Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1900-04-13
Miss AShIey'SClerk

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One wet spring morning, for the first and
last time in his life, Farmer Hirst walk
ed into Miss Ashley's millinery shop and
left a trail of muddy footprints on the
linoleum. Kitty Regain was gingerly
trying to crowd a big hat into q very
small box.
Good morning, SIR" said Kitty.
What may l have the pleasure of show
Ing youT"
II want a yard Of blue ribbon" grunt-
ed the farmer.
You will find the ribbon counter next
to the door, sir. Walk straight down,
and Miss Ashley will attend to you"
''She won't" said Farmer Hirst short
ly. Get me my ribbon and let me 60.
It'll be as good bought here as over
there"
"As you wish, SIR" said Kitty. 81
will let you have it in half minute"
Kitty came back very smartly, and he
turned to watch her cut off the ribbon.
He wasn't n sentimental man. but the
one thing that dominated his mind just
then was "A burning desire to squeeze
those sweet needle pricked fingers.
81 saw you in the lane on Sunday aft.
ernoon.' he said, playing with his watch
chain.
Indeed" responded Kitty in a polite
surprise
You were talking to Teller, I remem
ber."
"Oh" exclaimed Kitty.
Sweetheart, eh?" went on the farmer.
NO, sir-a friend of mine. Here is
your ribbon. Shall we send it up for
your
Rising slowly, Farmer Hirst gathered
both ribbon and fingers into one tight
little bunch.
Miss Regain" said Miss Ashley at
closing time that night, Il wish | could
think your wages had been well earned.
This is millinery shop-not a school for
Irritation"
hot reply rushed to Kitty's lips, but
she restrained herself in time.
Silence is golden" snapped Miss Ash.
ley, annoyed by Kitty's self control
Don't be in hurry to 20, Miss Regan.
There is a parcel which / 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 a 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 off without a
word OF protest.
When she arrived at her destination,
her breath was gone and her limbs were
weary with the unequal battle against
the merciless wind
She struggled off bravely once more
and took the short cut across Lame DOG
dixie.
Half way home she passed Lame Dog
farm and saw that Mr.. Hirst was busy
liking props against the COW shed in the
yard. He called out a CHEEKY Good
night evidently not knowing who she
was.
She answered rather shyly and then
blamed herself for speaking at all. What
II 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 rush for the stepping stones in
Lame Dog dixie and fell ignominiously
into the water.
he was up to his ankles in the dixie
DeIore Kitty quite realized that she had
made a fool of herself.
I'm all right, Mr.. Hirst," she protest
ed as his strong arms passed around her
waist and raised her up. PUT me down
do" NN"n
He held her as though she were a sack
OF oats and showed no intention of nnt.
ting her down, even when they reached
the other side of the dixie. And whot
would have been the use il he had done
soF She couldn't walk, for her snLIe
was very. very painful.
lie let her gently down outside the
door, hfted the latch and waited until
ner mother came to welcome her. Tben
ne disappeared into the wind and rain
Inc next day but one Kitty declared
that she was quite ready to 20 to the
shop again. '"s
She had reached the end of the lane ba.
iore she heard wheels approaching. The
morse stopped suddenly, and somebodvN
now well her heart told her-jumDed
down. 'NHnpeu
Where are you goingP" asked the
farmer brusquely. 'He
.. 10 the shop. Mr.. Hirst." she answer.
You're not" He spoke firmly ana
Grew step or two nearer. "You;ra 90,
ing for drive with me-" 81
=, A minute later they were BOWLING do1v.
the village street, past Miss AsbIev's
past the old toll bar and into the green
m, For long, long time neither snok.
ihen' as an afterthouGht, Farmer Hirst
cropped one rein and passed his arm
SomPleteIy around Kitty's slim waist
DO you like 1t, KittyT' he said aim.
She blushed a hot blush, and for n.
mrs! ume In her life wondered what shs
80 - ~ say nut her eyes spoke for her
s ao ns Grew her very elOss indOod.~I-on