The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1889-05-04
OUR ROBIN.
CHAPTER III.

| OiN uAiN lOOihJ, 40 hOG pICtCu-
tious, and it stands modestly in the
midst Of some fifteen acres only. More
than half this space is taken up by the
lawn, pleasure-grounds, and garden;
+ the remainder is portioned off into two
! meadows. In one of these our cows
Craze, whilst the second is devoted to
providing hay for winter use.
The near field is separated from the
pleasure grounds by light iron pal
ing; on all remaining sides the mead
ows are encircled by belt of beech
/ trees. Amidst these trees there runs a
narrow moss-grown foot-path, which
is known by the sentimental title OF
Lovers Walk. Of late years, have
grown almost to hate this pathway, on
account of its painful associations; but
on this, the first morning of Robins
visit, she insists on a thorough in
spection of our domains.
81 am never happy till am well
coached in the geography of the place
| am staying at" she explains; $50
you must take me everywhere, show
me everything, and introduce me to
everybody"
''You frightfully energetic creature!''
l say, with a sigh, as I put on my
broad brimmed hat and seek for my
garden gloves. Il will try to take
you everywhere, since you wish it;
there is not much worth seeing, though
warn you. AS to introducing you to
everybody, that is out of the question.
We hardly visit at all; we don't care
for society,""
Don't care for society," repeats
Robin, pickering her brows. "How
funny!-that s'-correcting herself
II don't think care much for society.
Only one must mix more or less with
ones fellows, if only to keep ones wits
bright"
"Well. our wits may rust, for all VIC
care!" answer rather defantly.
In the first place, we visit the sta
bles, where Robin falls head over ears
in love with our old retriever, Nell
She expresses, however, strong disap-
proval of the carriage-horses.
They remind one of two fat old
aldermen" she says, surveying them
with smiling pity; ''they must have
been eating their heads off for years."
and she assists the process by present
ing piece of bread to my special pony,
Scamper.
They have" 1 answer calmly.
"Aunt Louisa drives twicea week, and
that is about all"
.'How frightfully cruel!" exclaims
Robin Indignantly.
"Cruel?" ! repeat interrogatively.
"Yes, cruel-to keep them here do
ing nothing. How they must hate
their stalls!'
They are exerci 1od every morning
l explain.
eyes, and like it almost as much as
we used to appreciate our constitution
al at school,"
''If you really wish it, we will drive
this afternoon" is my reluctant con-
cession.
''Of course | should like it, and to-
morrow we'll take your pony out. All,
Scamper, my boy, we will let you see
little life!"-and she gives his nose
an affectionate kiss.
We are leaving the yard, when her
eye lights again on Nell, who, encour-
aged by the attention she has already
received, begins to whine like spoilt
child and pull impatiently at her chain.
MAY l unfasten her?" asks Robin
eagerly, and approaching the kennel.
LAS you like" I answer careicssly.
"She is so frightfully demonstrative,
when she does obtain her liberty, that
l seldom touch her. She will almost
tear you to pieces, as pleasant little
way of showing her gratitude. !"
But before / have finished speaking
Nell is free. She at once verifies my
words by springing upon Robin, who
all but loses her equilibrium; secondly,
she darts at me. For once however in
my lifetime l have taken time by the
forelock, and avoid Nell's affectionate
intentions by lodging her skilfully be-
hind the pump. Fooled in her endeav-
ors to reach me, she relieves her feel
ings by tearing madly round the yard
for some minutes, after which she sub
sides into soberness once more, and,
still painting. follows us meekly enough
as we wander away from the stables.
"And now / really think we have
seen everything" I say, with a sigh of
satisfaction, taking out my watch to
the time.
To n,rv, The 7 h,r>
such lazy habits that even strolling
about the grounds for an hour quite
tires me.
Have we? Don't those fields belong
to you?" asks Robin, pointing with
hands towards the meadows.
EYES," reply, sinking down on
seat that is handy; ..but we must not
walk about in the hay-crop, and am
the cows would toss us If we
their domain"
"And is there no way round the
asks my indefatigable
friend.
She is leaning her elbows on the top
Of the iron fence. feeding the old COW,
Buttercup, with punches of long tender
grass, and laughs little at my terror
Of the gentle, kind-eyed animal; Robin
IS on the best of terms with all brute !
and brute creation, to Judge |
rom appearances, is also on the best
Of terms with her.
Eyes; there is path called the
lovers Walk" / answer, with weary
Ugh; ''but surely you don't want to
explore that! There is nothing to see."
ut can't be far" muses. Robin, as
The softly strokes Buttercup's nose.
"Half a mile, If it is an inch," / say
"Only thatp Then we must certainly
70, unless you feel yourself unequal
o the exertion"- little satirical-
y. 'In that case I'll go alone. /
uppose couldn't lose my way?"
''Not If you tried your hardest. If
'ou go in at one end, you are bound
o come out at the other, unless you
deliberately turn round in the middle"
''Are you coming?" asked Robin.
She had left the fence, and now
lands before me, the very picture of
lealth and happiness, her bright eyes !