Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1894-12-27

she expected, and the air was damp;
nevertheless she kept up such Q
chatter OF small talk that Mr.. Willis,
who had long been one OF her admir-
ers, thought her one of the liveliest
girls he had ever met.
Good night, {" she said, when they
had reached her home. II will keeI
that promised seat at the table fol
you"
Just then Dora heard one OF the up
per windows shut,
Upstairs Mr.. Percival was mutter-
ing to himself-"Not IL / know ii
shall he have the seat next to her at
the table,"
The next morning .dawned bright
and clear The picnic party was all
in good spirits, the baskets well
filed. and everything promised we'll.
Harry found pleasant sets for himself
and Dora, and then went to help one
OF the ladies carve some refractory
fowl. On his return he found his
place occupied by Mr.. Willis.
You won't mind sitting over
here" Dora said sweetly, pointing
to vacant place opposite. II prom
sed this seat to Mr.. Willis last
night, and Of course you don't care
to sit here, as we are brother and sis
ter, and see each other every day."
" Certainly not, sister mine. "
Harry answered, biting his lip. Then
he muttered to himself as he moved
away, Caught in my own trap, but
I'll pay her off,"
After dinner party was
formed to 60 further into the wood in
search of berries. Mr.. Percival asked
Dora to accompany the party, and
they were proceeding in most am
icable manner, Notwithstanding their
little scene at the dinner table. At
last they reached an opening in the
wood and all sat down to rest,
Dora declaring she could walk no
further.
II am so sorry" said Annie Hun
ter, for / had set my heart on going
to the haunted oak, as it is called. 1t
is not very much further"
II will go with you," Mr.. Percival
volunteered.
What will Dora say"
"She won't care" Harry said,
before Dora could reply. 1--WE
are brother and sister and understand
each other perfectly Come, Miss
Hunter"
Dora was fiercely gay all the way
back to the grove, and devoted herself
entirely to Mr.. Willis.
Mr.. Percival and Dot were again
together alone.
"Well," Dot commenced, "we've
had splendid time. Idon't remem-
Der ever enjoying myself so much ut
O picnic. Mr.. Willis is so entertain
ing. / hope he and his sister will
stay all summer.
II am afraid, sister Dora, that it
will not be best for his peace or
mind, unless he is merely flirting,
as well as yourself. BY his manner
/ should Judge him to be in earnest.
Beware, little one, how you trifle
with such heart"
"Quite little homily," flashed
Dora. 'You would be quite success
full as q preacher. But how long
since have you constituted yourself
Mr.. Willis keeper, as well as my
mentor?"
Pardon me-" he said. Il do not
intehd to anger you. Here we are at
the house. / am going to the city
on business in the morning, and
shall not be back for week. Let's
make up, as all good brothers and
sisters should -
So saying, he stopped and pressed
a kiss on Dora's lips.
''How dare your" she exclaimed,
her cheeks flaming; this farce has
gone altogether too far. Don't you
ever address that odious title to me
again. You shall not call me sis
ter"
And bursting into tears Dora broke
away from him and gained her own
room.
II shall be glad when that odious
creature is gone" she sighed
What makes him tease me 80. /
suppose he thinks 1 am simple
little country girl. verify believe
i SnOuIu niue HIN III Ilt SOuyeu HluCH
longer. Oh, dear, 1 wish / could
hate him."
All that week Dora roamed list
lessly round the house or wandered
down to the river bank, with book
in her hand. but very little reading
was done.
Mr.. Willis called several times to
take her to ride, but after accepting
the invitation once che declined to
go again
In Harry Percivals Office in town
that gentleman does not look very
busy except in the wear Of shoe
leather. for he is striding up and
down the room, with his hands in his
pockets, as IL walking for wager.
by Jove," he mutters, Il must
settle this matter soon or | shall be
in mad house. A decided No will
be preferable to uncertainty. sup
pose she prefers that fellow Willis,
but it will be better to know my an
swer from her own lips. expect
she hates me, hut somehow / don't
understand women, and perhaps she
does like me. Anyway, I'll go down
this afternoon and hear my fate"
About five o'clock Mrs. Hammond
was surprised by the arrival Of Mr..