The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1885-12-26

L., DA - MI - i DED Ia VI L
its careless rider, describing the quarter
of circle over the obstacle, landed fat
upon his back in front of it. For few
seconds the multitude of stars, moons
and planets that darced before his eyes
prevented his seeing anything else; but
a burst of agitated laughter brought him
simultaneously to his feet and his senses.
In front OF him was a dainty little trlcy-
Gle. On one half of the cushioned seat
sat young lady, her tiny boots on the
pedals, one gloved hand on the steering
handle, the other hidden in little muif
upon her lap. Her brown eyes were
turned upon our hero with a mixture Of
amusement, anxiety and vexation. Fred
doffed his cap.
81 really beg pardon. Did do any
damage. 1t was awfully careless, but
idn't see you at ALL"
$50 1 imagined when your bicycle ran
me down." she answered with dcmure
mischief
"Are you quite sure that you are not
at all hurt?" he asked again, anXiously.
Not in the least; but my carriage
may have suffered" and she glanced
over it with solicitous air. Fred made
careful inspection and finally reported
all right, then commenced again his
apologies. The truth is, this susceptible
young man had evidently forgotten his
intended call, and had literally taken a
header in love on the spot. Perhaps the
young lady knew it,for she thanked him
with winning trankness and a glance
that he remembered long afterward.
However, nothing remained to be done
but to tip his capand rescue his machine
from the gutter, which he did, regardless
of bent handle-bar. The tricycle. was
still motionless as he turned again into
the road, and its charming rider looked
at him with perpleXity.
Il am very sorry, but / think the axle
must be bent" she said, as he FASTENED
to her; Il can hardly move it, \
hasty examination showed him that she
was right. Here was indeed dilemma,
and now happy thought struck Master
Fred.
'Won't you let me help you home
with it? | can leave my bicycle inside
this hedge just as well as not, and l
really ought to, you know, after being so
careless" he added, trying not to appear
too eager She thanked him with a
slightly vexed smile, hesitatcd mo-
ment, and then made room for him be-
side her. You may be assured that
Fred was not long in wheeling his ma
chine in back of the Usage he lge and
seating himself beside this very pretty
young lady.
''Shall | stccr?" she asked, quietly.
"Yes, and l will manage the brake, -
answered he, casting an admring glance
at the glovcd fingers so firmly clasped
around the ebony, and thinking, per-
haps, that if any braking was done, it
would probably be his susceptible heart.
In moment they were rolling along the
street, her little feet following his as he
worked manfully at the pedals. They
rode for some time in silence; finally
Fred ventured to steal Il glance at his
fair companion when lie thought she
was particularly occupied in guiding the
tricycle.. and blushed tremendously as
he found that she was regarding him
with an amused smile. Then. desper-
ately, in the cndcayor to find out who
she was:
"Do you live very far from hcrc?"
u am sorry you are getting tired
This mischievously.
"Oh, but I'm not, you know" he an,
swered hastily; "hoped it was at least
ten miles Off
THANK you," she said, laughingly
but here we are now." And she turned
their carriage up the graveled drive Of
Ashcroft, the beautiful manor of Mr.
Ashley, NJ. p.
"rhen you are Miss May Ashley"'
cried Fred, in breath. Il have often
heard my sister speak of you. am Fred
Campbell, and you must let me take yom
tricycle. and have its axle fixed.'
Miss Ashley smiled as she dis
mounted
at is not worth whilc-thanks," she
murmured; and then, suddenly holding
out her hand, gave him another dazzling
shaft from those great eyes. II should
be glad to see you here, Mr.. Campbell. -
Fred stammercd his thanks, pressed
the little hand, and strobe down the
drive, treading on figurative rubber ped,
ais. Ii any one had mentioned Miss
Ethel's name TO him then, he would have
gazed in blank amazement. Yes, il
cannot be denied, Fred Campbell was
very much in love. He found his steed
where he had left it, and rode home
slowly, saying, "Yes, very" rather alb
sently, in response to his sisters in.
/ quiry as to whether he had had a pleas
ant ride or not. He was not SO badly
smitten as to prevent his enjoying his
roast beef and pudding, however, and
his father beamed approvingly at him,
bicycling is a fine sport, my boy, inno-
cent and harmless" But the good old
gentleman did not notice the blush that
Fred chose to explain with a choke and
gurgle. After dinner he stood with his
sisters hand drawn through his arm,
looking off upon the gray Christmas
evening. Star after star Slimmered out,
and finally the huge orange disk of the
moon rose over the larches. Beth, do
You know May Ashley?" lie asked, alb
ruptly. "Who, no, Fred; that is, l
hava ,,,at hon t,,-;,a 4 Iii r,,.,,.. L.. -.