Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1901-05-29

oftlB iIhO bLC p hIt III luc ldSulOu
azine?"
Never mind the fashion magazine"
said Lisette, but run and set the table
as fast as you can. And be sure that
you put on the very best cups, and re-
member to turn the cloth so that the
darned spot will come under the tea
tray!"
And down sped little Barbara, with
checks as red as cherries, and black
braids breaking loose from their pins
in a confusion of shining jet; while
the guest, sitting composedly out up
on the porch, had had full time and op-
portunity to comprehend the entire sit
uation.
Il seem to have arrived at an inop-
perfume season." said he to himself. 'I
am sorry now that | accepted good old
Doctor Blooms cordially proffered hos
pitality But | am rather too substan-
tial to vanish down into crack, and
too real to float up in puff of vapor,
like the genii in the children's story
books, so | must just remain here and
abide until the end of it. But I'm glad
they arn't going to make little Bar
bara's pigeons into a fricassee.''
Three minutes afterwards, whe1.
little Ben. the youngest of the family.
rushed whistling out with a coverea
basket, he was deftly intercepted by
the stranger.
Where are you going, young man."
questioned he, in low voice.
ITO the Widow Millett's" said Ben
ny, with a note"
Don't go there" said the stranger
go across the woods to the hall, in
stead-it is but a few steps further
and give Ibis card to the old house
keeper there. And hard ye. Tommy"
Benny, sir. please" explained the
lad.
Benny, then-don't let your young
ladies know tlat you haven't obeyed
their orders. I'll make it all right
with them, and here's a silver dollar
for you"
Benny darted away, with his face all
smiles, and just then up came the old
doctor himself, apologizing for having
been so long in finding the dusty old
volume which he carried under his
arm.
But I always lose track of time
when | get among my books" said he
Barbara had just come down stairs
after hurried toilet, which had added
pink ribbon bow ta her dress and a
cream-colored rose to the heavy black
braids of her hair, when she found
Lisette in the little dining room.
Barbara" cried Lisette, "just look
here? Is it enchantment that has been
at work."
For upon the table was spread a COL
lation of cold boiled ham. sardines
glistening with their fragrant oil,
chicken salad, iced sponge cake, white
grapes, and strawberries as large as
lady apples. On the floor two or three
long-necked claret bottles protruded
from pail Of powdered ice, and a
slender roll of French bread was cut
in slices on a napkin in the centre of
the board, while half dozen pates de
foie gras, in their metallic cans, stood
opposite.
Benny's big eyes, watching them
from behind the lilac bush that shaded
the window, grew preternaturally
bright as he noted their amazement,
and at the same moment the doctor
shufiled in, all unconscious of his car
pet slippers and carelessly buttoned
dressing gown, and ushered his guest
into the presence of his daughters.
Here's Mr.. Dulcimer, Lisette," said
he. Barbara, little girl, here's our
neighbor, the young squire. Dulcimer,
let me present you to my girls-Blonde
| and Brunette, as we sometimes call
EN-, no, ha, hal"
And in the midst of their consterna-
ton and perpleXity, Lisette and Bar
bara were obliged to assume the part
of gracious and undisturbed young
hostesses.
They all enjoyed their impromptu
lunch in spite of the mystery that sur
rounded it; and when Mr. Dulcimer
returned to the hall. they all walked
halfway through the woods with him.
DO you know, Mr.. Dulcimer," said
Barbara, with sparkling eyes, Il fan
cied you naughty aristocrat, who
wouldn't notice his humble neigh
bors at ALI"
Il hope you are disabused of the idea
now," said the young squire, smiling.
"Oh, entirely" said Lisette.
and believe me-" said Mr.. Dulcimer,
holding Barbara's slim, brown hand in
his a second or so longer thanwas alb
solutely necessary, Il should never
| have forgiven myself, if, through any
law of stern necessity, l had eaten up
your white doves in the shape of a
fricassee."
And he disappeared into the woods,
leaving Barbara and Lisette looking
with amazement into one another's
eyes.
"Lisette," cried Barbara, breathless-
ly, 1t is possible that he could have
heard what we said?"
And then Benny was called into the
witness box and made to own up that