The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1901-08-02


Three hundred dollars was the last
bid | heard from that young feller, and
somebody who was biddin' agin him said
twas more'n twas wuth.'
ut wasn't, either" spoke up Jenny,
rather spiritedly. 1T cost five hundred,
and It's never been hurt Bit
Mr. Bender bought that little fiddle Of
yourn," continued Uncle Ezra, with pc
culiar wink, which brought the color to
Jenny's cheeks, while Mary exclaimed:
"Oh! I'm so glad you can have your
guitar again"
Here the conversation was interrupted
by the arrival of the carriage, which
came for the youEs ladies, who were soon
on their way to Mr. Selden's, Mary Won
derlng what the surprise was. and Jen'
ny hoping William would call in the even
ing. At the door they met Ida, who was
unusually merry-almost too much so for
the occasion, 1t seemed to Mary, as she
glanced at Jenny's pale, dispirited face.
Aunt Martha, too, who ehanced to cross
the hall, shook Mary's hand as warmly
as II she had not seen her for year,
and then with her broad, white cap
strings flying back, she repaired to thee
kitchen to give orders concerning the sup
per.
Mary did not notice 1t then, but she
afterward remembered that Ida seemed
quite anxious about her appearance, for,
following her to her room, she said, "YOu
look tired, Mary. Sit down and rest you
awhile. Here, take my vinaigrette-th
will revive you" Then, as Mary was
arranging her hair she said Just puff
out this side little more-there, that's
right. Now turn round, | want to see
how you look
"Well, how do II" asked Mary, facing
about as Ida directed.
II guess you'll do" returned Ida. 81
believe Henry Lincoln was right when
he said that this blue merino and linen
collar was the most becoming dress you
could wear, but you look well in any
thing, you have so fine a form"
Don't believe all her tiattery,' said
Jenny, laughingly. "Shes only compar-
Ing your tall, slender figure with little
dumpy me; but I'm growing thin-see,"
and she Tapped her dress two or three
inches in front.
"Come, now, let's go down." said Ida.
"And I'll introduce you to Jenny's sur
prise first"
With Ida leading the way, they entered
the music room, where in one corner
stood Roses piano, open, and apparent
ly inviting Jenny to its side With joy
full cry she sprang forward, exclaiming,
"0h, how kind in your father; | most
know we can redeem 1t some time. I'll
teach school-anything TO get it again"
Don't thank father too much," an
swered Ida, "for he has nothing to do
with It, except giving 1t house room, and
one quarters teaching will pay that bill"
who did buy It, thenW asked Jen-
ny; and Ida replied:
Cant tell you just yet must have
some music first Come, Mary, you like
to play. Give me my favorite, Rosa
Lee with variations"
Mary was passionately fond of music,
and for the time she had taken lessons.
played uncommonly well. Seating herself
at the piano she became oblivious to all
else around her, and when a tall figure
for moment darkened the doorway,
while Jenny uttered a suppressed ex-
clamation of surprise, she paid no heed,
nor did she become conscious of third
persons presence until the group advanc-
ed toward her, Ida and Jenny leaning up
on the piano and the other standing at
her right, a little in the rear. Think
ing, If she thought at ALL that it was VIII.
liam Bender, Mary played on until the
piece was finished and then observing
that her companions had left the room,
she turned and met the dark, handsome
eyes-not of William Bender, but of one
who, with a peculiar smile, offered his
hand saying, 81 believe | need no intro
duction to Miss Howard, except a slight
change in the name, which, instead of
being Stuart, is Morelandp'
Mary never knew what she said or
did. She only remembered a dizzy SEN
sation, In her head, a strong arm passed
around her. and a voice, which fully
aroused her as it called her Mary" and
asked il she were faint. Just then Ida
entered the room, announcing tea, and
asking her II she found "Mr Stuart
much changed! At the tea table Mary
sat opposite George and every time she
raised her eyes she met his fixed upon
her, with an expression so like that of
the picture in the golden locket which
she still wore that she wondered she had
not before recognized George Moreland
in the Mr.. Stuart who had so puzzled
and mystifed her.
During the evening William Bender
called, and soon after Henry Lincoln also
came in, frowning gloomily when he saw
how near to each other were William
and his sister, while he jeaously watch
ed them, still keeping an eye upon George
and Mary. At last, complaining of feel
ing blue" he asked Ida to play, at the
same time sauntering toward the music
room, where stood his sisters piano.
Upon my word said he, this looks
natural Who bought itY' and he drum.
med a few notes of song.
"Mr. Moreland bought it. Wasn't he
kind?' said Jenny. who all the evening
had been trying for a chance to thank
George, but now when she attempted to
do so he prevented her by saying:
"Oh! don't-dont-I can imagine all
you wish to say and hate toebe thanked.
Rose and | are particular friends, and it
afforded me great deal Of pleasure to
purchase it for her-but," he added,
glancing at his watch, Il must be excus-
ed now, as | promised to call upon my
ward"
who's thatT asked Jenny, and
George replied that it was Miss Hern-
don, who had accompanied him from
New Orleans, to visit her aunt Mrs.
Russell.
He says she's an heiress, and very
beautiful" rejoined Ida, seating herself
at the piano.
Instantly catching at the words heir
ess" and beautiful Henry started up,
asking IF it would be against all the
rules Of propriety for him to call upon
her thus early"
Il think it would" was Georges brief
answer, while Mary's eyes flashed seorn-
fully upon the young man, who, rather
crestfallen, announced himself ready to
listen to Ida, whom he secretly styles IAN
old maid," because since his first remem-