The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-09-22
Tle R0se-WeaVeTs.
CHAPTER 1.-THE MEETING.

IL WAS the Clne OI roses roses 1n our homely England roses in classic Italy; roses in lands ice bound throughout half the year; roses everywhere
 This brief season the rose has made her own, is especially rapturous to the inhabitants of the cold north, con- demned, like the twin gods of old, to spend half their life in the upper heaven, and the other half in Pluto's dark and dread domain. Certainly they enjoy foretaste alike of those islands of the blest, destined for the heroic and the virtuous. and of that gloomy under world wherein the wicked expiate their crimes. And magical the transition ill both cases from one to another! But yesterday winter covered the world with its icy mantle, and all nature seemed dead. To-day quiet rivers flow through pastures emerald green; on the glittering blue sea are seen hun dred sails; all the country folks are busy in the hay fields, while roses have burst into bloom everywhere, making the air heavy with perfume.
 In the royal garden of northern island maidens were busily weaving roses one midsummer day. They sal scattered in groups about the place and made pretty picture, some or the green sward beside the miniature lake, others occupying steps of tho marble terrace; others again haG chosen shady hooks and corners where, bare- headed, they sedulously piled their task. Here and there stood baskets filled with cut roses, and a. soon as one was empty it was imme diately replaced by the assistant gar. deners. These roses, be it remarked had just come carefully packed iron the neighboring continent; not sin, gle flower could be spared from tht kings garden just now.
 Right merrily the girls went 9or with their bewitching work. They sang, they laughed, they chatted al unconcernedly as if the whole plact belonged to them, which indeed it did for that day. Save for upholsterer' and decorators, the charming little summer palace was deserted. The director of the forthcoming ceremo- nies was good nature itself, and well pleased to see folks gay, so long ai they put their shoulders to the wheel
 In order that to-morrow's fet, should prove success, it was neces. sary that all under his direction should do this with vengeance. Girli naturally look their prettiest wher thus occupied. Weaving roses is $ fairy task, and in light summer dresses, with their fair hair shining ir the sun, their cheeks aglow witl pleasure, these northern maideni might we'll challenge criticism. Most of them were daughters of the hardy fishermen of the island, descendants o the sea- kings of old; but their very rusticity lent an added charm. Ricf and poor, gentle and simple, to-day consorted together.
 There was one girl whom any sud. den intruder must at the first glance have singled out as the queen. Shs was tall and fair, with all the grace O, Teutonic maiden, and much mors besides. A certain air of distinction marked her, too, from the rest, and although as gay and animated as any her face betokened intellect and char acter quite out of the ordinary way It was evident that while throwing heart and soul into her work, hel playful moods alternated with deep seriouaness. Al jealous rose-w weaver s e any, she yet seemed absent from