Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1896-05-03
SILAS GORDON'S DAUGHTER.

1t was hot day in July when Walter
Ainsworth left the dusty, noisy city for
few weeks stay at an old homestead
in the highlands. Scarcely had he ar
rived at the hospitable country home
and exchanged greetings with Mr. West
and his kindly wife when the children
began to tell him of Miss Gordon, their
border. who had been sent into the
country for the benefit of her health.
There she comes now" exclaimed
little Robert West. and looking toward
the woodland. Mr.. Ainsworth saw ap-
preaching a slight. dark-eyed maiden.
simply attired in q blue serge skirt and
a pink cotton waist. while a broad
/ brimmed hat Of coarse straw was tied
under her chin with white muslin
strings
As he seated himself at the beautiful
/ supper table. Miss Gordon quietly en-
/ tered. and. as an Introduction was
! given. slipped into the chair beside him.
Mr. Ainsworth chatted merrily with
Robert. planning fishing excursions and
long tramps over the hills, now and
/ then addressing q remark 10 Miss Cor
& don. who listened with sympathetic at
/ tention When he looked at the girlish,
/ innocent face beside him. Walter Aims
worth realized that a new and charm
/ ing element had entered into his an
nual vacation at the old farmhouse or
the hill
Happy we're the summer days as they
few by, Often as Mr. Ainsworth and
Robert came home at night carrying
their fishing rods over their shoulders.
with a basket of fish that was some
times full and sometimes empty. Miss
Gordon and little MOllie West would
come over the hills 10 meet them, and
enliyen the long walk with jests and
laughter. Sometimes the whole family
would crowd into the big spring wagon
and ride away for a picnic al some pic
turesque point in the neighh0rhood.
Sometimes when rainy weather kept
them indoors Miss Gordon would en-
terrain the children with games and
stories.
One evening after the little ones were
put to bed and Mr. Ainsworth was sit
ting on the moonlit porch talking to
Miss Gordon. he complimented her on
her never failing fund of amusements
with which she beguiled the children.
We'll, YOU see. teach in kinder
garten in the city during the winter"
she said. half apologetically. That is
where l learned to love children"
Where do you teach?" he asked, with
interest.
She mentioned the name Of one of the
free kinderga rtens of the city.
1t is a noble work" said he. enthu-
siastiCally, and for a young woman
who wants to earn her own living |
should think ii would be a pleasant oc-
cupsticD'
A lcok Of surprise crossed her face
and then she turned away with a quiet
smile.
Finally came the end Of all these
dreaming summer days.
The golden sun vas just sinking be-
hind the western hills. touching the
roof Of the old home with a mellow light
and investing the peaceful landscape
with new beauty. when Walter Aims
worth stood in the doorway looking
apxiously about for Miss Gordon. His
eve caught a CLEAN of pink in the dis
lance and ne could family discern her
form half hidden by the foliage of The
trees. lie walked quickly down the Or
chard path and found her leaning upon
the rustic fence as she watched the last
ravs of the dying sun fade from out the
sky.
I have lust finished the preparations
for my departure early tomorrow
morning" said he as she turned to greet
him with her usual frank smile. To
morro~ I will be back in the busy. bus
Ting city and hard at work again" He
paused a moment and then spoke in a
lower tone: Il wonder if you will miss
me-"
The girl dropped her eyes and fin
gered the strings of the hat that swung
carelessly on her arm.
OF course I shall miss you, she said,
TREMENDOUSLY.
This has been the happiest summer
l have spent at the old farmhouse"
said he. Il wish | might dare TO hope
it has been as much to you as it has
been to ne.
Still the brown eyes were overcast