The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1891-02-20

Reuben wondered rather dejectedly,
would Bob have said next?
The moon viii be up pretty soon,"
he mUrmured.
How horribly fast the horses were
going. He felt tremendously grateful
to Bob for giving him this opportunity.
If he only had enough courage to profit
by it!
DO you know" he said, 4 was afraid
you'd be offended at my coming"
''Offended!' she echoed. why,
was glad you thought of bringing me-"
It's very good Of you 70 say so"
She was trifie puzzled By his en-
barrassment.
We are going to have fine night
after all, she remarked; 1.-THE stars are
coming out
The little face in the white zephyr
hood was upturned 10 the kindling sky.
And then, very suddenly, he did an ex-
traordinarily strange thing for a bashful
man to do He never afterward could
comprehend how he had been yalorous
enough for such an act. He bent and
kissed the girl beside hum.
She drew back trembling
You have no right TO do that!r she
cried.
Give me the right" he pleaded,
grown bold all at once. I'm awfully in
love with you, Sylvia. Give me the
right"
Il can not" she whispered
why not?''
She was silent. Distinctly sounded the
clatter of the horses hoofs on the hard,
white road. Onward the sleigh sucd, by
farms and fences and few red-gold
window panes.
''Is there" he asked, ANY one else?"
She hesitated.
''Yes."
His heart sank like lead. There was
no hope for him, then. In silence they
drove on The moon had risen and was
swinging up the sky, a globe OF pearl.
Evidently they were late When they
reached the small wooden school-house
where the reunions were held :hey saw
several teams hitched without. From
the windows of the structure the light
streamed- They could catch a pleasant
murmur of voices.
Brighter the moonlight had grown.
As Bassett assisted Sylvia to alight she
started, cried out.
What is it?" he asked.
His face was pale, and, she fancied,
rather stern.
is it yous" she painted, Reuben Bas-
sett?-'
who" he asked. quiver in his
grave voice, did you think it VASE"
She had not Withdrawn the hand she
had given him when about 20 descend.
Now it fiuttered in his like a captured
bird.
Il thought" she faltered, I was with
your Cousin.'
Bob Benham?"
Yes
He went 4 step nearer.
Sylvia" he questioned. a queer, wild
hope tugging at his sorrowful soul and
making him desperately brave, did you
mean no TO him?"
He could hardly hear her low assent.
''And the-the man you cared for
He broke OF. She leaned towards
him. She held out her little mittened
hands to him. Blushing and fearful in
the radiant winter moonlight, her ten
der young face smiled down upon him.
Never a word she said. He needed none.
''Darling!'' he said, and sprang into
the sleigh.
You don't care to 60 imp"
''No-oh, nor
Just then the door Of the school-house
was opened. Light billowed meIlowly
forth. Those within called 70 them to
hurry, that 4 debate was in progress.
But Reuben snatchcd up the reins,
shouted out a laughing refusal and
turned his horses honeward. He was
not 4 all timid now. Indeed, it was as
how sssertive and masterful 4
he had suddenly become
why did you ignore me so? You
never were civil TO me, dearest
The idea OF reproaching me, when
you used hardly to notice me!''
That was because / loved you soI'
''Wel, perhaps L was afraid you would
think that / liked you.'
And then they both laughed out hap
PLY like the bIssful and ridiculous
young people they were.
Such 4 splendid ride as that was!
surely never the stars shone so superb
y, or was the air 50 sweet!
The following day Reuben went to see
lis cousin.
Hello" he cried. '.Why didn't you
ell Sylvia that you couldn't go last
light?-
''Had no chance. Got stuck in snow
lrift, and didn't get home till nine.
What's Up?"
For Reuben was beaming.
Congratulate meI'
He held out his han
You don't mean, " cried Bob. thunder
truck, ''that you're engaged to Sylvia?"
''Oh, yes, do"
We'll" declared Bob, with a vigorous
landshake and a friendly grin, u must
ay that you have done famously-for
bashfui manr'-Kate NJ. Cleary, in
Detroit Free Press