Smyrna times., 1901-06-26

sue the WHIIu
sun was shining clearly,
but a cool breeze, laden
81 with the breath of the
country, came through the
open window, lifting the
soft tendrils of hair that es-
caned from under her hat-brim off the
bigb white forehead. She feasted her
ewes on the waving green fields, stretch
ING as far as she could see; after the I
glare of the city streets, the sight was
infinitely soothing. Just that morn
ing her employer, looking up with a
smile from the mail he was opening,
asked her the name of the hotel at
which she was to stop.
"The Waysidel'' he exclaimed; II
thought so. l have a letter from
an old friend OF mine. He is going
there for a month or so, he writes, to
get a little rest. His fiance has gone
abroad for TIE fall and winter, and 1
imagine he will be lonely, Suppose l
give you a Little note of Introduction to
take to him, and you wild be company
for each other You really ought not
to tramp arOund by yourself, and being
so late in the season / doubt if 1here
are many people at che hotel. You
will find him fine fellow, slan in
every serse of the wOrd. "
SO he had given hes the note telling
her she could do as she pleased about
showing it to his friend. Armging at
the station, she found the well-known
team from the hotel, and she chatted
with the driver as they drove along.
"Very few people there now, Miss
Margaret, and they xill nearly all be
gone by tonight" he told her in
answer to her query-she did not care
for the erowd-what she wanted was
the rest and as they drove through the
woods, every spot of which she knew
and loved, all the Lines of worry and
care faded from her face. On the
porch, reading, was 4 man of about
30, big, athletic fellow. He raised
his eyes from his book as Margaret
stepped on the porch, and frem the
shadow studied her carefully as she
stood in the sunshine, talking to the
proprietress. Tall and slender, with a
wealth of dark brown hair, loosened
by the wind until it lay in ringlets on
the white forehead. A sweet, intelli-
gent face, almost too sad, bnt bright
ened by the large gray eyes, firm,
decided mouth. q chin, and a general
air of refinement about her. About 25.
ne mused. She stood for moment on
the porch and then followed the man
with her trunk. He shifted his chair
to the side porch to get out of the sun,
and from where he sat he could hear
her talking-he recognized her voice
instantly.
''Was that Mr.. Parker on the porch.
Mrs. York?" she was asking. 81 have
little note for him. My employer is
a personal friend of his, and gave me
the note as a means of introduction.
On, you thought L was confirmed
man-hater; "well," laughing, she is
engaged, and his fance has gone
abroad, SO you see 1 can talk to him
with Impunity, because he will not
suppose | am falling in love with him,
knowing he is engaged already. Men
are such vain creaturesl They imagine
every girl that looks at them is only
waiting to be asked to fall at their feet
and worship them"
Then he heard the voice again. and
tne voices ceased. He sat gazing idly
before him, mischievous twinkle in
MS dark eyes. $50 she is a man.
mater" he mused. "Well, we will
see,"
Later Mrs. York came out Oh the
porch with her and they found the
young man apparently engaged with a
DOOR, He looked up as they ap-
Pioached, and Mrs. York introduced
her.
Miss Clair has been coming here
ior years." she said smiling, land
KNOWS every inch of the ground. and
perhaps you could prevail upon her to
snow you some of the country"
margaret handed him the note, which
ne read carefully.
am most happy, indeed, to meet
you Miss Clair. he said, gravely. 81
snought l would be very lonely here,
pu' IN your rambles L am sure shall
De very grateful"
Durlng the remainder of the week
!ney met frequently. Miss Clair avoid
lug him' he thought, but he smiled to
himself, and when he found her ready
.o' -. walk he would beg to be allowed
" accompany her. Sometimes. how
ever she slipped out without him. and
snon the hours dragged for tho h;o,