Evening journal., 1899-05-01
Twice Saved


MISS DORIS and her groom can
lW tered together across the downs
that swept in broad folds Of many
tinted greens toward the sea, flashing
and sparkling in golden sun CLEANS on
the horizon.
She, the l7-year-old only child of pa
rents married late in life, elderly now
with settled ways and habits accord
ing III with the latter DAY intrusion OF
restless youth-'his growing up Of the
daughter they doubtless loved built
apprehended.
Fair she was and sweet, happy In her
recent emancipation from school re-
straints and trammels, content with
life. unaware rs yet Of her lack Of pa
rental comprehension and control, her
youthful mind attuned TO all maiden
fancies in the modern garb CT "unlver-
sal brotherhood" equality, the leveliug
OF class distinctions as preached by her
best loved schoolmate, the daughter of
an ardent. well-knoWn socialist leader.
He who rode beside her at her own
request, few years older only, good
looking. manly, with that air Of clear
cut cleanliness common TO grooms in
general, not so very long ago the pride
Of his schoolmaster. captain Of the VIII
lage cricket club, refined, too, for his
class in speech and manners, steady
and sober in stables and kitchen. as his
fellow servants could have said.
In very truth were there not the ele-
ments OF romance in the air? Youth.
beauty, innocence. with the scent OF
spring. the tanning Of the soft west
wind in the sunshine.
After awhile the girl drew rein. her
companion doing likewise. keeping his
horse a little back as though meaning
10 fall into his proper place behind her.
But Miss Doris would have none OF ~;
he wished to talk, and talk she would
when she so chose. Many time it hap
pened Of late during their morning
rides.
At first the groom had responded
shyly in monosyllahles: Yes. miss
no, miss" as the case required. IN a
manner little satisfactory to enthusiasts
tic maiden attempts at surrounding
class barriers. but Miss Doris had the
courage Of convictions little patience
and matters mended themselves.
A social evening" in The parish
schoolroom, including. among other
items, a would-be tragic reading,
turned into hopeless comedy by the
accident of forgetfulness on the re-
liter's part, gave occasion. The groom
bashfully described a similar incident
as happening at a like entertainment
IN his own village home across the coun-
, y, and the ice was broken, the free.
masonry Of a common joke established
between this girl aud her little more
than boy servant.
She had read much after a fashion,
and would talk Of many things with
he light, facile readiness of clever, i'm
, mature womanhood. He could claim
acquaintance with but few authors
comparatively, but he could listen with
4 catering Difference and intelligence
while she was quick to recognize his
Z genuine good sense and mental grasT
8 Of any subject he would venture an
r opinion on. though it might be ex
d pressed in language a little less ele
CANT than hers.
So days and weeks went on. and It'll,
'eckoned Miss Doris Of any harm she
r night be doing herself OF him. Yei Il
he groom's credit be It said never one,
; lid be "presume"-to use an old-tim,
. word she doubtless would have secuted
: on his young mistress kindness
!, siill did It need a distinct request OF
; ler part 10 bring him 10 her side al
Il now to-day.
a A word or two did she speak-th'
e beauty OF the sky, the sparkle Of th'
a ga, then a question-had he read
book she had told him Of?
YES" was his answer, half of II, ant
hat half he did not like at all. Al
r, argument. eager and somewhat hot oil
l. The lady's part, ensued. the groom stick
ng quietly and respectfully TO hi
l. point. while his mistress (irritated, per
+ aaps. by the fdgetting Of her mare
which could not brook contradiction
y the matter Of a wished-for gallop