Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-07-05

- ~ Il. 1900 - ~ ~ 1'l' 4
1stnih<s<d, pourina sitAis ssrsam e
water over ker dress from ny psdd's y Y
ms saitasion. "but 1 didn't see you:
= Gb. Il can't be helped" said sne
good uatursdly. perhsps ycu II %
Kind enough 70 pick Gus my book.
She turned toward me aud ! saw hef
face was an exceedingly pretty one
with expressive gray eyes, Soft brown
hair. delicate features, and cheeks
flushed with the confusion my awk.
wardness had caused. She seemed
much more inclined to laugh than TO be
angry. and have no doubt my face
showed a curious mixture Of shame
and sstonishment.
/ took the book from the water. and
after a vain attempt 10 dry its sodden
pages handed il 10 the owner.
" shelley,r exclaimed !, reading the
title.
aYes,- said she. cit has met with
the same fate as its poor author"
She glanced at II with q comical lit
lie expression Of sorrow.
"You are much kinder than ! de-
serve" said I, still feeling red and
foolish {" the only way can make
amends is by helping you of. :.
"Hadn't you better get of yourself
first?" she answered, laughing.
So / commenced violent struggle
NTH INV naddIe. yain,y spIashing the
water like wild goose with a broken
wing, but unable to bulge an inch.
Ny companion in misfortune, fully
appreciating the absurdity of the spec
tacle. burst into q fit Of laughter, which
| she stroye in vain 70 check.
.Ism glad said ], as paused for
want of breath, "thst afford you some
amusement"
1T is so funny that ! can't help it,"
said she.
"Pray don't try on my account"
said I magnanimously; I" | am quite
aware owe you some compensation"
At this point there was rustling in
the bushes; big black dog appeared,
and, descending to the waters edge,
began to bark joyously.
"Here's Hector" said she "then,
Berries not far off,"
inwardly hoped BERTHE might not be
young man inclined to give himself
airs.
AS she spoke the owner Of the dog
stepped from behind the bushes. He
was a nice-looking boy Of about twelve,
whom guessed to be her brother.
"Hullo, Edith" he exclaimed ;
What's the row."
Then perceiving the nature Of our
dilemma, be began to laugh.
"Don't stand laughing there, you
foolish boy" said she, "but push us
off,"
So he gave US each a vigorous push,
and off we went down the stream to-
gether, chatting smicsbly, until few
yards further We reached a private
landing place at the edge Of smooth
lawn. Beyond, through the leaves,
were glimpses Of pretty house Of old
red brick. A man rolling the lawn
came to help Edith to disembark--a
wrinkled old fellow, who seemed to
watch me with suspicion.
/ returned her kind little bow by
raising my hat with difficulty--for all
salutations from canoe are difficult
and remained moment watching her
until she disappeared behind the laurel
bushes on her way to the house. 81
had the misfortune to run into the
young lady," said to the man.
$50 / SEES" said he.
"Who lives there?" l inquired,
with nod toward the house.
"Mrs. Lyall."
1.-The young lady is Miss Lyall,
them"
Eyes"
We looked at one another for a mo-
ment. | wanted to ask some more
questions, but evidently the grim
yisaged gardener did not intend to
crafty my curiosity.
"This ere IS private waters" he re-
marked; "that's your way"
every good" said | ; "I've no wish
to trespass."
So l padded home, thinking about
my new acquaintance.
Ny boatman, in answer to my inqui-
ries, told me that Mrs. Lyall was a
widow and that she had two children.
"The young lady's a sumner" he
observed emphatically.
"She is very charming young lady,
if you mean that" said !, majestcally,
to reprove his familiarity.
- That's jes' what ] do mean, sir, an
no offence" said he apologetically.
Then l went home to dinner.