The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1890-01-31

why should you tell themP asked Agnes,
turning away. Isn't it entirely honorable
for man to he caring for his own and full
filling his trust, especially when SO valuable
property as this is demands his attention."
Yes, yes, you dear old thing; butt
"Sh-hl" whispered Agnes, for just then
Marge climbed the slope and appeared hit
tie way in front OF them, shouting back at
the man:
"Cut your next sod here; this seems to
have thicker grass"
| Suddenly no saw the ladies and recognized
them 1t was too late to run, as he assur-
edly would havedone If warned in time, but
he had the presence of mind to shout to his
workman;
mo, it isn't, either. Get the next from
the old placel"
GOOD morning, Mr.. Marge," said Miss
Dinon, with frank smile and an outstretched
hand.
Marge raised his hat, bowed, and replied:
The hand OF the laboring man is some
times best shaken in spirit assure you.
though, appreciate the compliment"
'Thcn don't deny me the honor,n said Miss
Dinon. "It's positive pleasure to see man
doing something manly. 1t is my misfortune
that sec men only in the city, you know,
and doing nothing"
Her hand was still extended, so Marge
took it, again raising his hat. Margie turned
away; the situation was SO comical to her
that she felt she must laugh, and she knew
by experience that her laughter was some
times uncomfortable when fairly started.
MIR. Tramlay says you've worked wonders
since you've been here" said Miss Dinon, as
Marge released her hand; and, as old Mr..
Hayn is his authority, l have no doubt it
is So"
II imagine that deserve the company's
thanks" Marge replied Though Pm aston
ished at having mastered some portions of
the work so quickly. think can astonish
you, also, by an honest confession; really
wish something of this sort had turned up
years ago; I'm great deal happier at it than
l ever was while worrying my wits over
stocks in Wall street. think the work far
more honorable and manly, too. You're quite
at liberty to repeat this to any of our mutual
friends in the city; I'm sure twill amuse
them, and their laughter won't annoy me q
particle"
''They wouldn't laugh" said Miss Dinon.
eff they could breathe this glorious air
awhile, and foresee the gold which this ground
will yield, unless appearances are deceitful."
The old beach wagon, quarter of mile
away, crawled up the grassy slope from the
long stretch of sand, and Phil stopped as of
old, to let the horse breathe after his hard
tug at the deep sinking wheels
what picture those two people make on
the hill yonder, beside that green clump!"
said Lucia. "Why, the woman is Agnes
there is Margie, picking daisies far to the
right-and the man Agnes is talking to is
some common workman. What a splendid
woman she is! She can be as independent as
she likes and no one ever mistakes her mean
ing. Imagine any other girl of our set stand
ing on country hillside, chatting with some
boorl"
"Boor?" echoed Phil, running whole
gamut of intonations. "Do you know who
that boor isl recognized him at sight; he
was in the village as we passed through, but
it didn't seem kind to call attention to him."
"Who is he9 Do tell me-"
"Mr. Marge"
"Philip Haynl" exclaimed Lucia. ''Do
turn the wagon away, so we don't seem to
be looking at them"
Consistency, thy name is not woman"
said Phil, after complying with the request,
for Lucia was kneeling on the back seat of
the wagon and peering through the little
window in the dingy old curtain.
mot to revive any unpleasant memories"
chatted several moments, as co-investors,
about the property, "but merely to call at
tention to the irony of fate, it seems odd to
Inc to contrast today and certain day sew
eral years ago. Laugh about it, beg of
you, because l call attention to it only for its
laughable side. Today you do me the honor
which l never shall forget-of pressing
your hand upon me, although no stranger
could distinguish me from one of my work.
men. Then, when in q different sense l
wanted your hand, and had the temerity to
think myself worthy Of it, you withheld it."
Miss Dinon did not laugh; she looked off
toward the sea and said:
"You were not then rs you are todayp
"Thank you. But if l had been?"
Again Miss Dinon looked toward the sea,
and said:
81 might perhaps have been more appreci-
alive"
'And today" said Marge, gently taking
the lady's finger tips-''no, not today, but
hereafter, is it impossible that should hon
estly earn itr'
"Who knows" said Agnes, gently, "but
you"
'Phll' gasped Lucia, from the back of
the old beach wagon, che is kissing her
hand!"
"Umphl" said Phil "what can that
meanP'
Lucia looked at him soberly and replied:
"What a question for you, of all men, to
askl"
"Why, tits only an old fashioned form of
salutation or adieu," said Phil. 81 have
your own word for it, don't you rememberY"
For answer Lucia's eyes looked from be-
meath their lashes so provokingly that Phil
stepped across his seat and hid each under
his mustache for a second or two
CHAPTER xxx.
so THEY WERE MARRIED.