Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-08
CHAPTER II,

Don't forget to call me early, Mrs.
Irwin said Phil to his landlady when he
retired that night. and she had obeyed his
instructions SO literally that he was at
Moses cabin before even he was ready for
work.
While he waited he walked around the
tiny two-roomed house, and noted through
the open door great fireplace, occupying
nearly half Of one side Of the larger room,
It's dimensions being defined by the square
stone chimney which rose from the center
of the house.
'.Ef yo'se to walk to de aidge O. de hill,
yander. yo' cu'd see whar yo'se to wuk,"
said Nose, who appeared anxious to have
Phil leave him. ''Jes' follah dat PAT through
de woods erbout twenty rods an yo'll see
de place.
The estate lay upon the summit and the
slope of an irregular crescent of hills and
extended far into the fertile valley. Almost
at the foot of the hfll upon which Phil
stood, and which was known as Old Sugar
Loaf Mr. Montjoy had erected his dwell
ing, Marion Lodge.
The lower part of the hill was terraced
and in summer was brilliant with flowers.
Although these were not yet blooming, the
trees were showing the silver green of early
spring. and the boy thought it one of the
most beautiful spots he had ever seen. He
looked long at the landscape; then turning
his eyes to the house, he was surprised to
find that, standing where he did, he could
look into the windows of the second story
and see woman moving about in one Of
the rooms
Phil! Whar are you, boy?" called Nose.
and, Fastening back to the cabin, he found
him ready to start. They got into the
wagon and were soon on the road.
Oars Dean" said Nose, as they turned
into the grounds and approached the house
by a great horseshoe driveway which swept
UP to the door, then back to the road, en-
circlng sunny lawn in it's embrace
They found the gardener on the terrace,
1 dun tole yo' bout. Mistah Dean Dis
yere's Phil, an reckon yoll fin i'm right
handy"
Dean looked Phil over sharply. well.
take hold and show what you can do" he
said.
The rake being the implement nearest the
boy, he seized 1t and began raking the grass
with long, even strokes, as If he had been
accustomed to that kind of work all his life,
although 1t really was new to him. But he
always gave his attention to the occupation
of the moment, determined to do his best,
and consequently he usually successful
in his undertakings
Both were too busily engaged to talk, but
presently the silence was broken by the
sound of an imperious. childish voice. say
ing: "Oh, Mr.. Dean! Please come and help
me! I am afraid to go down alone. and
Ant oinette has her arms full"
60 and help them, Phil" Dean said: II
can't De running after those girls and tend
to my work at the same time"
The boy started up Old Sugar Loaf. At
the summit he found two girls, almost hid
den behind the dogwood blossoms which
filed their arms The elder of these was
about eighteen years of age, a beautiful
girl. with a vivacious face. The younger
twelve years old, bore no resemblance to
her sister. A pair of black eyes, glittering
beneath mass of curls of the same hue.
gave her SO much the appearance of a
gypsy that she was known to the family as
Gyp instead of Marie. her real name
Painting from his run, Phil said, Shall I
take your blossoms?"
Yes replied Gyp: and, dashing a shower
of dogwood over him, she started wildly
down the hill, he expecting every moment
to see her fall heading to the bottom; yet
before he could gather up the flowers she
stood there in safety laughing at him.
He assisted Antodnette to descend. When
they reached Gyp she took her blossoms
and walked away, but the older sister stop
ped to thank the boy, and said: Mamma
Is going to have luncheon on the lawn to-
day in honor OF grandmamma's fete day.
She is ninety years old. We are going to
surprise her by trimming the table with the
dogwood: would you like to help us do
that?'
me-"
"ru ask him myself"
Go be continued)