Hazel.
Because you love him SO" replied
the boy.
Hazel was dumfounded by his an
swer. She could not speak; she felt
confused; her cheeks were dyed with
bushes, and she trembled with emo
ton. She recovered herself as quick
ly as possible, and said, severely:
allow dare you say that?'
because it's true" tire boy replied,
fearlessly.
Hazel raised her hand, and was
about to box his ears; but her hand
fell to her side as she regained her
self-control, and, signing YEARLY, she
walked toward the barn.
"Where are you going, mlssus 2"
called out Met, as he saw her walk
away.
"To the barn." replied Hazel, without
turning her head.
''Oh ! then | 90, too, missus," said
Met, as he caught up with her.
As soon as Hazel had left the house
on her errand for her mother, Dolly
Dutton took her broom and com
menced to sweep the sitting-room,
which she soon cleaned and put in
order. She then swept off the porch.
While she was thus employed she
heard the garden gate open and SAW
Dan, the miller, accompanied by a
stranger, enter. They came up the