The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1894-08-09

THE story is entertaining. But the
heroine" and Nina made little
grimace.
Exactly my IDEAL" smiled Mr..
Bryce.
'I wonder how many men have said
that" flashed Nina. "5he is abso-
lutely slavish. Most women, thank
heaven, have little pride left"
'But she has so much heart. Per-
haps, though, you object to that?"
ooh, have none at all. B"
"You are to be congratulated. II
has always been my misfortune to
possess too much"
Nina had taken great dislike to
Mr.. Bryce. He had vexatious way
of involving her in discussion which
left her angry and bewildered. She
felt tempted to go away, but pride and
convenience alike forbade. For seven
days she must endure it. She would
remain in her room, or seek the fields
and woods. AS this seemed o tramp
less country (even tramps disdained
it, thought Nina bitterly the idea was
practicable.
The next morning she had her break.
fast sent up to her. Then she slipped
out of doors to fragrant nook she
had discovered. But the air was vita
ted by a cigar, where Mr.. Bryce sat
smoking. He rose and tossed 1t away.
II have something of yours. Com
meud my honor that 1 have not
pressed the spring" He had in reality
examined il, and knew that it CON
tanned merely woman's picture. But
she believed it, as she took the miss
ing locket.
There was n truce established, and
time even passed pleasan ly there in
the locust shade.
81 am going fishing to-day" he said
presently.
What is the attraction in fishing?
The idea, after centuries OF civiliza.
tion, of reverting to the original
savage"
"Shall confess that am driven by
the same motive that urges the saw
aSe-by the psngs of hunger?"
81 understand" replied Nina,
laughing at his rueful look and tone
"And if you are successful. | will re.
tract my criticism. When do you re.
turn?"
Tomorrow night"
Toward evening Nina, with an odd
feeling of loneliness, was sitting be-
side laughing little stream, shaded
by elms and alders, a long-legged bird
stood near by, balancing himself
thoughtfully on one foot, and eyeing
her cautiously, while at intervals he
uttered long plaintive cry. From a
neighboring field came the low OF APP
preaching cattle.
Picturesque, rather" said voice
benin her.
"Mr. Bryce" !" she started. "Is it
possibly you are here"
81 am here to be congratulated and
generally laurel-crowned," he an
swered with lazy laugh. 81 have
left at Maple Hotel the result of my
labor, and tomorrow rsecdred from
famine"
"Redueed to one.'
She co!ored " of herself, and
turned a..air4<5~ ardfe,e cattle.
"You are afraid ofNtem ~ he said.
looking at her with smile.
"A little-why?"
"Most city girls are-or seem So"
mo atiectation, / assure you.
Think what horrors they must appear
to us all horns and hoofs."
In novel 1 should rescue you from
them m-stolid as they really are. What
do they know of the wtariness, the
fever and the fret that vex humanity
However, II novel incident is at hand,
worn with age, but still vigorous
enough to work us woe. The storm
Look at the west. "
The sky was piled in black and
lesden masses. As she looked at it
quick lightning flash made her start.
That vacant house yonder will
shelter us, said Bryce. "Only We
must make haste.
They reached it as the first thunder
rolled around the hills. Enormous
hailstones ratified on the roof, and
cold wind suddenly arose. Nina, over.
heated by her violennt exertion, now
shivered in her thin dress
Bryce threw off his coat, and pre-
pared to put it over her shoulders.
"iou ought, Miss Caldwell, he urged
as she objected. II am used to rough
ing it, aud run no risk whatever, but
it is dangerous for you, Very well,'
imperturbably, as sae still refused. II
will try it outside
He suited his action to the word.
This was more than she could bear.
She went TO the door where he stood
coolly among the hailstone.
Come in, and will do as you
wish. "
They looked into each others eyes
as he wrapped the covering about her. 4
He half smiled .!
"!Shall We call this Eden or the ark
Or, perhaps, desert island? should
build you hut with tools saved frdm
tl,. Ia. l.