Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1888-11-29

To describe the thought that eddied
through his mind as be washed and
hulled the luscious red strawberries,
would be futile attempt
'Half-past three, and Aunt Becky
not comep he calculated aloud What
can the reason be2
WALL said Jehoram, who was Just
to depart, i think its ex-
tremely likely the reason is, cause she
broke her wrist last night'
More evil luck!' thought Montroy,
as he watched the old countryman
drive away.
well there's one good thing: I've
got broom and pail, and there's plen-
ty of good spring water.
And Maurice Montroy went dill
gently to work to deluge the pine
board floor with water; and splash it
in various directions with his broom.
'ThereP said Maurice. triumphantly
the floor is clean; out-'
He stood silent and aghast, as he
viewed the bespattered walls and wood
work darkened with mud.
i must whiten 'em up e little, he
thought. ITS only five o'clock, and
there's plenty of time. | wouldn't
have the girls think I kept house in
this style for any amount of money!
I'll just go out for a little lime and a
whitewash brush.' d..
Maurice Montroy was .ot born a
YANKEE, but he had all the enterprise
and resolution commonly Supposed to
belong to the inhabitants of the New
England States. He covered his black
curls with an antique hat bristlina
with rebellious straws, and brimless
on one side; pinned an old sheet Sc.
curely around him, and went to work
mounted on pile of books placed up
on chair, and the chair elevated up
on table.
Rather shakv, thought Maurice
dipping his brush into the whitewash
pail and giving it business-like flirt
At the same instant the books slipped
the chair turned overland Maurice
Montroy found himself on the floor
with his head violently jammed into
the basket of Strawberries. a bruised
elbow, and sprained ancie
And alone all alone!
The little law-office was quite hall
mile distant from the village; helE
seemed almost inaccessibly; and as tn
purple twilight softly descended owe
the June land -scape, Maurice felt
pang of dependency that had neve
before visited his brave young heart
He dragged himself with painful slow
ness to the window. but even tn
slight exertion made him feel fain
and sick. One figure only was visibl
in the soft half-Iight-a slender fig
ure, hu:rying past with footstep h
knew we'll.
"Adela! Mrs. Wayne!'
The young widow paused, in LIST
ening attltude-apparently she hat
confused the voice with the tone c
birds and insects and far off bell
Maurice raised his accents:
'Adela For heavens sake hel
mel!
Maurice! What has happened
The next minute she and little Rut
were in the room and at bis side.
| Don't look so pale and frightened
Adela,' he said half laughing. 1t
nothing serious; only a bad sprail
Why. Adela one would think ws
dying
The color came back once more, i
a crimson tide, to her deathlv whi
cheek. Adela was her busy, hop'
ful self cnce again. Little Ruth ra
for the doctor, while Adela battle
the cold dew from Montroy;s for
head with cologne. and helped him
the big leather covered easy chair an
proceeded to 'straighten up the room
after swift, tidy process known onl
to womankind, while Maurice watche
her with soft, strangely intereste
eyes.
| 'Adelar
is the ancle worse again? Let n
wet the bandages in cold water on'
more.
No, 1t isn't that. was only thinl
ing
OF whatN
III tell you by and by l wish tt
party was in Jerico'
why, Maurice? We shall do W.
we'll, l tell you | have sent for f"~'
strawberries, and Mrs. Grant wi
send you plenty of delicious crear
and Ill prepare the lemonade presen
ly. and some of the cake is very mic
Shall I light the lamps?'
Yes, if you will. But don't ye
see, Adela. how much nicer my part
would be ii / had only one guest
What nonsense, Maurice!'
Come here, Adela. Closer, don
be SO shy, my little bird. The O
docto~ is plodding up the hill, and
shan't have another opportunity
ask you question that I have wante
to ask this long time
about the ice cream, Maurlce?'
'No-not exactly. Adels, it seen