Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1891-04-04

44SA AAchAAO ~ ~AASA 100
never saw her before this season.
She is picking hops with her aunt, or
some elderly relative-a pale and
fragile looking girl, but as beautiful
as dream. And--I love herV
The old Squire nodded his head.
II can trust you, my son." said
he, "and whoever you choose to
bring here will be as welcome as
flowers in May
While all this time the artist,
strolling idly along to observe the
various groups, came upon pale
faced girl in black--a girl With
large, melting, vine-brown eyes,
straight, pure features, and tender,
dark hair, overhanging her forehead
like 8 mist of jet.
"Miss Ravenel I" he cried, in
amazement.
Eyes, Miss Ravenel,' she smil
ed back. "You are astonished to
see me here. But the doctor declar,
ed that hop-picking would be the
very thing for me So Aunt Verna
brought me, and here we are. And
| am really accomplishing wonders
in the hop picking line Sit down.
here and eat some of these delicious
hot house grapes. They are sent to
US daily by an unknown benefactor.
That isl as Aunt Verna smiled
meaningly, mot exactly unknown.
1t is Squire Durell's son. He will
persist in sending all these delight
full things, although | tell him over
and over, that I have no need of
them. / believe he thinks | am a
starving dressmaker, or something
of the kind with a blush and a
smile. But, oh, he is so good !!
And | like him so much Now
show us, please what you have been
sketching."
Mr.. Durell came down, in the
warm, red glow Of the summer sun
set, to the willow shaded curve OF
the river where Miss Ravenel liked
to sit, when her days work was
done.
81 have brought you some of the
rare orchids from the conservatory
said he. "You told me the other
day that you liked flowers"
Il am so much obliged to you,'
said she, gratefully. "But, Mr..
Durell, I have something to tell
you"
"Stop minute" he said, 81 have
something to tell you-that / love
you, that / want to make you my
wife. Dear Miss Ravenel, are you
surprised at this? Have you not
seen it growing out of my heart by
degrees? Ny father is old and in
firm, but he is ready to welcome you
with all paternal love, and
"You really love me 2" she cried
with wide open eyes. "Me, poor,
pale, little hop picker 2"
You, my queen and my ideal"
"Then," she said, all smiles and
bushes. 81 think l ought to repay
you by loving you q little. And l
think do-nay, | am quite certain
of it,"
"My darlingl Oh my darling T.
be murmured.
''But wait; you have not heard
what l am, she urged.
"You are Miss Raveneln
81 am General Ravcnel's daughter.
l am here by the doctors orders,
not because l need the daily wages
of a hop picker. But you won t like
me any the less, will you, for that n
Mr.. Durell stood amazed. Miss
| Ravenel, the great heiress
1--WE are stopping at the 'Clanclifl
Hotel said she. 81 have my
ponies there. | will drive up to the
house to see your father, since he
cannot come to me.n
But 1 thought you were poor
girl, hiring one of these tents at Sc
muah a night" said Daniel, in per.
| plexity.
"'rhat's where you were mistaken,
said Miss Ravenel, smiling. "But
the hop picking has done me deal
of good. Aunt Verna says my
cheeks are redder than they used tc
be; and | must be better, because
"Well2n
"Because I feel so happy said
Mary Revenel, coloring like rose.
And SO Daniel Dursll found his
life's treasure out among the gar