Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1899-08-14
CONCElTED.

II was a little schoolhouse perched
npon hill. that would have looked
tiingy enough but Cor the trees. bushes
and wild, creeping vines that surround
ed IL.
A little bruok came dancing down
the hill. and as Josie Burton brushed
the moist curls from her temples. she
looked longiDgly into its cool, crystal
depths.
Josie glanced through the open door
of the schoolhouse, from which came
the busy hum of the children at their
lessons.
And after moments hesitation she
ascendel the steps and raped at the
door
Josie was startled AT the iine-looking
man who stepped forward into view
as she did so: especially as she was
conscious that she presented a very
wild and gspsy-like appearance
And as for the school teacher he was
equally surprised as he looked down
upon the flushing cheeks and into the
smiling eyes of his unexpected visitor.
"Will you lend me your dipper TO
get some water from the brook yon-
dery'
Certainly. Sit down. and will get
il for YOU"
Taking the pail he disappeared
among the trees and bushes that skirt
ed the hills.
As he issued from the woods. bear
ing the Drumming pail. she could not
but admire the ease and manly yigor
with which he moved.
Josie was warm and thirsty. and she
thought she had never tasted more
grateful draught than that contained
in the dripping tin dipper. that the
stranger presented with such pleas
ant bow and smile.
How very cool and refrshing.
"Yes. 1t comes from q living spring
in the rocks above. that is never dry
in the hottest weather.
Then thanking him for his kindness,
she resumed her walk.
What fine-looking man to he n
country school-teacherw was her in
ward ejaculation, as she glanced back
upon the schoolhouse.
She walked so slowly, however, that
she was joined by Carrie and jamie.
children of Farmer Williams. with
whom size was boarding. and who
were returning from school
1t was not difficult to get their lit
tie tongues chattering. and she elected
thet fact that his name was Brockton.
that he had come TO take the place OF
a teacher who had gone home sick.
"He is going to commence boarding
lat our house tomorrow cried Carrie;
"going to stay with us whole week.
Won't ii he nice?''
Very nice. indeed" echoed Josie.
And it was echoed by her heart as well
as her lips.
Mr.. Rrockton made his appearance
the next day at dinner. having reached
Farmer Williams in accordance with
the time honored process of boarding
round" and Josie had no longer any
reason to complain OF having no one
to speak TO.
Suffice it to say. on one pleasant June
evening certain ring was transferred
from Mr. Brockton's hand to that OF
Josie's.
.sro remain there" the former as
serted. as he held the little hand on
which he placed it lovingly To his lips,
.until he replaced it by another"
Josie had been very communicative
with her lover. far more so than he
had been with her.
She had taken him ":upon trust" as
he often told her Indeed, she knew
little about him. except his name and
vocation.
We said that Josie was very COM
municative- Among other things. she
told him the reason of her coming off
there instead of going with her mother
and sister to Newport.
you see. they wanted to marry me
10 Mr.. Evans, man | had never seen
IA conceited eoxcomb that l never
could abide, and just because he is
rich
eff YOU have never seen Mr.. Evans,
how do you know that he is a con-
ceitcd coxcombT
IF he wasn't he wouldn't have con-
scented to anything of that sort. | ran
away as soon as | heard he was COM
ing: | always said never would mar
ry a rich mans son."
A gentleman in the parlor to see
Miss Josie"
OWNING who it was, Josie ran down
stairs, her cheeks flushed and her eyes
radiant with delight.
To her surprise she found her visitor
seated on the sofa with her mother.
with whom he seemed to be on the
most pleasant and familiar terms.
"I did not know that you were ac-
uuainted with Mr.. Evans my dear"
said the latter, as she turned smilingly
to the door. but that being the case
| will leave you to entertain him."
Evans repeated Josie, with be-
wildered air.
"None other than that 'conceited
coxcomb.' Charles Rrockton Evansr
"Ob, Charles. how could you deceive
me SOP
MY darling. what else could | do
with such wilful bit of womanhood
as yourself? Now. remember. that
shall hold you to your promise to marry
me. rich or poor"
We need hardly add that Josie kept
her promise.
A Wise Youth.
Txrn xnnne men were riding home In