The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1895-07-04
justiflable. To avoid the distracting,

nerve-shattering noises which young
America believes to be essential to the
proper observance OF Independence
day, he had slipped out OF the city and
taken refuge in his quiet country
house, where he had expected to en-
Joy day Of absolute quiet. So rude
an awakening from so pleasanta q dream
would have tried the temper of less
irascible man than the colonel
Since purchasing this delightful
country place Col. Dodd had built
upon It new house, better suited to
his ideas OF convenience and comfort
than the original cottage. The old
house had not been destroyed, but
he had been careful to rent it to
''quiet couple without children" and
to separate it from his own premises
by stone wall eight feet high. The
Vernons had been In possession but q
few weeks, and Col. Dodd had never
met them, but he was now determined
that they should not remain there an
other month.
Full Of Indignation he unlocked the
On the further side was flower gar
den, and the first person he saw was
lady in pink gown and an expansive
garden hat bending over q pansy bed
about ten pecea from the wall
''Madam," said the colonel In stern
voice, a. he walked toward her, II
really beg your pardon for this in
trusion. I. am not In the habit of MAX
Ing calls before breakfast, but my
peace and comfort have been assailed
and have not the patience to defer a
most emphatic protest. Ny object in
owning country house, madam, is to
have place TO- which can safely
withdrew when I desire absolute quiet,
as do to-day. I am here now to es-
cape the in3er-aheln!-the outrageous
rocket incident to the celebration Of
the Fourth Of July In town. Have I
escaped. iae II there any peace for q
man,
Just then there was another terrific
explosion, and another burst Of wild
huxzas from the happy young people,
who were hidden from view by the
dense shrubbery.
II was not aware. madam" contin-
ued the colonel, striving to speak calm
y, that you had any children"
The lady had stood before him with
q shoclked and helpless air as he talked,
seemingly much embarrassed. She
was a neatly formed, trim little body,
with large dark eyes and fresh COM
plexion. although it was evident from
the few scattered silver threads in her
black hair that she had left her girl
hood behind her.
II take 1t for granted that you are
Mrs. Vernon" said Col Dodd, abrupt
y, as the possibility that she might be
some one else occurred to him for the
first time.
mo, sir, am not. l."
''Oh, then, humbly beg your par
that I should have annoyed you. I
presume will find Mrs. Vernon in the
house?" BE lifted his hat with a court
~ bow and was about to move away.
"But, sir" said the lady, hastily, II
am afraid that am responsible for
the children. Mrs Vernon Is not to
blame at all. brought them all here
myself"
He stopped and for the first time
looked squarely down into the womana
face. Her hat had fallen back and her
eyes did not finch before his gaze, but
the rich blood beat into her cheeks and
she looked positively beautiful. The
| colonel started.
Lord bless my soul!" he exclaimed,
In sudden astonishment. us It posi-
BILE that-pardon me, but I-have nc
had the honor Of meeting you before2'
80. n~lI ho
replied, composedly.
And you are really Madge!" He
| checked himself as he was about to
| seize her hand, and Strengthened up
| stif1y. well, truly. this Is great
| SURPRISE" he added. How in the
world did You happen to be here? Is
is your husband with your"
My husbandr'
And are all these children yours?".
"Sir!"
But Of course they can't all be
yours, for there must be fifty at the
least calculation"
There are just fourteen. sir. and
they are all pupils tof mine," said the
lady, biting her lip, Il brought them
down from the city for. a holiday at the
AAflLoIlOu VI Hy 0l6VcT|
Your sister,"
Mrs Vernon Ii mytsister Dorothy
whom you ought to remember"
''She deuce she ,is' And your hus
bandr'
"You mistalre.: sir. q have no hus
band"
"Ah, pardon,my st6pid{ty. Ifear In
| . very clumsys animal; but, indeed.
had not heard5of younmisfortune."
'Misfortune?"
II mean, of course, tthetl tloss Of you,
husband Forgive me'forfspeakingo o
It."
She stared at him fer = moment as
| uncertain whether to be vexed ,o
amused. Then, mu&h to hisconfusion
che broke into . ripple Of laughter.