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


heroine" and Nina made little
grimace.
Exactly my IDEAL" smiled Mr..
Bryce.
81 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?"
"Ob, / have none at all.
"You are to be congratulated. IL
has always been my misfortune to
possess too much"
Nina had taken great dislike TO
Mr.. Bryce. He had a vexatious way
of involving her in discussion which
left her angry and bewildered. She
felt tempted TO oaway, 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 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 vitis.
ted by n 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 it, and knew that it con-
tanned merely a woman's picture. But
she believed it, as she took the miss
ing locket.
There was 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-
tiou, OF reverting to the original
savage"
"jhall | confess that am driven by
the same motive that urges the saw
age-by the pangs 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, long-legged bird
col hal H,,,.,1f 6
thoughtfully on one foot, and cycling
her cautiously, while at intervals he
uttered long plaintive cry. From a
neighboring field came the low OF APP
preaching cattle.
Picturesque, rather" said a 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.
"But your two days. ,hing?'
"Reduced to one"
She co!ored ip~ of herself, and
turned a.ei'GAJ~ ard zee cattle.
!, "You are afraid ofNtem ?" he said,
] looking at her with sniile.
"a little-why?"
"Most city girls are--or seem so. 4"
''No atiectation, | assure you
Think what horrors they must appear
to us-all horns and hoofs."
In a novel | should rescue you from
them-stolid rs 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
/ leaden masses. As she looked at II a
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 a
cold wind suddenly arose. Nina, over
heated by her violennt exertion, now
shivered in her thin dress.
Bryce threw of his coat, and pre-.
pared to put it over her shoulders.
You ought, Miss Caldwell, he urge,
as she objected. 'I am used to rough
ing it, aud run no risk whatever, but
it is dangerous for you. Very well, ;
imperturbably, as sae still refused. 81
will try it outside"
He suited his action to the word.
This was more than she could bear.
She went 20 the door where he stool
coolly among the hailstone.
"Come in, and l will do as you
! wish.
They looked into each others eyes
as he wrapped the covering about her
| He half smiled.
"!Shall We call this Eden or the ark
Or, perhaps, desert island? / shouE
build you hut with tools saved froIn