The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1900-01-11

Silence is golden snapped Miss Ashley,
annoyed by Kitty's self-control. Don't be
in hurry to 60, Miss Regan. There is a
parcel which 1 want you to take up to Mrs.
Kershaw's. wouldn't trouble you, only
I've sent the boy home"
1t was a cruel errand on such q night. for
Mrs. Kershaw's house was nearly two miles
across country and a high wind was making
havoc Of the trees and hedges. But Kitty
went OF without word Of protest.
When she arrived at her destination. her
breath was gone. and her limbs were weary
with the unequal battle against the merci-
less wind.
"why. dearie." said motherly Mrs. Ker-
shaw, what possessed thee to bring em
art ere to-neet? Who sent thee?'
Miss Ashley said was to bring them,"
painted Kitty mo, thank you, 1 won't
come in and rest Mother will be getting
anxious. Good night"
She struggled of hravely once more, and
took the short cut across Lame Dog Dyke
It was a dangerous pathway, she knew,
but every inch of the road was familiar to
her. L.. go
Half way home she passed Lame Dog
farm, and saw that Mr.. Hirst was busy
fixing props against the cow shed in the
yard. He called out CHEEKY Good night"
evidently not knowing who she was.
She answered rather shyly.. and then
blamed herself for speaking. at all. What if
he should recognize her voice, and want to
escort her home? -
Now this was just what Mr.. Hirst did do
He hurried after her with all speed, and, in
her eagerness to escape him. she made a
rush for the stepping stones, in Lame Dog
dyke, and fell fgnominiously into the water
He up to his ankles in the dyke be-
fore Kitty quite realized that she had made
a fool of herself
I'm all right, Mr.. Hirst,'' she portested,
as his strong arms passed around her waist
and raised her up. Put me down, do
What, into the water again ?" sgrowled
the farmer. Not me-"
But I'm not hurt a bit-oo, oo,-not the
least little bit"
Then what are you saying 90 for?"
asked Mr.. Hirst stop talking and hold
your breath-you'll be easier to carry then"
She wanted to snap his head off, but he
held her as though she were a sack of oats,
and showed no intention Of putting her
down even when they reached the other side
of the dyke. And what would have been
the use if he had done? She couldn't walk
for her ankle was very; very painful.
He let her gently down outside the door,
lifted the latch and waited until her mother
came to welcome her. Then he disappeared
into the wind and rain.
All the next day Kitty sat impatiently
behind the curtains of the parlor window
watching for him. Surely he would come
to see how she was getting on! AS his
nearest neighbor. she had right to expect
that of him.
He did come, too, but bluntly refused to
enter the parlor and see the patient.
I've brought her some stuff to rub into
her ankle he said to Mrs. Regan. my old
mother thought lot about it, but whether
she used it for corns or sprains or warts
don't know. Try it. anyway; it'll praps do
good.
The very ideal! cried Kitty to hreself,
when she overheard these words. LET him
keep his old ointment won't use it,
But she did, nevertheless, and it must
have done her a power of good, for on the
following morning she declared that she was
quite ready to go to the shop again.
Miss Ashley would carry on awful if 1
took a day off, mother" she said Never
fear; l won't overwork myself
She had reached the end of the lane be-
fore she heard wheels approaching
we'll her heart told her who-jumped down.
Where are you going?" asked the farmer,
brusquely. Nv. 81
ITO the shop, Mr.. Hirst." she answered
defiantly.
Back to Mrs. Ashley's?"
Yes"
You're not He spoke firmly, and drew
step or two nearer.
who says I'm not?" asked Kitty saucily
Il do, he answered. You're going for a
drive with me-
Two courses of az ton were open to Kitty
to slap him in the face, or jump into his cart
as he bid her. She lOnged to do the former
but force which she could not fight against
compelled her to do the latter.
A minute later they were bowling down
the village street, past Miss Ashley's, past
the old toilbar and into the green country
lanes.
f. For long, long time neither spoke Then
as an afterthought. Farmer Hirst dropped
one rein and passed his arm completely
round Kittys slim waist. =
DO you like it. Kitty?' he said, simply
She blushed hot blush, and for the first
time in her life wondered what she ought
to say. But her eyes spoke for her, and he
drew her very close indeed.-London Weekly
Telegraph. - -..