Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-09-03

one VINO wore SUCH WuiL0 Sulrb sleeves,
and looked so comfortable under
broad straw hat this hot day." laugh
ed Dora, carelessly.
But the very next moment Ada was
thankful for the existence of ''such
people," for the ph8ton broke down,
and, with a dismal scream, she was
tipped from her seat and landed
among the roadside buttercups and
clover.
The mild, fat old horse instantly
stopped. Dora looked anxlously about
for help. No house was near. She
looked appealingly up and down the
road then-oh, gladly!-she saw the
hay-wagon, the straw hat, and the
white shirt>sleeves drawing near.
"You have broken down." said the
owner, heartily, jumping down.
''Thank you, yes. The carriage
seems coming all to pieces" said
Dora, still trembling with fright.
Gould you do anything to help US?
I should be, oh! SO much obliged to
you"
Eyes," said Ada, shak ing the dust
off her silk skirts. eve are the Miss
es Anterior. We will pay you of
course"
The man bent down to examine the
axle tree. His side face was toward
Dora, but she plainly saw HIM smile.
Its not so very bad, then2" She
said, anxiously.
''It might be fixed. [ think, so you
could get home safely; but I haven't
much time. In fact, I'm ia a great
hurry"
What is your time worth to you9"
asked Ada, with the air she had once
seen a millionaire use when speaking
to some Workmen he was about TO en-
ploy.
Sometimes more sometimes less, :"
answered the man with the same
quzzical smile.
But he had procured a cord from
bis pocket, and, with deft fingers, be
gan mending the broken trace. Then
he produced some nails, and with q
stone pounded away vigorously be-
meath the carriage.
There! by driving carefully you
will be able to reach home safely" he
said, at LAST, rising.
There was something in his cons
posed manner and distinct enunciation
which made Ada stare for an instant :;
but she could see little beneath the
broad straw hat but a curling black
beard, tanned cheek, and two pjerc
ing eyes.
What is to pay?"
Nothing"
He offered hand to help Dora into
the carriage.
She seated herself and drew out a
little embroidered portemonnaie.
81 beg your pardon" she said, ear
nestly, but you mast let me pay you,
You said you were in a hurry we
have taken your time, and you have
done US great service, Ihave moth
ing but a half>sovereign. Pray take
it. / am sorry it is so little" blush
ing, as she rendered him shining
coin.
Again the quizzical smile and the
eyes-they had world of meaning in
them, those piercing dark eyes under
the hat brim. Dora felt her heart
thrill strangely.
It relieved her greatly that the man
extended his hand and received the
money.
THANK you," he said, quietly.
What may your name be2' asked
Ada, who had seated herself unassist-
ed, land your occupation? You are
quite handy" patronizingly:
The man laughed outright, a low,
mellow laugh.
''My name does not matter; 7 am a
farmer. Good-day, ladies'"
He stepped back, lifting his hat,
smiling again at the look of conster-
nation upon the features of the girls
at the grace and the face the move
ment revealed.
A klngly brow shaded by close
clipped yet beautiful hair. a white
fore head, eyes dauntlessly bright,
with scorn and smile in them.
The phaeton turned one way, hay
wagon another
Whoever thought that he looked
like that, under that old hat, in hay
cart2" said Ada, breathIessly. who
can it be? How provoking! He was
a right down gentleman, though he
said he was only afarmer."
Poor Ada! Her modification had
just begun.
That evening, with silk hat dotted
from the handsome head, faultlessly
arrayea, Mr.. Allen Waters presented
himself in the little parlor of the Hol.
lyhocks, and, introducing himself,
begged leave to inquire if the young
ladies had reached home quite safely.
Ada apologized quite eagerly and
tried the be sweet, but Mr.. Waters
seemed to have eyes only for Dora
brunette face.
He came again and again to the
Hollyhobks, and at last one day bold
ly declared himself Dora's lover.
You have known me but such a
little while, you don't know half my
faults, murmured she.
81 don't care if I don" he laughed.
81 love you, and have loved you
ever since you offered me that half
sovereign SO charmingly, blushing and
ashamed of the small sum. Why you
little darlingS do you know your ap-
pealing dark eyes kept ne from meet