The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-01-29
BETWEEN TWO STOOLS.

BETWEEN TWO STOOLS.
In the broad back porch Of pleas
ant farmhouse sat two young girls
engaged on some light needlework.
The porch was shaded by the wide
branches of an elm, beneath which, at
a round table sat tall, good-looking
young man, partaking of an eleven
o'clock lunch. He was evidently just
from the field, for he was in his shirt
sleeves, and sunburnt straw hat lay
on the grass, while he partook, with a
healthy, hearty appetite, of the light
biscuits and fresh milk and butter
placed before him.
And as he ate he looked at the two
young girls on the porch, particularly
the prettier of the two, whose light
yellow hair tho breeze had "Auffed''
most becomingly about her fair face.
She had something Of coquettish
look and air, while her companion was
quiet. with thoughtful gray eyes and
an almost difident expression.
"Mother" called the young man,
presently, looking toward the open
kitchen window, "some moro milk, if
you please!"
Mrs. Wheeler came to the door, with
her sleeves rolled ur, and small
pitcher in her hand.
Both girls rose to take it from her;
but she placed it, as if instinctively, in
the hands of the light haired girl,
saying:
"Tom seems thirsty to-day; but
meadow rowing in July is warm
work."
"And hungry work, too." Tom re-
marked, laughing. "Thank you,
Lottie; but won't you stay and talk to
me here while I eat!"
"No, indeed; I've too much to do to
be able to waste my time here in chat
ting"
"Nhy, that's something new!
Don't you always sit and talk to me at
lunch time?"
."Not always, by any means. And
because Eve done it occasionally is no
reason why should keep on doing it
all my life
He looked up at her inquiringly.
"What's the matter, Lottie? Any
thing happened to vex yoa?'
"No, indeed! How unreasonable you
are, Tom! If am not always laugh
ing and chattering, you think L am out
of temper
The girl on the porch looked up
gravely from one to the other, but said
nothing,
Tom slipped his milk slowly. His
appetite seemed suddenly to have de-
serted him.
The girl stood at a little distance,
partly turned from him, and sewing G
on the rulfle in her hand.
After awhile, setting down his
empty mug he said, in lower tone:
"Lottie, wouldn't you like to drive
to the picnic tomorrow in my new
buggy"
81 don't know that 1 am going
she answered, without raising her
head.
"Not goingl Why, for what
reason?"
"It will be so hot and the road SC
dusty" she answered, hesitatingly.
"Well, 1 don't wish to take you
against your will" he answered. a
little coldly. Il wonder if Alice will
go?"
81 dare say she will. She expected
to 60 in the carryall VITA the Burtons
but of course she will enjoy buggy
ride more-won't you, Allie?'
So Tom Wheeler, who had intended
merely to pipue Lottie into accepting
his offer, found himself quite unex
pectedly drawn into an engagement tc
take Alice Brown to the next days
picnic.
And what was very puzzling to him
1T was entirely Lottie's doings.
What could she mean by it? he won.
dered-for until now she had never re
fused his escort anywhere.
Lottie was distantly related to tn,
Wheelers, and was in the habit of pay
ing frequent little visits to the farm
house.
Mrs. Wheeler liked to have youns
people about her; and she was, more
over, particularly anxious that he
only son, Tom, should marry an,
settle down. with his wife on tn
farm.
She had seen enough of late to con
vince her that Lottie was to be he
sons choice, and she was well enougl
satisfied, though the girl was littl
"fiighty," and not quite so sensible an
sterling as she could wish.
But that would wear off after MAJ
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