Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-10-26
CHAPTER III.


And no wonder. Lying at the foot Of
the great rock was young girl (Mosely
would bave sworn the prethest he ever
saw fast asleep. Her cheek rested upon
her arm, and
- "Tenierly Enclosed
BY tendorost pressure, a faint damask mouth
10 ulumbcr0us pouL"
Her hair was slightly disarranged, and
long chestnut tendrils fell about her
cheek, Tutoring gently IN her soft
breathing. The loose sleeve had fallen
back from ono wrist, disclosing a white
arm and dimpled elbow: one foot,
encased in black Isle, was extended
from under the dark gown, reveal
inc beautifully arched instep and
bewitchiug ankle, and near 1t lay the
dainty little discarded shoe. A blg hat
lay by her side, and close by was long,
slender alpenstock OF EMBARKED hickory.
Il Renornus collection of ferns aud MOSES,
and bunch Of Wild honeysuckle.
by Joyo /" said Mosely when he
had found his speech. cam 1 Endy-
mion and is she Diana? Sue looks like
Il goddess. l wonder If every woman is
as pretty sleeping. | don't believe It,
How ever did she came to be here, and
WHY didn't she see me? That's not
strange though with dozen cubic feet
Of rock between Us What dainty lit
tie foot 70 wear such Cinderella slip
per. and lie stopped and pickedup the
little fairy-hke creation OF patient leather
For moment he stood sdmiring the
"bonny little shoon," an amused smile
on his face when holding II up. and step
ping back, tho better 10 appreciate its
symmetry, ho set his foot on a dry twig.
A snap like a pist0l-shot resulted, which,
together with Moscly's involuntary ex-
pletiye, indicative of vexation, caused
the white lids to hutter and slowl y unveil
pair of violat eyes.
For moment she did not stir, but
looked up at him with a dazod express
ion in her eyes. evidently trying to I'M
derstand how it had all come about
Mosely's embarrassment fully equslled
her beWilderment, and III his confusion
he forgot to drop the shoe be had been
holding. and thoufh he soon regsined
his usual self-possession he still kept it,.
81 beg your pardon no said, lifting
his hat with all bis wonted JCtcspyit, al
was strolling.
"Allow mo" he said with courtly
grace, seeing she was rising, and Offering
his hand assisted her to her feet
"Jhank you, she said, trying to act
as though young gentlemen finding
sleeping maidens Ia the woods was a
thing OF every day occurrence, though
she knew she was blushing dreadfully.
al AIN sorry to have disturbed YOU, "
Mosely said politely. 81 was strolling
aud Glanced upon you. l thought l had
found sleeping pymph. Are you this
hooks resident deity "
"Yes," she said shortly. She WAS not
in the mood TO speak lightly, and TO a
stranger. She wanted her shoe which
Mosely still unconsciously held.
"Ob, nymph, in thy prisons be all
my sius remembered" he quoted lightly
and with an auoacity that frightened
him
"Win you please to give me my
shoe" she said, blushing furiously. %
have walked a great deal this evening,
and il was hurting my foot so much
when L sat down here that / pulled il
Off.
Certainly-er-that is--Imean 1 beg
your pardon" said Mosely confusedly
and handing the desired article.
He was IN doubt as TO whether gal
lantry required him to hold it while she
stepped into 1t, and before the mattel
had been fully decided in his mind the
young lady had stopped and IN tric'
adjusted the innocent cause OF thei
mutual embarrassment
When Mosely saw this little mattel
settled he regained his presence OF mind
May j carry these for you 2" no sa't
audaclously. indicating her ferns and
moses.
OF course she should have refused 4
consent 10 any such arrangement but b.
was 80 gentlemanly and handsome, an(
she wss young and romantic, 80 she sai1
"yes."
"How are We 10 run the gauntlet o
the hotel people with these }" he said
~ be gathered them up.