The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1886-11-30
A WAYSIDE FLOWER.

They were walking down "Love
Lane" in gay, chattering procession
girls with laurel-wreathed hats,
young men bearing shawls and
baskets, matron or two last OF all
Stephen FELTON,, child on either side
of him and in his arms little Mamie
Forsythe half asleep. Wherever Ste
phen went children followed, led by
attraction irresistible as that which
draws iron filings to the magnet.
Grown people could not understand
this attraction, but the little ones
never mistook about il. Sleepy as
abe was, Nanny's small hand kept
Datting his shoulder as they went
along and her voice cooed words o.
drowsy endearment which mnde
Stephen smile, gloomy 10 he felt
that day
Each cheerful reply to the childrcn's
questions cost an effort; but he spoke
cheerfully all the same and tried to
keep his eyes from wandering forward
to where Captain Hallett walked by
the side OF Milly Graves, with lis
handsome head very near hers and his
voice murmuring low sentences inau-
dible to the est OF the party Many
glances were sent back to this couple
from those IN advance, for Neal Hal
lett vas the novelty of the moment,
hero and stranger, and thegrls, who
were only TOO well -disposcd to pul!
caps for him, thought it "quite too
bad" Of Milly TO absorb his attentions
as she had done all day.
But alterall what could Mile. what
could any girl, do when an all-conquer-
ing captain takes mp his position at her
side in early morning and never leave
it until late afternoon? 1t Is not in
girl nature 20 resist such tribute, and
Stephanie De Witt in front was partly
justified in alling II "a desperate fir
tation." But on Milly's side it was
not all Irritation. For all her merry,
saucy ways she was a sensitive, credu-
lous crea ture. just the woman to give
"gold for dust" and stake her all in
that unequal barter socommon III this
world OF nli-underst God values.
Her lair checks we're flushed and her
blue eyes ;ul ot shy excitement rs
they walked along, talking about
dear me whom do people talk |
aboSt when they are young and !
OF different sexes? Captain Hal |
lett's fine eyes said more than his |
tongue his martial mustache seemed !
TO give point and value to mere moth |
ings. lie carried little cane with |
which he emphasized his sentences, |
now cutting the air, now beheading a
mullen in way'which Milly thought |
fascinating And then Love Lane was |
such pretty spot the very place to
be eloquent in. It's winding turns were |
hedged with fragrant growths-wood- I
bine, brier, sweet fern and bay. Over
head the trees met and clasped in |
shady arches. Here and there a pink
honey suckle glinted in the network OF
green, or ~ train OF shimmering elem |
ats. The pure primrose light OF
cloudess sunset sifted down through |
the canopy of bou2hs; a light breeze
stirred, full OF delicious smells Ii was
like an evening in fairy land.
Suddenly turning brought them to |
q fern-clad bank. against which, set |
IN a frame work oil tremulous verdure, !
stood one rose of perfect wildwood
pink. poised at the tip OF a cluster OF
vivid leaves. 1t was like an enchanted
queen, Milly thought
"How beauti:u.," she cried; bui |
even as the words left her lips he est-
less cane flew through the air hicked |
the rose from its stem and sent it into
the dusty road, a little whirlwind OF
Broken leaves accompanying its fall.
"What a pity." she said, involun.
tarily.
ITS only wild rose, you know
surprised.
"But don't you like wild roses?'
"Oh, yes; but there are so many oil
them that il Is hardly worth while to
waste sentiment on single one, and |
the captain showed his fine teeth in n
smile that was the leas. hit cruel.
Milly sighed and cast grateful LOOK
behind. Her gentle nature felt for the
fair despoied thing. But, after all,
there were plenty OF wild roses, as
Captain Hallett said. and presently
sho forgot her sympathy andits cacse.
Appetizer turn in the lane brought them
10 the village outskirts and to Squire
Aliens gate. where the rest OF the par
~ we're waiting. There we're good
tGes to say. divisions to make.
Mrs. Allen was intent on secur-
ihe to each person his or her
own basket. Kitty FELTON, va count