Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-12-23
...Dr...
MARIE CC7ELL

Where have you been, Loulse!
"Miladi was willing that | should
assist in the attendance today" re-
piled Louise dlscreetly. II have
waited upon Milford Winsleigh and
other gentlemen in the summer-house
at the end of the rose-garden."
And with one furtive glance OF her
black, bead-like eyes at Lady Win
sleigh's face, she mace respectful
sort OF half-curtsy and went her way.
Later on in the afternoon, when
1t was nearing sunset, and all other
amusements had given way to the
delight of dancing on the spr1ngy
turf to the swinging music of the band,
Briggs, released for time from tn
duties of assisting the walters at the
splendid refreshments table (duties
which were pleasantly lightened by
the drinking OF bottle Of champagne
which he was careful to reserve for his
own consumption), sauntered leisurely
! through the winding alleys and fra
grant strawberries which led to the
most unromantic portion of the Manor
grounds, namely, the vegetable-gar-
den. Here none Of the butterflies Of
fashion found their way, the sugges-
lions offered by growing cabbages,
turnips, beans, and plump yellow-skin-
ned marrows were too prosaic for
society bantams who require refined
surroundings In which to crow their
assertive platitudes. Yet 1t was a
peaceful nook--and there were house
hold odors of mint and thyme and
sweet marjoram which were pleasant
to the soul of Briggs, and reminded
him OF roast goose on Christmas Day.
with all Its attendant succulent deli
cacies. He paced the path slowly
the light of the sinking sun blazing
glorlously on his plush breeches, sill
yer cordons and tassels, for he was in
full-dress livery in honor OF the fete,
and looked exceedingly imposing. Now
and then he glanced down at his
calves with mild approval, his silk
stockings fitted them we'll, and they
had II very neat and shapely appear
ance.
Pave developed" he murmured to
himself. "There amt doubt about 1t!
One week Of country air, and I'm a
different man;--the effecks OF over
work ave disappeared. Flopsie won't
know these legs Of mine when | get
baek,-they've improved surprisingly"
He stopped to survey bed of car
F., rots. Plenty of Greasy there" he
mused. "Cressy's n noble soup, and
l'lopsie makes it well,-a man might
do wuss than marry f'Iopsie. She's n
wilder, and n leetle old-just Il leetle
old for me-but---" Here he shifted
delicately ut u sprig of thyme he had
gathered, and smiled consciously.
Presently he perceived u small, plump
pretty figure approaching him, no
other than Britta, looking particularly
charming in very smart cap, adorned
with plnk~ribbon bows, and very
elaDoratey frilled muslin apron.
Briggs at once assumed his most ele-
giant and conquering air, Strengthened
himself to his full height and kissed
his hand to her with much condescen-
sion. She laughed us she came up to
HIM, and the dimples in her round
checks appeared in full force.
'Moll, Mr.. Briggs" she said, ARE
YOU enjoying yoursef?"
Briggs smiled down upon her benev-
olentiy, 81 ami" he responded graci-
uusly, Il find the hair refreshing. And
You, Miss nritta?"
"Oh, I'm worry comfortable. thank
yeu!" responded Britta demurely,
edginG Il little away from his arm,
which showed an unmstakable ten
dency To encircle her waist, then
CHANGING ut basket she held full Of
grapes, just cut from tho dollhouse,
she continued, These are for the sup
portable. must be quick, and take
them to Mrs. Parton"
Must you?" and Briggs asked this
question with quite an unnecessary
amount of tenderness, then resuming
his dignity, he observed, Mrs. Patton
Is very worthy woman-an excel
ent 'ousekeeper. But she'll no doubt
Reuse you for lingering little, Miss
Britta-especially In my company"
Britta laughed again, showing her
pretty little white teeth to the best ad-
vantage. do you think she will?"
she said merrily. Then I'll stop u
minute. and II she scolds me III put
| the blame ON youl"
Briggs played with his silver tassels
and, leaning gracefully against Il plum
tree, surveyed her with critical eye.
Il was not able" he observed Ito
see much Of you in town. Our people
were always a yisitin' each other, and
yet our meetings were, as the poet
says. few ana far between
Britta nodded indifferently and per-
ceiving u particularly ripe gooseberry
on one OF the bushes close to her.
gathered 1t quickly and popped 1t be-
tween her rosy lips. Seeing another
equally ripe. she offered 1t to Briggs,
who accepted 1t and ate 1t slowly
though he had misgiving that by so