Wichita eagle., 1888-10-07
my DEARIE.'

wholly uncor scious Of the soft football
that followed her footsteps, the ears that
drank in her song and the pair of laugh
ing, restless blue eyes that were besming
In admiration of her dark beauty
"Oh, desrl" cried Marian, suddenly
changing her tune as she came to a
stream on the edge of the meadow, the
stepping stones are out of sight, and here
I'll have TO walk down a good half mile.
Well, declare | never saw the water
so high and she turned to walk down
the struggling path, but before she had
taken two steps a strong arm eucircled
her waist. She screamed with terror
and struggled desperately to release her
self, but before she could realize it she
was raised from the ground and conveyed
over the streanlet.
Now, little one, what are you making
SO much noise about? Didn't you want
20 get over9' said voice, as clear and
musical as Msrian's own, and Marian
found herself deposited on terra firma
She raised her frightened black eyes
now, and met a pair of laughing blue
ones
Poor child really didn't mean to act
SO abruptly. but | was enchanted with
your song, and, when | saw you wanted to
L
before | knew it l had. really, and
most humbly beg your pardon for the
same"
The blue eyes were laughing at her vet,
but the musical voice was very penitent.
Poor Marian. her pretty cherry lip
quivered; she didn't know whe&her to
laugh or cry.
Who was this impudent stranger?
Would she thank him for carving her
over. or would she remain offended? The
strangers next question, in low, plead
ing voice. settled Marian's doubts.
Then you won't forgive me, little one?'
Il didn't say | wouldn't; only please
don't call me little one," and Marian
looked up shyly.
But you are a little one" said the
young stranger boldly.
I'm Is tomorrow, sir" answered
Marian, with more spirit.
Tomorrow your birthday" said the
stranger. And tomorrow is Gilderoy
Murrav's"
Yes, he is just six years older than
/, said Marian, blushing, and walked on.
and her face frightened as she thought,
This young man is visitor at the hall.
I'll find out if GiIderoy has arrived yet"
Il suppose you will celebrate your
birthday by going up TO the hall and hav
ing good time tomorrow" asked the
young man.
mo, don't wish to go tomorrow;
there will De SO many there, you know;
and, anyway, don't suppose Gilderoy-I
mean Mr.. Murray-wil remember me-"
said Marian. with sigh.
why won't he?" said the young man,
looking as if he was very much interested.
Because | was only years old when
he went away. What long time to be
away from ones home. Grandma SAYS
he used TO tease me awfully.' | suppose
you are staying at the hall7' questioned
Marian
Yes" replied the stranger
Well, then. you must know my grand
ma. She has always lived at the hall,
and when l was q tiny little thing was
there nearly all the time. Has Gild-I
mean MIR. Murray-arrived today
Yes. he came up with me Do you
think you would know GiIderoy Murray
"Oh. thought Marian, this is one of
the two young men that grandma told me
they expected GiiderOy 10 bring with
him." and looking the young man full IN
the face, she answered:
''oh, yes, l would know him in q thou
sand; he is so very handsome"
Yes, should say he was, if he an
swered to the description of the song you
were singing. But now. candidly. do you
think he Is any handsomer than I2''
oh, nv, he is ever SO much handsomer
than YOU said Marian, with emphasis
Your skin is brown and your hair is
brown"
And his skin is white and his hair is
white, interrupted the stranger.
What an inpudent fellow he is"
thought Marian
No, l didn't mean that" she said.
"Glderoy has skin IS fair and hair as
golden as any blonde beauty
What q pity We can't all be blonde
beauties nurmured the young man.
There. now, don't flare up, little one;
mean 1t. pom honor l do"
Marian looked at him rather doubtfully.
Did he mean q word OF what he was say
hgf How could she tell. with those mis-
chievous blue eyes fixed upon her?
so you have made up your mind not
to so to Murray Hall tomorrow" said
the young man, as Marian stood 81 her
own gate.
Il cannot go tomorrow. she answered
Then / shall be very much 6isap-
pointed. snd. however it got there, the /
young man held Marians hand in his.
Marian. Marianl want you, called q
voice from the house,
oh. must go, said Marian.
Then good-bv. Marian" and, giving 4
her hand little squeeze, he was gone.
How handsome he is, thought Ma /
rian; and / believe what he says. but 1
then his eyes" and Marian turned up the 1
path
Next dav Marian startled her mother I.
with the Intelli gence that she was going 10 /
the hall And stranger still, Marian was
not going 70 see Gilderoy Murray. Some /
how she hS1 forgotten all about him since
Aesteroav Two blue eyes haunted her
pillow last night and drove al else out OF
her head TWO blue eyes were fixed upon
her now. as she sat sewing on the porch, !
but she was not aware OF it until clear
voice sang:
While waters wtnpie 70 tie sea
While Day bltnks II tie LII sac tae-
TIL clay could death shsl hla' rry eia
Ye.ye shall be ny deArie.
ssDo you believe it, Marian"
NO, don't" answered Marian.
But meant 1t, Marian"
Marian shook her head and set her
pIple-black curls dancing
Good by, Marian, you VIII believe it
some time, and the next moment ne was
gone
Well" said Marian drawing her
breath quickly. II wonder who he is-but
III ind out this evening"
But Marian didn't ind out that even
ing. tor that morning Glderoy Murray re-
nAiS-d n important dispatch. and he snd