The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1889-06-14

Her lace was of the rarest; her gloves
were perfect and of the newest; her
dresses were pretty in material and well
fitting, though quiet in tone; and though
she displayed little in the way of iewolry,
the stone that sparkled on the head of
lace pin was unmistakably diamond.
She had been well cultured, and every
word and action showed purity that
fitted her name,
On the other hand, Philip was as much
mystery to the young girl. He was a
gentleman beyond doubt. But what was
he doing there, man of culture refine
ment and aesthetic tastes, in that farm
house? He had said nothing of the Boudi-
nots, 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 loiter there with no apparent
purpose? The girl did not at first deem
she was the attraction, but it came to
her after five weeks, and she grew shy,
and her shyness for the last week of her
stay infected Philip, who became shy,
too and lost all ease. At length she an
nounced to Mrs. Cooper that she had to
return home, and that her father, who
was in Philadelphia visiting friend
there, would come for her on the follow.
ing day, and his friend with him. Philip
heard this with depression 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 felt that his father would be us good
as his word, but he would win wife
then or never. Near morning he arose.
dressed and sat at the window, until tho
sun showed itself. Then he slipped out
of the house and strolled toward glen a
few yards off, intending to remain out
until he heard the breakfast bell 1t had
been favorite haunt of the two, and yet
for the last few days both had avoided it.
He made his way to a messy rock which
formed a sort of rustic seat, and there he
saw Gwenny.
Miss Gwenllian," he exclaimed.
She rose with n rather embarrassed air.
81 rested badly last night, Mr.. Bee, and
l came out at daybreak. l have been
here ever since. The morning air seems
to refresh me-"
Il have the same experience" he said.
81 have rested badly, or rather have not
rested at all. r
She looked up pinquiringly, and at some
thing she read in his eyes, dropped her
own, while a flush overspread her face
and neck.
"Gwenny" he said desperately, and
tppl- h,,. hg,,1 Tho E,,, +,op,I1nI IL,
his, but were not withdrawn. Gwen
NY" he said, 1--WE are to part today. Do
you know that love you dearly?'
"Do you, Philip she murmured, but
did not look up.
"Gwenny," he said, 81 have been sail
ing under false colors, but innocently
enough. | have way among my gem
tleman friends of using my initials, and
SO l am called among them p. B. or Mr..
b. When your aunt asked my name l
said Mr.. B., and l did not care to unde-
ceive her; but desire no concealment
from you, unless you do not care for me.
Then we will part us we met; but l shall
be changed man."
He waited for 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, "you
must let me speak to your father today"
Il fear you may find him rather OBJ
stinate," she said. He sets an undue
store by his daughter"
II can satisfy him of my position in
,,y.t,. Al 7 i I =
| you. have means of my own, and
have-well, l might say had, great ex-
! pectations; but my father, who is several
| times Il millionaire, has taken it into his
head to fit me with wife. l prefer to
choose one for myself. If you will be
content to share what L have, Philip
Briggs does not care for more"
"Briggs-Philip!" cried Gwenny, re-
leasing herself from his grasp and look
ing at him wonderingly. "Is your ia
TIERS name John?"
eyes"
"And he lives in Philadelphia
Eyes"
Gwenny burst into q peal of silvery
laughter. DO not feel vexed, Philip"
she said at length. 81 am only laughing
at the similarity of our positions. My
father chose a husband for me in the
same way, and it was to escape discus
sion of the matter that | took these few
weeks rustication. Mrs. Cooper is my
old nurse, and have called her 'aunty'
from the time | could toddle around. She
was married from our house. Her hus-
band had very little money and father
bought this farm and stocked it, But,
oh! think, Philip dear, how your father
and mine will chucklel You are Philip
Briggs, and IL am Gwenllian Spriggs.'
Boston Budget.