, 1888-11-11
"MY DEARIE."

49, @SSN.N~ISp NAS $1,000 S@OS
drank in her song and the pair of laugh
ing, restless blue eyes hat were beaming
in admiration of her dark beauty.
"Oh, deari' cried Marian, suddenly
changing her tune as she came to q
stream on the edge of the meadow, 1.-THE
stepping stones are out of sight, and here
Ill have to walk down a good half mile.
Well, / declare 1 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 encircled
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 streamlet.
Now, little one, what are you making
SO much noise abou Didn't you want
to get overf" said a voice, as clear and
musical as Marian's own, and Marian
found herself deposited on terra frma.
She raised her frightened black eyes
now, and met a pair of laughing blue
ones.
Poor child 1 really didn't mean to act
SO abruptly, but l was enchanted with
your song, and, When l saw you wanted to
cross the brook, l had you in my arms
before l knew it. I had, really, and l
most humbly beg your pardon for the
same"
The blue eyes were laughing at her yet,
but the musical voice was very penitent.
Poor Marianl her pretty cherry lip
quivered; she didn't know whether to
laugh or cry.
Who was this impudent stranger?
Would she thank him for carrying her
over, or would she remain offended2 The
strangers next question, in a 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
Murray's."
Yes, he is just six years older than
!" said Marian, blushing, and walked on,
and her face frightened as she thought,
"Thi young man is a visitor at the hall.
I'll find out if Gilderoy has arrived yet"
Il suppose you will celebrate your
birthday by going up to the hall and hav-
ing a good time tomorrow" asked the
young man.
mo, l don't wish to go tomorrow;
there will be so many there, you know;
and, anyway, l don't suppose Gilderoy-I
mean Mr.. Murray-will emember me-"
Salu NldIldhJ Will IL ElSu.
why Won't he?" said the young man,
looking as if he was very much interested.
Because l was only 8 years old when
he went away. What q long time to be
away from ones home. Grandma saws
he used to tease me awfully.' 1 suppos
you are staying at the hall?" questioned
Marian. f..
Yes" replied the stranger.
"Well, then, you must know my grand
ma. She has olVavs 1ivad OF 4ha bo1
and when l was a tiny little thing l was
there nearly all the time. Has Gild-I
mean Mr.. Murray-arrived today2'
Yes, he came up with me. Do you
think you would know Gilderoy Murray"
oh" thought Marian, this is one of
the two young men that grandma told me
they expected Gilderoy to bring with
the face, she answered.:
ooh, yes, l would know him in a thou
sand; he is SO very handsome"
Yes, | should say he was, if he an
swered to the description of the o you
were singing. But now, candidly, do you
think he is any handsomer than Il"
ooh, my, he is ever so much handsomer
You skin is brown and your hair is
brown"
And his skin is white and his hair is
white" interrupted the stranger.
"Wha an impudent fellow he is"
thought Marian.
mo, 1 didn't mean that" she said.
"Gilderoy has skin as fair and hair us
golden as any blonde beauty"
"What a pity we can't all be blonde
beauties" murmured the young man.
There, now, don't flare up, little one; I
mean it, pom honor l do"
Marian looked at him rather doubtfully.
Did he mean q word of what he was say
ingR How could she tell, with those mis-
chievous blue yes fixed Upon herr
5 you have made up your mind not
to &C to Murray Hall tomorrow" said
the young man, as Marian stood at her
own gate.
"Icannot go tomorrow" she answered
Then l shall be very much disap-
pointed" and, however it got there, the
young man held Marian's hand in his.
Marian, Marianl 1 want you" called a
voice from the house.
"Oh, l must CO." said Marian.
Then good,by, Marian" and, giving
her hand a little squeeze, he was gone.
"How handsome he is" thought Ma
rian; land 1 believe what no says, but
then his eyesl' and Marian turned up the
path.
Next day Marian startled her mother
with the intelligence that she was going to
the hall. And stranger still, Marian was
not going to see Gilderoy Murray. Some
how she had forgotten all about him since
Yesterday. Two blue eyes haunted her
pillow last night and drove all else out of
her head. Two blue eyes were liked upon
her now, as she sat sewing on the porch,
but she was not aware of it until a clear
voice sang:
While waters wimple to the sea,
While day bllnks in the lift sac hia;
TIL clay could death shall blin' my &c,
We aye shall be my dearie.
taDn vnM hnlinrn IL Mnrinn9p