Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1893-12-04


reliable. He knew all the brooks,
hills and glens for miles around and
took great pleasure in going over the
old haunts.
Although not particularly attracted
to ladies' society, he was attracted to
Macy and mentally resolved to study
her in quiet way.
Macy, on her part, who had come
there fancy free, thought Mr.. Ashby
different from the ordinary young
man and resolved to study him; SO
each was kept busy, unconscious OF
the surveillance of the other, and be-
came very friendly.
Early one morning Macy strolled to
the lower end of the orchard and
climbed into an old apple tree, whose
branches were easily accessible. She
carried small portfolio, and, having
seated herself comfortably proceeded
to write as follows:
"BROOKsIDE FARM, Aug. 5.
ssDEAR MAY.-I know you will be
vexed with me because I have only
written you short notes. To tell the
truth, felt ill when I came, but now
I feel like chatting with you and tell
ing you all about who, which, what
and where.
E'This is really comfortable place
and the inhabitants thereof are very
much like other folks with one ex-
ception. We are twelve, all told;
only three man, one of whom is very
much sought after.
Zone is an invalid-is almost near
the end of his life, I think-the sec
ond, though not nearly SO i'll, is SO
cross I should think all his folks
would be glad when he is gone over.
Now, that sounds hard, but why need
people be so disagreeable?
ssOf all the ladies, Mrs. Ais wealthy
and wants every one to know it. She
thinks money is all.
"Mrs. BIS in reduced circumstan-
ces. There seems to be flavor Of
better times about her. She makes
the best spread of what is left, though.
ssMiss ks lady of uncertain age.
If she would get good match on her
false hair she would look better. She
Shippers and always wants gentle
man around to kill the snakes and
bugs when we go picnicking.
''Mrs. F-is bony, angular and sus-
picious, always watching to see if
isn't Going something in
judicious. Fan, and I give her plenty
of opportunity, for we always manage
to act our worst when her green eyes
are watching us. Fan is distant rel
alive of Mrs. c., another lady here.
She is so fat and asthmatic she can't
go anywhere Or do anything except
read and knit. She is really good. I
ike her and 1 like Fan sometimes.
She is bit free and sentimental, but
then she is only seventeen.
"Miss l., school teacher we do
not often see. She seems tired and
sleeps great deal. Should think she
would want to take regular Rip Van
Wrinkle nap 1t must be hard work to
leach. I don't think teachers are half
''The exception I spoke of is Cleval
Ashby. He is a very peculiar young
nan, twenty eight years old, per-
laps One day he is as sober and digni
led as a judge. Then he seems about |
orty. Next day he frolics like boy. |
Then he seems eighteen. He is really
lice, but sometimes I feel quite afraid |
If him, and then again I could say
to him.
"Certainly he is reliable; any one
would say that. He knows all the
pleasant places here, for he used to
i've here when boy; SO We'll all rely
lpon him as guide. Now, you need
lot think I am going to go and fall in
owe with him; not a bit of it. I
wouldn't dare; besides he doesn't
are very much for ladies' society,
md he never would think of silly lit
lie thing like me.
'fNow you know all about US, and I
viii keep you informed if you feel an
interest Thine, M"
She folded this and then discovered
Ter envelopes were at the house. She
descended from her perch to return
o the house AS she came down the
etter fell unnoticed by her side, and
he walked on, leaving the missive
'ehind her.
Meanwhile, down beyond the "south
nedder," Mr.. Cleval Asby, tired of
ngling, stretched himself under an
Id pine tree, and using his hat for
esk scratched off the following
pistle:
BROoKsIDE FARM, Aug. 5.