The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-09-02

,
with the same Tow. harsh laugh as sa-
fore. "Weel, it's the nonsense to
which a. folk come early or late, gentle
and simple, and trust me to kerr 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 arm, and doesna ken fair
favored lad from rowan tree or q
milk coo?"
II think she is too young fer love-
making" returned the minister.
"Then you think wrang; it's never
DER early for lassie to begin. AS for
Johnnie, I'll no say but what he's a
decent lad and modest, and he has
talent as weel, the rogue, heaps O. tai
ent, though he's only weaver's son
Ell, Marjorie has he no?"
And as she looked at Marjorie there
was no anger in her stern black eyes;
rather sort of grim-humcred SYM
pathy. Seeing his foster-child's 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."
"Beeause I bought two O. his pic
turcs," she retorted, with her charac-
teristic and disagreeable laugh. II gave
fifty pound apiece for them, the more
fool l. One was a view O. the Castle
frae the south, wi a cuddie eating
thistles in the foreground cuddie as
big as hippopotamus; and the othe:
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 it was like Solomon
Mucklebackit."
1--WE always considered it an excel
lent likeness" said Mr.. Lorraine, good
humoredly.
so it was," cried Marjorie impul-
sively; everybody said So"
"And what everybody said must be
true?" demanded the lady, with sheer.
"Weel, likeness or no likeness, the lad
has talent, as said; and If he works
hard, maybe he'll be able some fine day
to paint picture. So much for john
ME Sutherland. Now we'll come to the
business which brought me doom. /
want Marjorie to come to me tonlor-
row and spend the day."
The very proposal which Marjorie
dreaded! She opened her lips to give
a trembling refusal, to frame some
wi, H,,f ho ri
say word Miss Hetherington con-
| tinned with decision:
"Ill he expecting her early, say at
ten. She can walk the distance, unless
she's DER idle; in that case, I'll send
the carriage to fetch her."
Il am very sorry," stammered Mar
| jorie, "but Tomorrow"
She paused, and glanced in supplica-
ton at her foster-father.
THE fact u.s." said Mr.. Lorraine, I'VE
had made other arrangements for to-
morrow. Some other day, maybe
Miss Hetherington' eyes flashed, and
her crutch was sharply struck upon the
| floor.
Tomorrow and no other day will
suit me. haze something to say to her
that will ma keep. Do you hear that.
Marjorie?"
"Yes," answered Marjorie timidly;
"but l have only just come home. and
would rather"
Come or stay" she exclaimed.
please yourself, Marjorie AMMAN;
but if you stay at home the morn.
you'll wait lang for another invita-
| ton"
Eager not to give offense, Mr.. Lor
raine now interposed.
IF you wish it, Marjorie shall come
every WE'LL" said Miss Hetheringu n
sharply; then, turning to the girl, ,e
added: will you walk. or shall
send the carriage?"
T-1-will walk" returned Marjorie
timidly, with the air of one doomed tc
condign punishment.
"Then I'll expect you at ten, and nae
later. Now, gle me your arm to tho
carriage"
Marjorie obeyed, and with short
"God-day" to the minister, Miss Heth-
erington left the room.