Semi-weekly interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1881-1905, 1885-12-22


five minutes fore the train starts, and
don't ask no odds Of any duke-do your
@No, don't think do, as huagry as lam
now" was the spirited reply, and they
passed into tho house. Jimmy's introduc-
tions were original. at least. but he made
the family understand who his new friend
was, though upon asking for his name tho
after had said, hastily; "'
ooh, call me Coachy, as you be gan; it's as
good name as any" and Coachy he was
for the rest OF the day.
They sat down 20 dinner" pa AMI the
hired man in shirt-sleeve, AMI redolent Of
that honest but moist accompaniment TO
toll promised 20 sinful man In the begin
ming, "ma." and Sallie in curl-papsrs and
calico, but in spite Of these the latter
ELECTED more than one glance from the new.
| conner.
Her sad, listless manner and sober lowell
ness excited feeling of tender curiosity in
her visa Wis, who was, however, hungry
enough after his ride in the sharp. salt air
to enjoy bis dinner. despite his sympathetic
heart.twinges, and bravely attacked the
baked pork and beans boiled potatoes and
cabbage pie. johnny doughnuts, and
cheese, which jostled each other on his
capacious plate.
"Spose that juke o. your'n has q ssp'rate
dish fer every one Of his victuals.' interpo-
lated pa" giving his knife an instants
rest "at least I've heerd says so Wonder
ef them big-bugs really thinks they hes
compartments in their stummicksl Pears
So" he added, with fine scorn at the folly OF
this within, and Coachy only smiled meekly
eating the round Of hts trencher. and enjoy
ing every mouthful with q rest that sur
priSed him into silence
as your cousin Malvina prettier than
your sister, asked the visitor, In q careless
tone as the new friends strolled toward the
stables little later.
! "Prettieri You beti She's got no end OF
| fun in her, and the snappinrest eyes you
ever ses. Sallie used TO be pretty. too but
she's no good any more since Joe's gone
away"
"Who's Joe.' asked Coachy, selecting a
superb cigar froma case whose craven crest
Immediately caught Jimmy's quick eye
"Hullol What's thatF he asked, curiousy.
"Oh, it's the dukes" was the immediate
answer ell some times carry it for him,
and take q cigar for my trouble; It's heavy,
you see"
"Knowed he was lazy, the old coon,"
came the contemptuous answer. "'Who's
JoeP oh, her sweetheart-and a good fellow,
too, vow. But he didnt hev a red copper
TO bless himself with, AMI pa shipped him in
short order. He's gone west now--gone to
he mines to make his fottin' and SAILS
watin' for him Pa and ma don't know
It They think she'll marry tibet old wild
over Peters, tibet owns the next farm, and
he's got two of the hatefulest red. headed
youngsters you ever see; but la Sal won't
look at him. know"
An hour later found them at the big, new
barn, looking in through the wide-open
doorway. the guest taking in the scene with
the enjoyment both OF q novice and On
artist. The clean, white pine floor. the
high-ceiled walls gayly draped with festoons
OF arbor vita, caught up hugh. glowing
masses OF blood-red or rose-pink peonies,
formed a novel stage, while the musicians
stand was improvised from the walls Of the
iorse stalls, with q few loose boards laid
across, upon which sat tbs two hddlers and
the Gordon man, the latter calling
of the swift changes Of Money
Musk" which half-dozen sets OF rustic
swains and .maidens led Off by the blush
ing bride and groom, wers gaily dancing be-
low. AL this, with the gaping, laughing
crowd of lookers-cn without, their long,
slant afternoon shadows blotting out the
hazy September sunshine on the grass,
formed picture worthy OF a Clandc Lor-
raine. Coachy looked on eagerly, unnind-
full Of Jinmy's impatient nldgei and whisp-
ers, to the effect that "a bar'i of new sweet
cider was bein' ladled out just round the
corner" and &C length, spying Sallie,
sweeter than ever. in a simple white dress,
be broke away it'll scant excuses and hur-
ried to the spot where she stood alone and
| Self-absorbed, looking on with big, wistful
eyes.
| Surely no duke Of them all could have
made a courtier bow than did Coachy,
| doing ready homage to the everlasting
sovereignty OF beauty, as he begged the
honor OF her hand for the next dance, while
she, starting from her reverie smiled, and
| frankly met his eyes as he led her TO their
place upon tho smooth floor.
The afternoon passed rapidly away, a
! scene OF careless merry making and gay
good humor TO the uninstructe1 eye, but
pregnant with dramatic situations TO the
initiated. What else was the meaning OF
Peters grim frown and flashing eyes as be
looked gloomily on while Sallie aud her new
friend danced, or talked in corners. appar-
,ntly engaged in a most desperate Irritation;
Or the evident agitation Of pa and ma" who
vainly tried to recall her TO duty by too
transparent hints and innuendoesi Even
Jimmy. having had all the cider be could
ywallow, was sick and sulky, and thought 1t
real mean O. Sal' to take up his company
like that As for the girl she had, for once,
thrown of all restraint and given herself up
TO the impulse Of the moment; for, though
she could not tell how it happened, the third
lance was not ended before she had poured
her whole story into this strangers ears,
,ven treating him TO a sight of Joe's last
photograph, suspended in a locket about her
lair neck. On his side he had volunteered
the information that the duke was expect
ing soon 10 visit the very mines In question,
rs he had an interest there. and wished to
make quiet trip through that country.
AAnd OIL IL you should see Joe," cried the
sweet girl with an upward look that melted
her partners heart give him my love,
please, and tell him I'll never marry old
Petsrs-neverl'
They parted warmly, as became good
friends, with secret between them.
II am so glad Jimmy brought you" she
said, as he held her hani longer than was
exactly necessary, out under a big lilac
bush, in the cleaning. you've brought
me real comfort somehow, and I'll not soon
forget it It's lucky the duke didn't come,
though, for he would have spoilt it all-but
how will you get home TO the hotel'
ooh, Mil--the duke. mean-kindly
promised 10 send the carriage for me; I
presume it's waiting now at your gate
Well. must goi Obi here's Jimmy. Good-
bye. and may the Lord bless you"
But the young man walked very slowly