The McCook tribune., 1892-07-29

with them when they sailed over the
sea
- nj did they come?'
The girl lifted her gray eyes won
deringiy to his face.
but you know that was only
story; there are no Sea-nymphs or
mermaids. These big shells are for
mantel; they used to be in sister
Sophy's room"
Have you got a sister Sophy"
asked Med ord idly lingering the
Shells. more for the passing amuse-
ment of the hour than aught else.
Does she sell shells too?"
no " said this strange little visi-
tant setting her lips demurely to-
gether Sister Sophy is lady. l
am nothing but little girl. Sister
Sophy doesn't like to be stared at;
she would rather stay at home and
sew"
And where are all the rest of
you?'
There is only Sophy and me. l
wish, she added gravely. you would
buy those mantel shells; Sophy said if
l could sell them they would pay the
month rent and buy new floss for her
embroidery work !"
You are pretty good little sales
, : woman" laughed Medford well,
I'll buy the shells of you since you are
SO anxious. How much are they?"
rive dollars apiece"
0h fo
said the little girl gravely as she rose
to go.
But you haven't told me your name
yet" said Medford. half from real
curiosity half from a motive of teas
ing banter for the child's odd. mature
manner rather amused him than
otherwise.
Alice kneeland. she replied with
the utmost gravity.
He started up.
Alice Kneeland! And your sister S
name is Sophy? Why, l knew
Sophy Kneeland once; but pshaw!
they can never be the same. The
Miss Kneeland l used to know lived
in New York"
so did we once" said Alice. ''be-
fore we grew poor 1 can just re-
member the big house on Walton
street. and the open carriage mamma
used to ride in with the pair of bay
horses
Where do you live?" abruptly de-
manded Medford.
In the little cottage just beyond
Dawson mill; you know where"
But | am a stranger here; l dom t
know anything about your mills and
cottages. Will you go with me and
show me where it is?"
".,ut the shells?"
We will leave them here with
Leo to guard them"
Come. then" and Alice gravely
took the strangers hand.
Sophy Kneeland was sitting by the
window, sewing as swiftly as if her
shining needle had been endowed with
electricity. when, happening to glance
up. she saw Alice crossing the green
in front of the humble little resi-
dence, with tall man walking at her
side.
oh. Sophy!" frank little Alice cried
| out with a. child's blessed uncon-
seriousness of embarrassment or eti-
quette this is gentleman who says
he once knew you'll"
And Sophy Kneeland. without an
instant for preparation or thought
found herself confronted with her lover
Of ten years ago.
He met her with quiet cordiality
that at first somewhat puzzled her;
but at length the scarlet dye subsided
from her cheek and the fiutter from
| her heart and she found herself an
swering his questions and soon vol
unteering little remarks of her own.
and before he took his leave she had
promised to allow him to come again.
':As an old friend, you know" he
said ,heerily and Sophy Kneeland as
sented.
LAS an old friend" But when be
was gone. she caught herself wonder
ing how she could ever have been mad
enough to refuse his love!
Six months afterwards little Alice,
running on the terrace at Mordaunt
Grange with her now faithful attend
ant Leo at her side. came suddenly on
Sophy. standing in the bay window,
with Mr.. Medford at her side. The
child checked herself abruptly.
Why Sophy!" she cried what
makes your cheeks so red?"
Because. Mr.. Medford answered
for her. Il have just asked her an i'm
pertinent question:
'And did she reply to it?" asked
Alice with somewhat of innocent won
der in her face.
She has not as yet"
Alice turned her eyes toward her
sister, and Sophy took courage.
Il have not answered it yet; but /
am quite ready to do So"
And the answer?" asked Medford.
Is yes.'
But" eagerly questioned Alice.
what was the question-please tell
me-"
Il asked her if she would be my
wife. little Miss Inquisitive!" laughed
Medford.
.:And she said yes?"
You heard herr
'Oh!" cried Alice, clapping her
hands. how nice! Then shall have