Rocky Ford enterprise., 1897-08-12

which a folk come early or late, gentle
and simple. and trust me to ken bet
ter than either you or that idiot Solo
mon what young lasses are made o.
Do you think Marjorie Annan's made
of stane or airn. and doesna ken fair
favored lad from o rowan tree or a
milk coo?"
81 think she Is too young for love-
making" returned the minister.
"Then you think wrang: it's never
o'er early for n lassie to begin. As for
Johnnie. I'll no say but what he's
decent lad and a modest. and he has
talent as weel, the rogue. heaps o. tai
ent, though he's only weaver's SON
eh, Marjorie has he no?"
And as she looked at Marjorie there
was no anger In her stern black eyes,
rather a sort OF grim-humored SYM
pathy. Seeing his foster-childs con-
fusion, Mr.. Lorraine attempted to give
the conversation another turn.
"If young Sutherland has developed
natural gifts he has you to thank for
the opportunity. We all know how kind
you have been to him."
Because l bought two O. his pic
tures." she retorted. with her charac-
| teristic and disagreeable laugh. Il gave
fifty pound apiece for them. the more
fool !. One was view o the Castle
frae the south. wi cuddie eating
thisties in the foreground-a cuddie as
big as a hippopotamus; and the other
was Marjorie hersel.' wi her lap full
o. wild flowers, sitting by the side o
AMMAN water, and about as like her.
by that token. as 1t was like Solomon
Mucklebackit.'
| I'VE always considered It an excel
lent likeness" said Mr.. Lorraine. good
humoredly. >.
so 1t was" cried Marjorie impul-
sively: everybody said So"
"And what everybody said must be
true?" demanded the lady, with q sneer.
"Weel. likeness or no likeness. the lad
has talent, as l said: and II he works
hard, maybe he'll be able some fine day
to paint a picture. So much for john
ME Sutherland. Now we'll come to the
business which brought me doom
want Marjorie to como to me tomor-
row and spend the day..
The very proposal which Marjorie
dreaded! She opened her lips to give
trembling refusal. to frame some
awkward excuse. but before she could
saw a word Miss Hetherington con-
tinued with decision:
"Tll be expecting her early. say at
ten. She can walk the distance, unless
she's o'er Idle; in that case. Ill send
the carriage to fetch her.
II am very sorry" stammered Mar
jorie, but Tomorrow
She paused. and glanced in supplica-
tIon at her foster-father.
1.-THE fact is" said Mr.. Lorraine. we
had made other arrangements for to-
morrow. Some other day. maybe
Miss Hetherington's eyes flashed. and
her crutch was sharply struck upon the
floor. -.
Tomorrow and no other day will
suit me. hae something to say to her
that will ma keep. Do you hear that.
Marjorie?"
yes" answered Marjorie timidly;
"but I have only Just come home. and
1 would rather"
Come or stay" she exclaimed.
please yourself. Marjorie AMMAN;
but II you stay at home the morn.
you'll wait lang LOT announcer in'h"
tion."
Eager not to give offense, Mr.. Lor
raine now interposed.
IF you wish it, Marjorie shall come
Every well," said Miss Hetheringu
sharply; then, turning to the girl, ste
added: "Will you walk, or shall
send the carriage?'
TEI-will walk" returned Marjorie
timidly, with the air of one doomed to
condign punishment.
Then I'll expect you at ten, and nae
later. Now, gle me your arm to the
carriage"
Marjorie obeyed. and with short
"God-day" to the minister. Miss Heth-
erington left the room.
(To BE coNrINUEp.)