Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1896-06-30
TWO AND LOVE.

It was moist, unpleasant day. The
rain had begun Immediately after break
fast. and now at IL O'Clock it looked
like raining till the crack of doom. I
had wandered up and down seeking con-
genial company and, finding none, had
finally cast anchor in the billiard room,
where 1 practiced the spot stroke.
L had made break of nine and was
beginning to feel more cheerful, when
suddenly the door opened and Miss An
struther appeared.
"Oh," she said, as she shut the door
and stood with her hands behind her
upon the handle, ''T thought it was Mr..
Mcdonald.
"It is u better-and a poorer-man, "
I said, resting my cue on the floor. DO
YOU want to find Mr.. McDonald?''
"Yes-nol it doesn't matter, said
Miss Ansruther.
"Perhaps you can say it to me as
well?'' suggested. Miss Anstruther
thought a moment or two and then
shook her head.
s'No; couldn't say it to you
It may have been my fancy, but i
thought that Miss Anstruther blushed.
anyway, said cheerfully, If it
doesn't matter, you come and play bill
lizards with me. I'm lonely
'But I play very badly, said Miss
Anstruther, doubtfully. 81 don't think
I ever played seriously.
sWell, this won't be serious, - said,
selecting a light cue and challEing the
tin. ''Now, all you have to do is make
your ball hit the red and go into a
pocket, or put the red into a pocket-or
"oh. dearr' said Miss Anstruther,
'twhat lot to think about. Therel
What does that count?'
s'One to me-" said, and missed an
easy hazard. -,
SAID Miss Anstruther.
ST am never funny, - said; serious,
humorous. stupid-perhaps-bnt not
funny. -
ball went twice round the table and hit
nothing.
Then she lifted her chin and rested it
on the tip of her cue.
ssYou know what I mean, - she said.
"Why did you leave me alone all the
evening with Mr.. McDonald?"
'sWell, . 1 said, ST was talking-let
me see-to Miss Bates.
''You found her amusing?'
''Not amusing. Better-pretty.
ooh, you couldn't call her pretty.
Nice, but
Decidedly pretty-in her way. Now
you are plain, aren't you?'' L said,
| seeing n likely cannon.
81 beg your pardon, - said Miss An
struther coldly.
ST mean-I'm playing with spot. BY
Jovep' exclaimed as / turned away Il
disgust after missing the cannon.
"There he is +"
'sWhom?'' asked Miss Anstruther.
"Mr Mcdonald, walking up and
down in the garden. smoking cigar, II
the rain. Shall / whistle him in!'
"Oh, mol" said Miss Anstruther.
"Why not?'' I asked, facing round
toward her. "I thought you wanted tc
see him.
"Oh, there's no hurry-no immediate
,nr1v.;, said she. "He doesn't leave
fill this afternoon.
' :. I Thought it might be something i'm
norta, Vt, - said.
ut IS important - said Miss An
strntber. -'oh. you are horridP' she
Continued. stamping her foot You
know ouite well what 1shouldn't tel
you, should
ssBut you haven't told me" 1 said
consoIingly.
Anstrnther, sha.dng her head 1os
must have notit .ed-something. Ane
I've no right to Sc y anything about 1t =
paused judiciaily-
at seems 1 said after an appropri
ate interval, quite q suitable arrange
ment. Mr.. Mcdonald is very wealthy :
"Yes,'' said Miss Anstruther reflect
lively, ''he has money But, then. s.
have L -
THAT is what makes it so suitable. .
But, said Miss Anstruthez. liftinl
her eyebrows Pathetically. "he's-'
welr'-
"That is true. said ''Bu5 We al
have our faults. And poverty's tn
worst of Il lem.
81 don't think so." said Miss An
struther quickly.
s'Mrs. Alwtruther thinks so.'' re
piled.
'sYes, of c. 1urse, ycn could zee mann
ma wanted''-- Miss Anstruther tappe'
the floor with her foot
turned to the window and watche
Mr.. Mcdonald walking up and dow
IN the rain.
''It happened last night. . she sal
suddenly, sswhe "a You were
'sWhat happe ned?'' asked
''Oh, yon kno Iw!''
''Your engag, anent:'
s'I am not en- gagged
s'Not engagecl2 Then what are yo'
Lyon are stul Did. DON'T you r1nde1;
stand? That's That I have to decide
- III NJ. 1fcJ Donald this morning.