Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1889-07-26


hain't any time to spend traipsing
over to Upton or anywhere else. |
can't go-that's allt'
1T don't make any difference, my
wanting to gor' cried Hitty. You
don't care for me-"
She pressed corner OF her apron
to her eyes, sobbingly, and ran into
the house.
Old Mrs. Pierce witnessed the pro-
ceeding from behind her blinds, and
recounted it TO Miss Gardner next
day
Il thought to myself that some
thing was wrong" she declared. so
last night | just stepped in minute
with INV mending; and sure enough,
it was jest as plain a. day that there d
ben some sort of n fuss between elm
Hittv didn't say two words TO Phil
the hull time: and Phil he took his
lantern. long about eight o'clock, and
went off TO the barn, and be hadn I
come i'm when | come home. | told
YOU how 'twould he, didn't II
We'll, well!' said Miss Gardner,
sadly convinced.
You hain't changed yonr mind
about going to Upton, | spose: said
Hitty, stopping Phil somewhat tim
idly. as he was leaving the breakfast
table the next morning.
No, | hain't," said Phil, rather
shortly-he had not expected a re
vival of the subject. If you're so
set OH it, you can go; but you'll have
/ to leave me 10 home'
Hittv frowned. She had intended
/ to give it all up peaceably-she had
meant to tell him so; but his sharp
ness scattered her good resolves to
/ the winds.
Il was thinking she said, with
equal coolneSs-she had thought OF IT
only that instant-''that | might go
with the Patchins if you amt going.
| guess they'd take me along.
She was sorry the moment she had
said it; for Phil looked hurt and as
tonished. But he recovered himself
promptly and angrily.
Il presume they would he said
turning toward the door. Il hahn t
the least doubt of it.
He strode away rapidly.
I'll leave your dinner right in the
cupboard" Hitty called after him
.and I'll be home before supper!
/ Half an hour later she was closing
the front gate behind her, and hurry
ing down the road toward the Patch
mss. looking very pretty in her new
brown silk-her wedding dress.
She was trying to make herself be
/ lieve that she was in extremely good
spirits; but the task was rather dltil-
/ cult. 1t seemed strange TO be going
on and leaving Phil III that way.
But then he might have gone. Ap
pies and potatoes. as though he
/ couldn't have left them for day.
Certainly he couldn't have expected
her to stay at home on account OF
| them; she had been quite right not
/ to.
The Patchinss sleek white horse,
harnessed TO their big, dusty old car
riage. was nibbling the grass at the
gate The Patchins themselves, a
pleasant-faced old couple, were just
coming out of the house in their Sun
day clothes. They looked inquiringiy
at Hitty.
I'm going to beg ride to Upton, "
said the girl, smiling.
They were old friends, and she was
sure of welcome.
The old couple looked puzzled.
Mrs. Patchins frankly expressed her
wonder. =.
why. where's Phily'' she said
He amt going Hitty responded,
hesitatingly. "Hel-he said he had
too much to do
well, WELL git right ill.," said the
old man pleasantly. We'll be glad
to have you along
His wife echoed the invitation, and
Hittv climbed in. But if each had
said in so many words, why are
you going there?' their thought
could hardly have been palmer, and
her heart sank little.
Nor did the pretty drive serve to
tighten it. She tried to sliake of her
discomfort-she was sure it was un-
reasonable: but she was feeling rather
doleful at the end OF the fourth mile.
Guess there'll be considerable
many there" said Mr. Patchins, a.
they ratified along
Indeed, they were in the midst OF a
long line Of vehicles, all bound for
Upton. Everybody had word for
them "a they passed or were over
taken.
why, Hitty Bruce cried Amanda
Backbone of Hitty's best friends
turning TO shake finger at her. ~
pretty state Of affairs. Where :
Phil?'
Hitty Redeemed painfully. Every
body was saving the same thing.
Had she been wronged 10 come?
We'll, | swan said bluff Sam Cros-
by, looking ba award quizzically over
the grapes on his wife's bonnet. You
don't mean 10 say you've LETT MN
Already, Hitty. | declare fort.
He laughed jovially.
Hitty dropped her eyes to her lap;
she was on the verge Of tears. Then
she suddenly laid a hand on the lines.