Wichita eagle., 1888-02-10
A HOLIDAY PASTIME.

A shock of red hair, pair of the lightest
of blue eyes, dawning, sickly nustache,
and hands and feet of ample dimensions, Phil
Dodd certainly did not very closely resemble
Apollo, or any other of those ancient models
of manly beauty. But his homely face
beamed with perpetual good humor, and his
big hands were brown with honest toll
On this particular afternoon he was weed
ing in the front garden, with occasionally an
expectant glance down the country for the
stage coach For the Dodds had been max
ing preparations for week past for the re-
ception OF summer boarders, who were to
arrive that afternoon in the shape of two
young ladies.
Phil, the only son and heir of the Dodds,
had at first decidedly objected to "havin'
girls pesterin' round tbs place" But be had
been so far won over by his sagacious moth
er's representation of the profits to be reaped
therefrom as to help forwarding the prepara-
tions, even going to the extravaganza of
painting the buggy and embarrassing the
front fence
Now, as he stood awaiting their arrival
with an eagerness which he would not have
betrayed for worlds, he was picturing to
himself how he would receive them. He
and assist them to alight with bow and a
few polite words of welcome, just as he had
seen the city chaps do at the new hotel.
But alas for human resolyes No sooner
did the numbering old stage appear on top of
the hill than his courage completely forsook
him, and he ANONYMOUSLY retreated to the
rear of the house. Thence, from a screened
retreat, be watched rough, honest old Eph-
costumes and lace parasoIs to alight, while
Ma Dodd, fresh from the kitchen, stood in
the doorway, arms akimbo, to receive her
guests.
ssWhat a darned fool am" was Pills
mental comment; thinking consolingly, how
ever, that no one but himself knew of his
defeat.
But his next thought was, how was he ever
to face them at tea! He would have kept a
fast that night, rather than go through that
ordeal, but he knew he could not escape the
anxious mothers inquiries as to his nom
appearance.
But there was some latent heroism in Phil,
and knowing that the worst must come, he
summoned all his courage and marched boldly
into the dining room at his mothers sum-
mons. ''This is my son, Phil" announced
the proud mother, with an air which plainly
said, land ! reckon you amt seen many like
him" "And Phil this is Miss Lorraine in
dicating a quiet, lady-looking girl, who
merely bowed and murmured some words of
greeting "And this is Miss Vernon" con-
tinued the worthy woman.
A white hand was extended, which he
grasped almost mechanically in his big, brown
paw, and pair of blue eyes glanced coquet-
SHOW do you do, Mr.. Dodd"
Mr. Doddl It fairly took his breath away
Surely she must have meant ''dad;n but the
young lady evidently knew what she was
saying, as she also addressed dad" as Mr.
Dodd.
That meal which Phil had so dreaded
passed off in an extremely satisfactory man
ner. Miss Vernon completely won Marin"
Dodd's heart by the praises she bestowed on
her biscuit and butter, and Strawberries;
and she so completely bewildered poor Phil
by the bewitching glances she bestowed on
him that be lost his appetite entirely
In the long summer days that followed,
the city girls explored the farm, sketched in
the woods, and expressed unbounded delight
and astonishment al everything they saw.
And Miss Vernon insisted on pressing Phil
1nUD DeT service. 11c IluSJ 20 WIN JDSln
to show them where the incest ferns grew,
and the best streams for trouting, and
thousand and one other things 1t mattered
not TO the despotic little lady that it was the
busiest part of the haying season, and Far
mer Dodds disgust and chagrin at his sons
shrinking clear of the work ito dance round
after couple of gals" were alike unheeded
by her. As for Phil--would he not have
gone to the north pole at the bidding of these
ripe lips or at glance from those wondrous,
violet eyes!
His life was feverish dream Of bliss and
fortune. He thought how tame existence
had been before her coming, but he dared
not think what it would be like after her de-
parture. The money he expended in hair oil
and perfumery almost rendered him bank
rupt.
The two girls We're seated in the "best
room" at the close of a sultry August after
noon, Miss Vernon vigorously using her fan
$50 this is orr last day here, she remarked,
languidly. well, l have rather enjoyed
rusticating, and shall go back to the city
fortified for any amount of dissipation"
Eyes, | do think the Worthy people have
done their best to entertain U.S." said her
friend, absently
Especially Phil" said Miss Vernon, with
a soft little laugh. "He has really proved
Invaluable. Do You know, he has asked ME
to go for drive with him tonight"
well, do you think it is quite right to
lead him on as you are doing:" said her
friend, soberly. He is SO innocent-or per-
haps YOU would term it 'verdant'-that l be-
hevo he thinks you are in earnest"
II lead him ont Why, May, what are you
thinking of: said Miss Vernon. with pretty
assumption of surprise.
YES, any one can see that be is head over
ears in love with you. But then l believe
you would firt with a gorilla if nothing
more available came in your way"
You astonish me, May, by your profound
insight into human character" said her
friend with languid smile. But there is
the buggy at the door, so l suppose l must
make haste and not keep my cavalier wait
ing" and gay. heartIess Nell donned her
rlost coquettish hat and tripped down stairs
How peaceful everything seemed.
with distant echo from the fold and lea
as they bowled along the smooth countr>
road There was nothing very poetical in
Pills composition-he was mach better
versed in horse lore than in analysing natures
moods; but he felt, in an indetinable manner,
the contrast between the claim of outward
things and his own inward, feversh unrest.
For Phil had resolved to learn his fate TO.
night He had brought Miss Vernon out for
the express purpose of asking her TO share his
name and fortunes True, she die seem
rather above him; but then. had she not
given plain proofs OF her attachment 10 the
country and of her preference for himself.
Besides, he was considered rather "ketchr
18th the fnr,ner,s- iarrh.ars raninl about