The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-01-20
IRENE Won LEYDEN
By Cecil Medlicott. 5
Copyright, 1881 y


A YOUNG girl was leaning against
"a the rails of short wooden landing
stage and staring down into the still
waters OF large lake. She was clad in
a light summer costume, her broad hat,
wreathed with ox-eyed daisies. was
slightly pushed back, her face was
flushed, her pretty lips set in pettish
lines. Now and then she stamped her
foot impatiently and drew her smooth
forehead into as many creases as she
could 1t was evident that she was
very much put out, and took no pains
to CONCEAL the fact.
Good morning, Goldylocks.
The dip of oars had long ago been
audible, and the girl could hardly have
been so far absorbed by her thoughts as
to have been oblivlous either to the
sound or to the subsequent appearance
of small skiff, which had rounded the
end of the adjacent boathouse, aud was
now pulled up alongside of the stage
en- which she was standing. To neither
the one nor the other did she, however.
pay the least attention.
Good morning. Goldylccks. What is
the matter with you?"
Matter? Oh, nothing" said the girl,
withou. turning her head.
Nothing? Then you may as well
say good morning to me. 1have given
you that greeting twice"
Good morning" said she, grudging-
ly.
The man, who had made fast his
boat, stepped on to the landing stage,
and approaching the girl, stood 10y her.
Il need scarcely ask you," said he,
trying to see her averted face, II need
scarcely ask if the Fates are propi-
tious."
Iii you mean mamma by your 'Fates,
YOU know as we'll as l do if they are
Dropitious, or in the least likely to bel"
cried the girl angrily. 81 am always
treated like a baby, and l am not
baby. l shall be-19 by thee of next
year ii l am only II now, and mamma
was engaged to be married when she
was very little older than l am.
think it is a shame"
well, WELL" said he good-naturedly,
1--WE must make an allowance for your
mamma. She feels so youthful, you see,
Goldylocks, so very youthful that she
perhaps cannot realize that her daugh-
ter is a woman and has a woman's
will"
The girl Strengthened herself slowly
and looked round.
"A woman's WILL" she repeated.
Her companion watched the growing
determination IN her face, and smiled.
THAT is what said," he returned.
Il think your nursery and school days
are over. and things of the past. After
all, it is about time that you should
be allowed to judge for yourself, at
least sometimes and in some cases."
Herr Won Kreuser!"
Baroness Irene Won Leyden! AT
your command" He clapped his heels
| together, military fashion, and made
a bow.
DO you think" began the girl, and
then hesitated.
"Yes, 1 do think" said Herr Won
Kreuser where is your mamma to-
day?"
"She has gone up to Munich"
Then you, Goldylocks, are practi-
cally your own mistress"
Irene made no answer, letting her
eyes rest first on the swelling hills.
bathed in sunshine. on the opposite
side of the lake, and then, following
their outline, on the range of noun
tains, snow-sprinkled, which bounded
the southern end of the sheet of water.
WHAT do you think?" said he.
a boat, rowed by two peasants, heav-
! lily laden and not so feet from the
shore, went slowly past. The girl
watched this for minute or so and
then turning, looked at her companion.
! Now or never" said he, moving a
step back.
~ don't see why it should be never" "
said she petulantly. II don't see why
I 7 should not do what like"
"And-mamma is in Munich"
Il know"
"Goldylocks, do you know what my
wife said?"
How should II" said the girl, fol-
lowing Herr Won Krcuser as he left the
landing stage and set his feet on the
narrow path which ran along by the
edge of the lake.
"She said she did not think you lad
enough courage to go against your
mamma or to mount horse"
The color flew TO Irene's face.
Herr Won Kreuser-what will man.
ma say?"
"My dear Goldylocks, if ycu have had
your ride shall you care what she, or
anyone, says?"