The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-11-30
Srleri 9iH.p.,
II was ahlackberrr.iam day.,

1t was "blsckberry- jam day."
Every nation has its movable and
immovnblc feasts and festivities;
every household boasts its great an
nivcrsarics. and to Narcissa Hall the
biackbcrry-jam season always
brought pleasant associations.
There was the gathering Of the
beautiful, sparkling, jet black fruit,
to begin with, not always unaccom-
panied with "reminiscences of rustic
swains. who carried her baskets and
found the incest vines and bushes
for her; the impromptu lunch eaten
under the shadow Of great, mossy
rocks. with the mellow whistle OF
linnct and thrush overhead; the
draught in vinclccf cups, pinned to-
gcther bv thorns, from some deep
hearted woodland spring; the home
ward walk in the lengthcning after
noon shadows. And then Narcissa
was a born housewife. Her jcllies
were always $ success, her preserves
were beyond criticism, and she was
innocently proud Of her prcwess.
She was dark, brilliant little
brunette, with large liquid eyes,
whose curlcd lashcs turned piquant-
~ upward, ind mouth as red and
f->-L -. LID roao
"Thc prcttiest girl in all the coun-
try as Walter Milliman said to
himself, ms he leaned oyer the kitch-
en- window sill, and bchcld her stir
ring the bubbling mass of sweets
with an immense silver spoon, which
had come down, sort Of heirloom
through half dozen generations OF
Halls.
"Narcissnw he ycntured to say,
after a second or two OF respectful
silence, during which, although she
must have known perfectly we'll that
she was there, she never raised her
eyes.
"Oh, is it you, Walter"
"Don't let me interrupt you," said
Walter, a little stiffly. "I've brought
you one of Dora's little white pup
pies-herc in a basket"
"a puppy cried Narcissa con-
temptuously. "Me puppy!I hate
dogs!''
Walters countenancc fell percep--
tibly.
Il thought you SAID you would
like one of Dora's little ones" began
he.
II don't sec what can possibly
have put any such nonsense into
your head!r' tartly retortcd Narcis-
sa.
'Then you don't want itl'
mo, ! certainly don't want it"
"But you took gray African par
rot from Mr.. Silber last wceks' dub
iously.
swell, why shouldn't I! / do so
dote on parrots-and this one says
how dye doy already"
"Ohy' said Walter, bitterly, as he
put the little, downy, blue-ribboned
puppy back into his basket, and ad-
dressed it satirically. "Ycs, 60 back,
Dorette, you're not a cackling, chat
tering parrot. Well have to find
another home for. you, Dorette"
Narcissa bit her lip.
Il dare say Alice Jeffrys would
like the dog" said she. "Alice is
fond of pets"
II dare say so, too" Walter re-
joined, dryly. 'Good morning, Mar
cissa! Oh, by the way"
"Well?"
Narcissa was stirring away more
vigorously than ever now.
About the New Moon picnic, i
suppose you will be going with Sill
ber?"
Il shouldn't WONDER" said Mar
cissa, coloring up.
"Then / needn't trouble about
coming for you?"
Certainly you need not"
So these silly young people parted.
Walter Milliman would have Civ.
en- his life for Narcissa Hall. Mar.
cissa loved the very sound Of the
young fellows frank, free voice; and
yet, nobody on earth knew why, they
had both contrived to build up be-
tween themselves the frame work Of
a very pretty quarrel.
'How ridiculous! One OF Dors's