The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1898-02-16
SATAN'S LADDER


Tor the fourth? Can't accept the invita-
'ioh! oh, Pshaw, you'll regret. it! jolly
crowd going-the Van Dynes, the Hub
Dards the kin2sburys, the Alton grls-oh,
any number of them are to be there and
all the fellows. BY the way, have you
met the new girl? Country niece of Mrs.
Witherbee, l believe. All the fellows are
raving about her."
rs she to be at the house party linton ~
Should say so! Couldn't get along with
out her, you know. Goodby, old man; must
be on I'm running out to the lake for
sunday. Better change your mind about
that invitation"
Thank you, Upton. 1 may. Remember
me to evry one"
HIN! Upton's a queer fellow-good-
hearted, though. l rather think 1 shall take
his advice. few days off can do me no
harm. Almost five years have passed since
took my last vacation. The idea of meet
ing all the people is not altogether delight
full, but it will probably be good for me.
Yes, shall accept"
Hampton acted Immediately upon his de-
olson. He hurried to his studio, dashed
off some business letters arranging for his
absence sent a response to his hOuSe-party
invitation, and doing his canvas suit, was
soon engaged in throwing brushes full of
drab paint at large canvas.
- was HOl d loHS journey ~ Vic HtelC
Wisconsin town. but Hampton had imbib-
ed many new ideas on the way. An old
style, fallen hay rack, log cabin, or a
meadow lane, We're, to him. full of artis-
tic suggestions, which he quickly transfer
red to his sketch book.
Suddenly his work was interrupted.
We'll, well, Hampton, glad to see you
took my advice! Come. no more sketches;
this is day off, you know. Girls all in
curing for you. Whole carful in the rear.
Come and join us.
The sketch book was reluctantly put
away and Hampton strobe with Upton to
the rear coach.
All Mrs. W!therbee!'
"Why, Mr.. Hampton. ! am so glad you
have come. We were almost afraid to count
upon you"
Mr. Hampton, katherine. My niece,
Miss Hayward, Mr.. Hampton.
Il am very glad to meet you, Miss Hey
ward
1t was rather a conventional speech but
there was depth of sincerity in his low
voice which gave it real charm. He Won
dered where he had seen this beaut11ui
niece of Mrs Witherbee Her eyes, her
mouth, her regular features. even the
graceful outlines of her head and shoulders
seemed familiar.
The company demanded his attention. and
before he could again join Miss Heyward's
circle their destination was reached.
Hampton was at Mrs. Cruttendons SIDE
as the train drew into the station. and, as
he proffered his services. he noticed. with
a Jingle of jealousy, Cpton's gallant at
tentions to Mrs. Witherpee and her charge.
1t was a Jolly drive over the smooth coun-
try road to Vagabondia, the villa of Mrs
Fitzsimmons. Hampton began to feel
new interest in his companions. 1t is true
they all talked mere nothings, but to MN
the situation was novel-no care and cal
culations, no paints and brushes; artistic
positions taken by all, ana nature paint
ing the backgrounds.
The conversation was not very general 1T
tea that evening Hampton had taken MISS
Hayward to the table, and ne was very
willing to have his attention ABSORBED py
her. AS he gaZed at her perfect complexion
and clear-cut profile he thought he had
never before been so forcibly struck with d
woman's beauty; land yet he added to
himself II have seen her somewhere Be
fore
do YOU enjoy canoeing, Miss Heyward!
A bright idea came to Hampton.
Il am passonately fond OF 1t. Mr.. lamp
ton Indeed, it is almost my only pastime
at home
Then let us arrange canoeing party
for this eveng. Mrs Fitzsimmons proposed
it. There are four open canoes In the boat
house. Whom shall we ask?'
Let me think-Mr. Upton champion bit
his lip) and Miss Cruttendon tit was all
right. after all, he thought: she had
planned for Upton to take Miss Cruttendon)
Mr.. James and Miss Carhart. Mr.. Harrlng-
ton and Miss Wycliffe-that will fill the
canoes will it not, Mr.. Hampton?' She
looked up brightly and counted them off
on her dainty fingers.
Capital! l shall speak to the 'nen i'm
mediately after tea and tell them whom
they are to ask to accompany. You will
favor me- will you not, Miss Heyward?'
Il thank you Mr.. Hampton she glanced
charmingly up at him. but Mr.. Upton has
already asked me to go with him. "
couse YOU will take Miss Cruttendon?'
Hampton tried hard to hide his chagrin.
Il am very sorry Mr.. Upton is to be the
fortunate one. Yes. l shall be delighted to
take Miss Cruttendon, if she has no pre-
vious engagement
The night was perfect. A faint breeze
scarcely ruffled the waters surface. Four
canoes stole away from NaSa Doniia dock
ant glided silently under the overhan3!ng
willows. The paddles seemed hardly to
touch the water so slightly were they pied.
Firef1es darted hither and thither among
the 1r.cs. their tiny sparks m'llorcd III the
CLASSY water.
over The eastern tree lol's the full moon
rose maiostically and shell its sotl radiance
across THE tiny waves, Which seemed to vie
With each other in casting The beams On and
on until they were concentrated into
broad band of shining silver.
Far out on the lake a loon foated across
the luminous eXpanSe. and its Shril cry
echoed and reechOed amC ng the surrounding
hills The chirping of crickets the monot-
onous droning of frogs and, ever and anon,
the cry of d belated whippoorWill, har-
moniously mingled with the gentle ruStling
of leaves and tapping water; and rendered
one of natures symphonies.
AS the canoes in single file silently round
ed the outer point the sound Of music float
ed across the bay. The musicians at
Nagabo lda playing a serenade-an
old Mexican love song, with soft, insinua-
ing cadence. The paddles ceased to move,
and the canoes drifted aimlessly on the
shadows. Miss Hayward closed her eyes
and reclined gracefully on the cushions her
taperng fingers trailing in the phos-
phorescent water. Even Uptons eXuber-
ance for the moment succumbed and, up
on the heavens. he, too. trailed mis- hand in
the water as if to establish means OF COM
munication Off their souls.
The music ceased, but Upton ana Miss
Hayward remained in silence.
'Heavenly, Miss Cruttendon.' Hampton
muttered, his eyes upon the other canoe.
Suddenly one Of Sousa MARCHES bounded
over the water and seemed to a&aWrn the
slunbering woods With its depths Of har-
mony. Uptons reNeries came 10 an end
II say Nlere's jolly good .aca a ,;ttle
up called Satans Ladder, l believe. Let's
paddle up
They glided past meadow ana wood
they rounded a sharp point there came into