The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1885-10-28


so, if you'll hurry up the tea, I'll be off |
to the barn"
And what shall we tell papa?'
ooh, he'll think I've gone to sing
ing-school with the Dyson girls, and |
don't think it's Christian duty to un-
deceive him." answered l.
But, notwithstanding the brave face
l put upon affairs, my heart quivered a
little the next day, as | drove toward
Mapleton, with the scarlet stain of sun
rise dyeing all the east, and my own
cheeks flushed with the keen morning
air.
But it wasn't so bad, after all. With
pardonable egotism, | supposed that
every one would be staring at me; but,
on the contrary, young woman selling
apples might be the commonest sight
in the world, so little comment or sur
prise did it apparently excite. Mr..
Holloway, of the firm of Holloway
Brothers, produce and commission
merchants, didn't want any apples,
speedily learned.
"Just bought shipload from AL
bany," said he, as carelessly as if ship
loads of apples were as common a pur-
chase as ten cents worth of tape. And
drove on, beginning to feel infinites-
finally small.
Mr.. Lovejoy could give me dollar
barrel.
" Apples wasn't worth no more at
this season of the yearP' And whipped
old Dobbin up, determined to carry
them home again, sooner than sell at
that price.
AT the next place where | stopped a
pleasant-looking ,middle-aged man came
out and critically examined my apples.
" Do they hold out like this all the
way DOWN." he asked.
"I'll warrant Them" said L.
" How much?" he asked.
"Two dollars and half barrel"
He reflected
cts good price" said he, as if he
were talking to his own vest buttons;
"but then they look like good apples,
and we've a tolerably large western
order to fill. III see what my partner
thinks"
He went back into the gloomy depths
of his store, and l, happening to glance
up, saw the words, painted in black let
tiers, over the door: " Hull e. Avery"
My first impulse was to drive on and
leave the chance of bargain behind
me: my next to sit still and await my
fate, as Providence dealt it out to me.
And presently out came Willis Avery
himself.
I" | think we will take your load, if
Why" breaking short off, % it's Addy
Walters"
| colored scarlet.
&" Yes" said |, as composedly as pos
sible. "Good morning, Mr.. Avery
shall be obliged if you will examine
the fruit as speedily as possible, as l
am in hurry"
"Oh, certainly" He looked as if a
nipping frost had chilled his enthusi-
assn in the bud, and 1 exulted within
myself.
Mr.. Hull bought the load of apples,
and said if l had any more at the same
price-and of the same quality, he eau
tiously added-he would be happy to
take them. Willis Avery touched his
hat, and l drove away as loftyas Queen
Boadicea in her chariot of old.
"Just thirty-five dollars, counting in
the melodeon money!" cried Kitty,
gleefully. "And now Mr.. Avery may
come as soon as he likesW
She had scarcely spoken the words
before there came knock at the door,
and in walked no less parsonage than
Mr. Willis Avery himself. l received
him with the air of an empress.
Your money is ready, Mr.. Avery"
{" was not thinking of the money,
Addy," said he, almost reproachfully
" Do you think ones mind runs always
on money!"
Mine does great DEAL" said |,
laughing.
g But had no idea you were reduced
to this. did not know .
Mr.. Avery, this is scarcely business
like" | interposed.
Addy," said he, abruptly, | adj
mired your spirit and courage to-day
| always liked you as girl, but now D
Well?" for he hesitated.
| would do something more if you
would let me. l would love you"
| did not answer. In truth and in
fact, could not.
" Dear Addy, will you let me sigr
back the old place to your father on oul
wedding day?" he asked, earnestly.
And he had got hold of my hand, ant
somehow, before l knew it, we were
engaged.
This is all very ridiculous of u.s.
said l particularly as had resolved
never to marry since we had that quar-
rel on the Fourth of July picnic"
"I'll promise you never to be jealous
again, )" said Willis Avery.
Kitty was jubilant when she heart
! it all.
Sour troubles are at an end" sale
she, and all because you would taxi
that load of russell apples to town your
self"
"That doesn't follow" said 1, sagely
t But for all my philosophy, ! did be
lieve little in fate, and I've Away
liked russell apples since.-Selected.
EVERY one has q will and a minI