The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1890-02-19


had been studying Gus because there
was no one else to study. Now her at
tentioN was distracted by the new conner,
who was, indeed, very agreeable and
interesting specimen of humanity.
Richard Nugent had been at college
with Gus, but had been far more sue
cessful in the schools, and less in the
cricket grounds, than his friend. Now
he was hard working London curate,
while Gus was enjoying the less labor
ious position of a wealthy country gen.
tleman, but their friendship was as great
as ever.
Mrs. Oldham, will you come up to
the Grange tomorrow said Gus one
afternoon, as he lay on the grass at her
feet. "Nugent and want to have some
tennis with the girls. and you can look
on and chaperon."
Very well, | will come with pleasure,
but you must send the pony carriage for
me, you know"
'Of course; send for you and send you
back. You will stay to dinner, won't
your
You must consult the girls about
that" said Mrs. Oldham, ''for I have an
idea that they may be busy; they are
reading together good deal, you know"
miss Marsh went in to write letters,
didn't she? | don't know where Agnes
has gone" remarked the young man,
rising from his lazy attitude and looking
about him. FOh, there she is, with Nu-
gent, right at the end of the field How
can people be so energetic this weather."
Agnes and Mr.. Nugent did not seem to
find the heat oppressive; they are stroll
ing quietly along the shady side of the
field, talking, and were SO much inter-
ested in their conversation that it was
quite long time before they returned to
the lawn. Agnes was hearing of world
that was new and strange to her, but
which seemed the exact thing she had
desired for years.
In the quiet village there was but lit
tie for an energetic woman to do; but
the life Mr.. Nugent spoke of had Oppor-
tunities for every one Real hard self
denying labor among the poor, depress-
ing at times, but cheered and lightened
by the fellow feeling Of many workers,
all struggling towards noble and
worthy aim. was the very work she
would have chosen had the choice been
given her Now she heard of it from
one of the workers, and her face glowed
with enthusiasm as she listened, while
Mr.. Nugent could not help longing to
have such ready sympathy and apprecia-
ton near him to soothe and cheer him in
the troubles and disappointments which
were necessary accompaniment of the
work.
"Why don't you come to London and
work with us, Miss Oldham?'' he asked.
"You have strength and energy. Why
waste them on trifes when you might
be doing real good with them?'
Il don't think my mother could live
in London, said the girl, slowly, land
we could not afford it, either. But I
shall work some day, and meanwhile, /
dare say, it is good to have to exercise
patience. And I am young enough as
yet" she added, with a smile, as they re-
turned to the lawn to join the others.
The afternoon at the Grange was
success. Mrs. Oldham sat in low chair
under great cedar tree, and enjoyed
herself quietly; indeed, the view and the
sight of the four merry young people
was pleasure enough for her. The tennis.
court was very good one, and Gus and
Florrie played Mr.. Nugent and Agnes
with great effect. When they were