Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1886-05-20

ed among its shadows in the game OF
hide and seek and it was amid this
scene and while deep in the mysteries of
the game that little Ida Billings, by q
lucky chance, was able to throw more
light on the subject expressing the public
mind that the ables, of Clayford's gossip
mongers had done.
Some spiteful women, who were not
warmly attached to Ada's mother said
afterwards. that Ada had followed Charley
and Kate in their ramble to spy upon
them, and that her mother had set her
up to 1t, but others declared is was pure
accident, for their children were playing
with her all the time. For a few days
this contested point absorbed the public
mind and tongue almost to the exclusion
of the discovery made, and the war of
words ran high. On good authority it is
safe TO say the child was innocent of in
tentionally spying, and only in the zest of
animal spirits had ran away from her
comrades, thinking they would hunt for
her, and so stumbled upon a scene that
caused her little heart to beat fast with
new sensation, and her eyes to open wide
like two big blue fringed-gentians. In
this state of open-mouthed wonderment
she stood an instant, and then turned and
ran "a swiftly as her little feet could carry
her straight to her mother. who was sit
ting in a circle of Clayford's best people.
Flushed, fearful ana dripping with per
spiration she flung herself, face down
word, into her mothers lap.
"Why! Ada what ails the child!" ex-
claimed Mrs. Billings, giving her a vigor-
Gus shake. But Ada only buried her face
deeper and did not answer.
perhaps she's had fall-out with one
of the boys" suggested Mrs Ross good
humoredly.
''Or tore her gown, more like" said an
other.
Ada, sit right up and tell me what's
the matter, this instant" commanded
Mrs. Billings, half impatiently yet with
some concern in her voice.
Thus abiured, Ada slowly raised herself.
and still keeping her face hidden by her
hands, said between her sobs
'I-saw-the-Su Superintendent kissing
Kate Murrey- boO-hOc"
The circle looked aghast.
where! when:" grasped Mrs. Billings
excitedly.
"Over there in the woods. l didn't
mean to see it," feltered the child.
1t was thrilling moment for Mrs. Bill
ings. The knowledge all Gaylord was
almost dying of curiosity to learn lay
right here in her hands. She determined
to make the most of her opportunity.
Ada" she solemnly commanded, "iest
you go right on and tell US all about this
don't you skip a word" holding up one
finger threateningly.
With dropping head and scarlet cheeks,
the abashed child continued: Il was run
min along on the sand, and was Jest stop
pin to turn round an go back, when l
heard aomethin', an / looked up the bank
an l saw the Superintendent and Kate Muir
rey gittin' up from a seat an his arm was
round her, an an he kiss't her nan
Rugged her. an he kept his arm round
her, an they came this way, an / run
back-thats all"
you're sure that's ally" urged Mrs.
Billings, anxiously.
Eyes, am" replied Ada, vshemently,
from the folds of her mothers dress.
al want to know!" gasped Mrs. Shedd.
"What do you think of thatyn queried
Mrs. Blackman of no one in particular.
Il told you so" sharply retorted Mrs.
Wyndam, arising as she spoke prepare
tory to spreading the news.
At this instant the couple under discus
sion sauntered into view, calm, unruffled
and sedate, and only those who had just
learned their secret knew the meaning of
the glad light in their eyes and the bril-
liant bloom on Kittie's fair face.
II declare, they make a purity couple"
whispered Mrs Beckman TO her compan-
ions.
"Ye-es" reluctantly admitted Mrs. Ross;
"they do well enough"
And so said all Clayford when it had be-
come accustomed to the fact that it was
really to be match; but little Ada could
never again quite reconcile the solemn,
dignified Superintendent and the proper
young lady who sung like an angel in
Sabbath-school with the sentimental pair
she had overtaken in the woods.