The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1900-06-12

the prospect, whirled off, accompanied
the occasion in the most unbecoming
of their best silks.
What dear old frumps they are"
Bertha commented to herself. "I think
the Amsterdam ladies will like them
They just suit this background"
They seemed to indeed and got on
better than Bertha, whose youth con-
demned her to a subordinate place.
This was not as it was in America.
Bertha reflected and permitted herself
to indulge in moment of homesick-
ness, as she sat apart, her glowing
beauty unnoticed by the middle aged
people who were paying their respects
to her aunt and her second cousin.
II have delayed for a moment for an
other guest" Mrs. Truax said. IT wish
ed to present to your neice. Miss Man
derson," she said, addressing Bertha's
aunt, "a young man who is half an
American. All, there is the bell now!"
The man at the door announced a
moment later:
Herr Van Brunt."
Bertha turned with an anticipation
which she endeavored to subdue. 1t
was not likely that the son of garden
er would be at the home of Mrs. Truax.
But in the young man who entered
Bertha saw with unmistakable recog-
milton the amiable, soft eyes, the round
face and high brow and quiet, kindly
manners Of her old friend. borne with
the assurance and ease that come Of
self confidence.
The hostess managed to whisper to
Bertha's aunt, and Of course Bertha
overheard:
This young man has distinguished
himself in landscape gardening. He
has Just laid out a park for Prince
Zagenwell and is much thought Of both
in Holland and in Germany. hear that
the Duke of York is likely to send for
him for mis- new place in Scotland"
Dominicus Van Brunt saluted his
hostess with a profound bow. How
well Bertha remembered that quaint
reverence of manner! He was present.
ed to the guests and at last was led
up to Bertha, who suddenly felt as II
she were in short frocks, with freckles
on her face and braids down her back.
He started and flushed and then held
out his hand in the good American way,
regardless of ceremony.
What, you are acquainted?" cried
the hostess. They explained. The
hostess turned in some perplexity to
the spinster aunt. She wondered If she
was unintentionally committing an in
discretion. But there was no annoy
ance in the face Of the elder Miss Man
derson, and the hostess felt at liberty
to permit the two young people to go
down to dinner together.
The conversation at dinner would not
be particularly interesting to recount.
But Bertha remembered every word of
1t. Perhaps Dominicus Van Brunt did
too-but 1t has been impossible to Sc
cure his confidence. It is certain
thing, however, that the next day a
basket came for the young American
lady containing dozen yellow torna-
toes, dropped like eggs in nest of
white daisies. Which was surely
curious gift.
Now 1t is undeniable that Bertha
Manderson found Amsterdam interest
ing, yet for some reason best under
stood by her sex she remained In 1t but
q short time, Fastening away to other
points of interest. 1t Is also certain
that about the time of her departure q
young landscape gardener ran to yews
and weeping willows In his designs and
accepted with alacrity the opportunity
Of designing a'cemetery fo2 some new