Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-07-12

'Is not this an exquisite spot?" ex-
claimed Guy Morris.
Eyes, indeed Every prospect
pleases, and only man is Vile" re-
sponded Jessie Holmes, as, with u
merry laugh, she evaded Guys ex-
tended arm, and with a few bounds
reached the top Of q moss-covered rock
beyond his reach.
An impatient exclamation passed his
lips as Guy Norris looked up reproach-
fully into the sparkling face above his
own.
Miss Jessie. here I have been all this
afternoon, doing my best to entertain
YOU, and all / have got for my pains is
h0uting and teasing!"
Jessie laughed again.
''Ah, no, not so. You have been try
ING your best to lead me into one of
those pleasant fiirtations Mr. Guy
Morris, of the Manor, is SO justly cele-
brated for.
A serious expression passed for an
instant over the piquant face, and then
she spoke again.
But truce to quarrelling. fyou'll
promise to stop compliments, I'll
pIOlIilSc 10 NC SOOtt dS VIC VAIN IOIlIG'
Is it an agreement?'
By this time she stood by the
young mans side. Silently he gathered
up the books and basket, and as silent
ly walked on by her side; but he could
not long resist the charm of such a
ramble with such companion.
The path stretched before them cool
and shady. The sun, Pickering here
and there through the trees, made a
delicate fretwork of shade-Ieaves under
their feet.
Little shy flowers all along the way
side nodded and quivered their sun
tipped heads as the soft breeze blew
gently over them.
Jessie was good as she promised and
she noticed with satisfaction that her
little sarcasm had done her escort
good, for she was not troubled with
any more distasteful compliments.
At the farm gate they paused.
81 have enjoyed this afternoon very
much, Miss Jessie; only why that little
lecture from which am JUST recover
ing from the effects of? Why should [
try to f1irt with you?''
He looked slyly up, from under his
dark lashes, to notice the effect of his
words.
The slender figure before him drew
itself up.
Mr.. Morris, you displease me when
you talk in that way Then, with a
sudden change from hauteur to her
own winesOme manner-''Let us part
friends. Goodbye"
Cautiously lifting his hat. the young
man passed on. and Jessie with a very
thoughtful face walked slowly up the
garden path, where Aunt Jane stood,
shading her eyes with her hand. from
the last rays of the setting, sun watch
ing for her.
$50, here you be, home. There's a
note for you; come this afternoon, from
Mrs. Norris The coachman brung it.
Humph! guess she's a-worriting along
of her sons going so much with my
niece"
Jessie's eyes beamed with amusement
as she read aloud the short note
''MYDEAR MISS HOLMES
II have heard my son speak of you so often,
have a strong desire TO form your acquaint-
ance. If agreeable to you, 1 will call upon
you tomorrow afternoon.
Yours truly.
The Manor LAURA DEANE NORRIS
ooh, Aunt Jane!'' laughed Jessie;
'.what patronizing note!''
The following afternoon Jessie and
her aunt sat in the -wreathed porch,
as the Manor carriage drove up the
lane. When the carriage reached
the door. Jessie rose to receive the
figure which advanced up
the steps.
The two formed a striking contrast.
Mrs. Norris was clad in trained silken
robe, la pri1acesse, and her much be-
pulled hair was rolled away from a
face which would have been handsome
were it not for supercilious express
sion. She was the per:onifcation Of
fashion in its extreme; while Jessie, in
a cool, white muslin, with her hair
simply drawn back into heavy braid,
was fair specimen of a fresh, sweet
country maiden. TO whom fashion is
only familiar in books.
Jessie entertained her guest in
timid, quiet manner, and Mrs. Morris
went home with verdict that .'such
specimen of an unsophisticated country !