, 1899-01-12
BEN'S DIPLOMACY.

She stood on the back veranda max
blue print gown were rolled up past
her elbows, and her hands were yet
swollen and red from the scalding and
chilling process.
Suddenly there came a sharp knock
ing at the hall door, and a tall, stern
featured woman thrust her head through
the bathroom window, which looked
out OF the back veranda.
There's some one at the door, Bes-
sic. " she SAID. and her whisper could
have reached to the house front.
The girl hurried along the narrow
passage, unrolling her right sleeve as
she went, which was the one to be pre-
sented when the door should be opened.
GOOD morning, " she said as serene
ly as could be expected from one whose
hopes had been raised by a shadow on a
frosted pane and shattered by the open
ing of the door.
Good morning. said the man at
the doorstep, and his eyes smiled
crookedwise at the knocker, which was
the exact spot where her face was, ac-
cording to his focus. GOOD morning.
IL thought maybe you'd like some
peas. They're quite young and fresh,
and I've just pulled them"
We've just got some, said the girl.
John always comes on a Saturday"
II thought maybe you'd have them, )"
said the young man to the knocker,
"but p'raps you'd rather have flowers"
The door was jerked back, and anoth-
er face Appeared above the siEl's- sAeRl=
der. The young man moved his eyes to
q hole thai had been made for a latch
key.
GOOD morning. Mrs. Stuart," he
said eagerly. IL just looked round
to see if Miss Bessie wouldn't like some
fresh young peas. l had a good crop @:
'em this time"
"Why of course Bessie will, " said
Mrs. Stuart, "and she's very much
obliged to you for 'em. Aren't you Bes-
sie?"
Eyes, mother" she said, but tho
words seemed to come from behind shut
teeth.
"What are you going to do with your
self on Sunday, Benz" asked Mrs. Stu
art.
II reckon I'm just going to stay at
home by myself, " said the young man,
but an anxious shading stole into his
smile.
You might as we'll drop in and take
. cup Of tea with us. Bessie and l will
be alone" said Mrs. Stuart, her natural
grimness climbing over her blandness.
"Thanks, " he said, with alacrity; 81
don't mind il l do"
When tile hall door was closed, the
two women took their way to the back
veranda.
II don't want his peas" Bessie said.
II hate them"
mo, you DON'T" suid her stepmoth-
or in her clear cut voice. "You want
'em, and you're going to take 'em, and
you're going to behave civil to him
when he comes On Sunday"
I'm not, said the girl, but weak.
nose streake., her voice.
Don't be a ninny." said her moth.
or. you'll have him when you're ask
ed. And young Mncalister's gone to
Western Australia"
Sunday was ushered in with the sing
ing of locusts. A cloudless blue sky
dropped down from the heights to the
horizon, and a hillside Of grim gums
stood stark, as il benumbed by the null
titude Of voices filling the air.
Bessie put on a white muslin gown
and walked With her mother to church.
Her hat was broad brimmed and deer
down over her face, the lace touches Of
her gown and %headgear seeming to be-
long to her rs the petals do to n rose.
Ben Stevens watched her through the
service. his eves hiding the secret Of
his truanoy that his half turned head
would have revealed.
He walked down the road with them
afterward-that little cold girl separat'
ed from him by Mrs. Stuart and
whole wide world of indifference.
He sat through a tea meal by her side
and talked to her mother about a weed
which spoiled the milk, and he had eat.
en- Of soda bread and ourrant buns.
And now he was watching the moon
come up through the trees, while a sor1
of uncouth bliss was surging in his
heart.
Wouldn t you rather go TO cnurch!
asked Bessie.
mo-" he answered and let his eye
begin his story.
~ believe l left the canary on the
dairy wall" she said and stood up.
"Never mind" said Ben. rising tt
tower above her.
"But the mosquitoes, " she faltered.
Never mind, he said again, am
dropped his head to her lsvel, hurting
out q passionate love word into her ear.
"No-no-noi' she said.
You're shy |" he said. Now, nren'
youf Oh. Bessie. l do love you so!'
A tall form emerged from the door
way.
"Shynsss o wears off, said Mrs
Stuart. II suppose, Ben Stevens. yor
mean stealing my girl. hanging ovel
her like thisg"
II love her" said the young man.
When did you think Of getting mag
ried?" asked Mrs. Stuart.
"Soon's ever Bessie likes, said Ben
Tho sud Of the month nd be . goot
6. ,.., ckTARRF