The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-01-27

A clear, sweet whistle was one of the
delicious sounds which pierced the
morning air, but Miss Merton had
scarcely distinguished it from the other
outdoor charms. She looked puzzled.
and the young man, putting down his
pals, pointed to fence near by. There
he is, bold as lion. They don't often
come so near"
'I'm afraid don't know much about
BIRDS" the girl said. II suppose you
knw them all, and their songs, too?'
"Well, I'm out with them so much
we ought to be pretty well acquainted
"I'm going to try to learn something
about them while Pm here" Miss Mer-
ton declared, quite decidedly.
Its mostly watching But can
show you little. The best time is be-
fore breakfast"
That first day at the farm proved a
happy one throughout. and after sup
per Miss Merton sat with Mrs. Con-
way OH The little front piazza. Young
Conway had gone out, and as his
mother looked after his vanishing fig
ure, she confided to her guest that the
evenings seemed lonely since Dick took
TO going with May Simpson. Il don't
know as he's really spoken yet" she
said, but anybody can see how it is.
She's a nice girl, too. and ! haven't a
word to say against it, though I'm
foolish. fond mother, and think there's
nobody like my boy"
81 don't wonder!" Miss Merton spoke
impulsively, and with perfect sincerity
She felt sure she had never met man
quite like Richard Conway.
Mex tmorning. when the young farm
er was milking in the barnyard, Miss
Merton took him by surprise. Before
he was aware Of any approach, light
step was at his side, and laughing
voice bade him hurry or there would
be no time for the bird lesson before
breakfast. The young man looked up,
frankly pleased. I'll take you out in
the orchard" he said; 'it's fine there
this time Of day"
The concert in the orchard was un-
der full headway when two figures
climbed over the stone wall and be-
gan to steal about under the trees
Hundreds of birds seemed to be sing
ing together, but as musician follows
through a symphony the part of each
well-known instrument, SO Richard
Conway distinguished the voice Of each
little feathered acquaintance. And.
carried away by his pupils eager in
terest, he declared she would learn
very readily. Would she come again.
and so early? She promised that she
would. every day.
This was but the beginning Of de-
lightful, new interest in Miss Merton's
life; but one morning the lesson met
with an interruption. Upon the two
quiet observers in the orchard rush
ing, breathless little figure broke down;
then stopped in utter surprise. Young
Conway and his companion were stand
ing close together gazing up into
tree. In her effort to point out bird
Miss Merton had laid an eager hand
on her companions arm, and she was
so absorbed that it rested there uncon-
sciously.
The girl who stopped short before
them had been running swiftly, and
was already flushed, but deep color
surged over her face as she stood and
looked, with startled eyes, at the two
before her. She was pretty little
creature, and her skirt was tucked up
to escape the dewy grass, while an
apron was thrown hastily over her
head. "Oh," she painted, and started to
run on again. But Dick Conway sprang
forward and caught her arm. wait
minute, May" he cried; whats your
hurry, and where are you going?"
81 was just going to borrow some but
ter from your mther," she murmured.
land l must hurry"
"Well, wait one minute. It's time we
were going in, anyway. Miss Merton.
this is Miss Simpson, and think We'll
have to leave the birds now, If we want
any breakfast"
All the way to the house young Con-
ways little friend had not word to
say, save in briefest answer to some
question put by Miss Merton. When
asked whether she were interested in
birds. however, a quick CLEAN came
into her brown eyes. 81 guess I could
learn about them" she said. Some
damp wisps of chestnut hair were
blown across the Redeemed cheeks, and
the shining brown eyes were always
down. II was childish face. but ii
one could have read the woman's heart
that throbbed under the calico gown!
Oh. the world of love and the passion
OF pain that can fire the beings of these
little chits of girls. who can only redden
and keep silent when they are hurt.
But Miss Merton felt superior enough
to be entirely magnanimous. Besides
had she not her own sad little romance!
though it had been slipped away lit
tie these last weeks. Her life here was
so very different,from her life at home
That must be why the interests which
had absorbed her seemed more remote
OF late.
That evening young Conway made his
usual call, but came back early. AS
he walked up the path he met Miss
Merton, who was strolling alone under
the evening stars.
"You are early" she said, very
gently.
"Yes." His voice was grave. and he
hesitated a moment before turning TO
join her. II was an exquisite night, and
they walked beneath myriads OF shin
ing worlds. II was OF these they talked
together. and now the girl was able to
take the role Of teacher, and she scarce
knew which was the pleasanter lesson
that one amid the new freshness OF