The age-herald., 1899-09-17

Lessons! who ever thought of lessons in summer timel I for one am glad that am free from the dull routine of lessons, I thank the presiding fates of my birth, because they did not endow me w.,A penchant for book knowledge" And Jen- nie Fletcher tossed her hat over and above her head and danced with childish joy at her freedom from love of study.
 What kind of conveyance will we have?" was Ruth's next query.
 "Oh, ah how funny! we shall go as a kingly retinue." And Jennies clear voice rang peal after peal of merry laughter. Let me see. There will be ten of us in one company. Thirty in all--a goodly num- Der for plenty of fun. I do not know how the remainder of the party will reach the grounds" Thus Jennie slyly avoided an answer to Ruths question.
 T have made no preparations for a pie nic lunch," said Ruth.
 If you will only promise to do as Rome does you may dine with us Get your bon net, for here comes Harry Bryant and cur cavalier" said Jennie
 Ruth hastily wrote a note to the Ger man professor; and tying on her bonnet ran down stairs, not wishing to keep her party waiting longer. The syrl was begin- ming to move hastily up in the sky; tho streets were filled with people; men going 10 their daily labor; boys crying out the morning papers, bread wagons and milk carts going their usual rounds; housemaids throwing open the front windows prior to the mornings cleaning up. The sun had awakened the city from its sleep.
 huth loved the words as much as she did her books She was truly a child of na- ture. The mental accomplishments had not weakened that strong, healthy nature which so few women possess. But as she saw the conveyance she paused
 w nat IS this, Jennie? your gay cavalier mas brought not coach and four, but butcher wagon! what shall we do? I can not go In that style We shall be the laughing-stock of all our friends"
 II was useless to appeal to Jennie Her laugh made the whole house echo.
 'Oh, Jennie, how can you laugh in that manner? l declare l am half provoked with you for your foohshness. What will you tell Harry Bryant?"
 Tell him nothing; only step into the vehicle was Jennie's deliberate answer. as soon as she recovered her breath suf- hciently to be able to speak Tt Is too rlch Joke for us to lose the half of it by refusing to go. Come, Ruth, I cannot sym pathize with your missish airs. The wagon is clean, comfortable; plenty of nice straw at the bottom" Jennie was reconnoitertng the enemy through the parlor blinds.
 Ruth, here is a beau for you-Oliver Brooks
 If had refused to accompany you be- fore, the presence of MT Brooks would not be sufficient to induce me to form one of your party" said Ruth as Jennie. with an inquiring look, turned toward he-
 ring at the door bell testified to the arrival of the charioteers.
 Even then Ruth drew back as she said:
 "I cannot ride through the city in this manner. Let them call for Edith Evans, as she is going; and thy can wait for us back of the depot, and we will walk out there. Brother will accompany us"
 The young men were not easily persuad- ed to leave without the company of the ladies' But they pleaded that they were not quite ready, and would soon overtake them. They were surely not ready, for both sank down almost convulsed with laughter at their grand escape.
 ''Too bad! too badl' was Rutfls remark Edith Evans will have a delightful ride up and down the streets. l would give any thing to see heri
 They arranged their toilette which had become disordered by their laughter; then accompanied by Ruth Stewards brother. started on foot for the place of meeting --iey waited few minutes till the wagon and Edith appeared when there was much merry laughter at their informal mode of Joining the other company. It was only a drive Of a few miles. Pleasant woods shaded the road on both sides. The little birds were caroling their morning songs; ONSis tiAhS lSIidSu lO eAdH the pO@t1cal part or the spirits of the excursionists. They sang short snatches of songs and took good jokes "in fun and "in earnest"
 Ruuh and Oliver Brooks occupied the back seat Jennie and Harry Bryant were together; Edith had an extremely interest Ing partner, as appeared from the manner in which she listened to the tones of his low voice. It was truly p,easure-seeking party. They had, for once, cast aside all appearance of pride and affectation Sim piclty. rustic simplicity, was the order of the day, and 1t ruled supreme
 Ruth was watching the partiea v,hjch sat before her; and failing to hear some remark which her partner had made. as she turned to him, perceived a new ex- pression in his handsome, dark eyes. If was an expression of esteem and admira ton. For one moment her pulse uuickened as she thought of the bare possibility of his having feeling stronger than mera friendship for her.
 T was only saying, Miss Stewart" said Oliver, that l could not fail to respect every mefnper or our party for their in- dependent spirit How many sentiuantal young ladies and conceited fons do rn,, think could have been induced to form one of this party?"
 Hnth's face erimsoned, as she thought or her unwillingness to attend the nicnic III so ahtl-poetical style; and she said:
 Indeed, MT Brooks, you should not judge so harshy. Pardon me-" was the remark which immediately followed, as she so bluntly expressed her own opinion Il do not class myself among the senti- mental fair. It Is perfectly natural for A women, and sensitive woman to wish 10 aVaid appearing absurd by too inde- pendent a spirit. l would not make woma n cringing, fawnfng submissionist: but would have her remember that once having 1 thrown aside the true delicacy of her na- ture and position, she never can assume It again. Women have made these laws for themselves, but they must be governed by them to great extent. Do not misun- derstand me; l said delicacy, not prudery." !" Tn what sense do you place the con- ceited fops?" said Oliver as he half laugh ed at her ignoring that class of the male gender.
 q do not know any of them," was Ruth's reply.
 T shall have the pleasure of making you acquainted with some of them in less than half an hour" said Oliver. 'So you disclaim your relationship to sentimental ladies, and yet you refused to attend this picnic on the score of going in a wagon"