The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-08-02
CHAPTER VI.

1t was early summer. June, not vet 0
week old, had donned her loveiest garb and
the smiling earth rejoiced as the warm
kisses Of the burning sun fell upon her
hower-bedecked bosom. Hills and valleys
were carpeted with rich green velvet,
while lilacs, apple-blossoms, daisies, but
tercups and laurel gave to the landscape
gay, brilliant tints and scented the sum.
mer breeze with the perfume Of paradise
A pleasing land Of drowsy-hed It wa OF
dreams that wave before the half-shut eye,
and OF gay castles In the clouds that pass
forever flushing round q summer sky
Down narrow road winding through a
grove OF chestnut, maple and hickory trees
came stylish dog-cart. A startled SOUR
rel heard the clink and jingle Of the har-
ness ana springing upon q fence-rail gave
one timid glance at the on-cominR turn
out and then Scampered into the woods to
nnd spot safe from the invasion OF man.
A robin, more daring than the squirrel,
perched upon the lowest branch Of a
neighboring tree and Justify warbled a
song OF welcome to the young man and
woman who passed that way
" II Is hard to believe on such a day as
this, Harlan Otis was saying, as he leaned
mack, puf1ing cigarette and allowing
khoda to handle the reins, that sin and
so beautiful? Just look there, Rhoda " he
erred, as they left the grove behind them
ana came suddenly upon the brow of alofty
hill. s'0 - Wv "'oA''
Inc scene before them was enhancing,
n rlAyery simmer In the valley told where
the river found Its way toward the sea.
Farm houses nestled here and there. while
far to the north-ward the spires and
steeples Of the city glistened in the sun
light. 49, ..
Let's get out here and spend an hour.
Rhoda, oommHning with our own souls
ald box Of sardines."
young man sprang out Of the cart
on the inss-ht end gave hisvhand to his
companion. AS we have had only a
glimpse Of RhodA Barr in the darkness
that preoedes dawn. let me describe her as
she looked In the searching light OF the
midday sun. She was' somewhat above
the medium height, slender, Hssome,
graceful. Her hair was dark and luxuri-
ant, her eyes large and very changeable in
! tint. Her features were delicately cut
and, as you watched her closely, you felt
that perhaps one Of her parents had died
Z of consumption. She was dressed quietly
in d black and white checked cheviot- AT
her waist as usual, repo6ed bunch df
fragrant yiolets
Throwing of her black straw sailor hat,
she allowed the gentle breeze TO toy with
her disordered hair, laughing gleefully as
she helped Harlan to spreaa luncheon on q
rock that seemed designed by nature to
serve them for q banquet-board. 1t was a
large. fat stone that had been worn smooth
during the glacial epoch. 1t lay in the
shadow OF an enormous oak tree and not
far OFF little spring dubbed merrily up
as though anxious TO do its share toward
the entertainment Of the unexpected
guests. .
Isn't this jolly?" exclaimed Harlan, en-
Enthusiastically as he uncorked bottle ol
champagne and filled Rhoda's glass,
Indeed 1t is Adam and Eve before the
fall might have envied US"
Yes. They had no sardines. no sand
witches, no champagne, no cigarettes
nothing but fruit leisure and q great long
ing to know thing or two"
Rhoda was leaning against the tree, he
soft, liquid eyes lazily wandering over tn
landscape. w.. -
Do you really love me, Harry" sh
asked suddenly, turning upon him pene
trating glance that brought the quic
blood to his cheeks. y
Always in doubt" he cried. VIVA
more can do, Rhoda. to prove my loy
for you"
Give me cigarette" she answere
smiling mischievonsly.
Them my love- gauge viii go up
smoke. You are not sppsrstiteus2
Hei9h-hoi Why should bel WIS