The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1889-06-29


said in his airy way, "Pnilip B., at your
SERVICE" and she had taken the sound
of the initial for his surname. After she
had called him Mr. Bee several times
Philip saw the blunder, smiled at it,
and, as the naval officers say, "made it
so )" and when Gwenny came to the
table she was introduced, "Miss Gwen
ny, Mr.. Bee" As she was the niece
he concluded her name to be Cooper,
but as the farmer addressed her as Miss
Gwenny and the farmers wife as Gwen
ny, Philip chose the more respectful OF
the two.
As Philip was gallant young gentle
man, and as the young lady was charm
ing in manner, he naturally paid her
much attention. When young man
and woman are thrown together under
such circumstances, it is not unusual
for flrtation to follow. 1t is generally
a forgone conclusion.
Philip soon learned that "Gwenny"
was the diminutive OF Gwenlain, and
not of the more stiited Gwendoline,
which interested him. Philips mother
had been a Powell, with Welsh blood
in her veins, and bore the same name.
This latter Gwenlain was a mystery to
him. For the niece of coarse farmer,
for Cooper, though worthy man, was
the reverse of refined, sne displayed
unquestionably gentle manners. Then
she showed fair knowledge of any
subject touched upon in conversation.
| What was she, a teacher? She had not
the look nor the way of school ma'am
A governesS? Possibly. II so, in a
good family. But her belongings were
not OF the second hand kind. Philip
had keen eye for female apparel. Her
lace was of the rarest her gloves were
| perfect and of the newest ; her dresses
were pretty in material and well fitting,
though she displayed little in the way
of jewelry, the stone that sparkled on
| the head of lace pin was unmistakably
a diamond. She had been we'll cultured,
and every word and action showed a
purity that fitted her name.
On the other hand, Philip was as
much a mystery to the young girl. He
was gentleman beyond doubt. But
what was he doing there, man of cul-
ture, refinement and aesthetic tastes, in
that farm house? He had said nothing
of the Boudinots, which would have
explained it. With a little affectation of
cynicism, which did not i'll become him,
the man was as clear as water, frank as
air. But WHY did he Eloiter there with
no apparent purpose? The girl did not
at first deem she was the attraction, but
it came to her after five weeks, ard she
grew shy, and her shyness for the last
week of her stay inflicted Philip, who
became shy, too, and lost all ease. AT
length she announced to Mrs. Cooper
that she had to return home, and that
her father who was in Philadelphia
visiting friend there, would come for
her the following day, and his friend
with him. Philip heard this with de-
preston that told him he had met his
fate, and that it lay in the power of this
girl to make him happy or miserable
for life.
All the night that followed Philip lay
and tossed restlessly. He could not
sleep. He fit that his father would be
as good as his word, but he would win
a wife then or never. Near morning he
arose, dressed, sat at the window, until
the sun showed itself. Then he slipped
out of the house and strolled toward a
glen a few yards off, intending to re-
man out until he heard the breakfast
bell. 1t had been a tavor1te haunt of
the two, and yet for the last two days
both had avoided it. He made his way
to mossy rock which formed sort of
rustic seat, and there he saw Gwenny
"Mss Gwenlain," he exclaimed.
She rose with a rather embarrassed
air. 81 rested badly last night, Mr.
Bee, and | came out at dav break.
have been here ever since. The morn
ing air seems to refresh me-"
81 have the same experience" he
said. 81 have rested badly, or rather
have not rested badly, or rather have
not rested at all. /"
She looked up inquiringly, and at
something she read in his eyes, drop
ped her own, while flush overspread
her face and neck.
"Gwenny !" he said desperately, and
took her hand. The fingers trembled
in his, but were not withdrawn.
"Gwenny," he said, eve are to part
to- day. Do YOU know that | love YOU
dearly?
ado you, Phillp2" she murmured,
but did not look up.
"Gwenny," he said, 81 have been
sailing under false colors, but inno-
Gently enough. have way among
my gentlemen friends of using my ini
tials, and so I am called among them
P. B. or Mr.. B. When your aunt asked
my name | said "Mr. b." and | did
not care to undeceive her; but de
sire no concealment from you, unless
you do not care for me, Then we will
part as we met; but l shall be a
changed man."
He waited for a reply. There was a
slight tightening of her fingers on his
as she half whispered:
"You must know that care for you
Philip"
, "Now," said the exultant Philip.