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

NNA@EsL4D hhA NV NtN Stl
osssSsstfs5&sS inior the season,
N$HGfil5NESS and Nina Cald-
NYgT/NV'>so well was the only
0V'OW We y passenger in the
musty old stage coach which had
logged heavily along for twelve weary
miles. Phe journey was enlivened by
simoons of dust that strengthened the
camcl.lihe suggestions of the four
gaunt jaaed horses. The young lady
who sat in state alone in this uncom.
Portable vehicle was thoroughly worn
out with heat and headache, and,
worst Of all, bored with her own 50.
ciety.
Nina Caldwell was eighteen arl
very pretty. She was also exceedingly
spoiled, AMI subject to occasional its
of unreasOn. In one of these she had
left her sister and brother-in-law, IL
week III advance of the time appointed,
and was now reaping the benefit OF
that rash act.
She had leisure and to spare for
bitter reflection. She tried 10 read.
yawned, counted the flies, attacked
some caramels and finally relapsel
into somber depression.
"Whon, JENNY! Whoa, there"
Nina started and looked around in
bewllderment. A moment later the
drivers sunburned face appeared ut
the door. She must have slept Il
little.
Here You are, miss, Maple Hotel.
stop half an hour, then change with
coach from Greene. Coin to stay,
though, you be-"
lsn Nina, even in alighting, took in her
rroundinos at glance. Maple
"a storSoing. place
rarr, ho,,.. mere
oil lingering. bS oaH."
soIouru here n GOO, W
so she had decided-G,
joined her.
Under the great maple, from which
the house was named, gentleman
lay asleep, his straw hat and news
paper beside him.
The only cool place" thought
Nina. How intensely selfish. "
From the piazza, the yellow paint
glared hot in the sunshine, she looked
disdainfully at her recumbent enemy,
man OF about thirty, and, so far u.
couId be judged from his position, de.
,ldedly gool.lookIng. His hair Wa.
highland close cut, his forehead square,
and his mouth, even in sleep, and un
der the shadow of his mustache, wore
look of imperturbable good humor
The merits o. his igure-rather of til,
massive order-were undeniable.
On bench near Nina was a book.
She TOOK 1t up. On the hyleaf Wa,
written, Merrlck Bryce. Undoubtedly
his, she thought, as she turned il
over.
Meanwhile the late sleeper had awak
ened. Ga the piazza sat the pretties
glrl he had ever seen, with black, will,
tul hair, and eyes--but the book-hi,
book, monopolized those. Just ther
she looked up, and he saw that the,
were dark gray. His own light brown
ones were keen though iniolent, and
little escaped them.
lie arose and sauntered away, Will,
she was veXed to find herself speculat
ing about him.
Maple Hotel was, pcrhaps, the dull
est place in the world. 10 call il q
'one'horse concern" would be ranl
dattcry. 1t was the merest eouin,
fraction. And if there were ever JUS.
tlhable homicide, it would have been
assuredly IN the taking OIL of the com
pounder of its pies aud puddings.
Nlna's cerculean mood deepened Ia
indigo at the sight OF the conglomerat,
nightmare supper, which she eujoyet
IN solitary state with Mr.. Bryce, mar
veiing, the while, to behold his nm
petite, There seemed IA certain an
tagonism between them, the more un
fortunate since they would be throw
on each others society for severa
days.
Nina explained her position. Sh,
was III advance of friends obliged I,
delay their arrival J after which the,
were all going to the mountains. Mr.
Bryce remarked that his own case wa,
somewhat similar. His party, also
was delayed they were to have me
here yesterday-and he WAS consolin.
himself Us best he could with fish
ing.
"Odious people" " thought Nina pet
tishly. at is wonderful how man,
such there are in the world, and how
one always meets them. Ethel woul,
say 1t served me right-a married sis
ter Is so unsympathetic. But / vii
never own to homesickness.
Next day she made further acquaint
ance with Mr.. Bryce ON the basis o
the book aforesaid. They dlscusse,
ItR chAraciara anl i...l