Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-02-19

ly clad for cold weather, recklesslA
took down an old bombazlne cloak.
originally bright brown, but now
faded In as many streaks as zebra
hide which had hung from time i'm
memorial in the back entry.
where's the bombazine cloak, pa
said Seraphina after supper as she
took the milking pail. It's raining
little, and the cows haven't come home
from pasture yet"
IF l had a pair OF eyes, Ia use
them" said Mes. Foxglove, coming 10
the rescue and viewing the row OF
empty pegs with an eager glance wen,
declare! Nehemiah" turning to her
husband, that comes OF leaving you
to keep house You must have gone
of and left the door open, and some
tramp has got In and robbed u.s..
Il did just step out to the woodpile
for some more logs" said the FARMER,
thankful for the avenue OF escape that
was opened to him. But l wasn't gone
long"
Meanwhile pretty Seraphina, singing
softly to herself folded an old striped
shawl around her taper shoulders ana
went out to the pasture after the
truant cows.
Old Tulips bell was jangling among
The silver stemmed birches on the
bleak hill. They were already on the
homeward path. but Seraphina ioitered
unnecessarily on the footbridge that
spanned a brawling brook.
All was still and dusk, certain
frosty sweetness was in the autumn
air. and the only visible person was Il
woman farther down the brook VINO
was dipping out water.
Suddenly there was another step
strong, swift and full OF purpose. Sera-
phina's eyes Frightened. vivid color
rose in her cheeks.
There he comes now" she muir
INJURED There comes George!"
To her surprise and dlsmay, however,
the cavalier did not come up the hill,
but stayed his steps beside the other
woman below.
HE is throwing his arms around her
neck" thought the indignant Seraphl-
ma. He is-yes, he is actually kissing
her! But | don't care. Why should |
care? I'm sure 1t don't matter to me-"
Seraphina hurried the cows home and
finished the milking in less time than 1t
had ever taken her before. She was
just carrying in the foaming pail when
a tall figure approached.
"Seraphina!
Pray don't trouble yourself to speak
10 me-" said Seraphina, with toss Of
the head, ''or If you do please call me
Miss Foxglove"
And Seraphina vanished through the
kitchen door
What's the matter, Phiny" said her
mother. noticing the girls quick move
ments and heightened color.
Nothing. ma" said Seraphina.
II was getting toward 8 o'clock when
there came a knock at the door. Mrs.
Foxglove opened IT, There stood the
Widow Waterman.
Il hope I'm not intruding," said Mrs.
Waterman, but here's the brown bonn
bazine cloak, Mr.. Foxglove, and, hum.
bly, thanking you all the same. I'd rath-
or not wear it.
"EhY' said Mr. Foxglove in amaze
ment.
at was very kind of you to give it to
me-" went on Mrs. Waterman, to the
utter discontinue of the poor farmer.
but there's some things as human flesh
and blood can't bear. and 10 have Dea-
con pullaby'S son asking If he could not
see me home when | come out of the
store. and Mr.. Ferdinand Pluff saying
was to be at the dance at Melinda Ed
wards on Tuesday night and might he
all for me at s o'clock well, it's rather
upsetting. But the worst OF it all was
when | went to get little water at the
brook young fellow seized hold OF
me and was going to kiss me. believe
It's the brown cloak as done 1t all, y
with a meaning glance at Seraphna
Foxglove. $50 If you would please to
take IL back, I'll try and get along with
my old shawl a spell longer. And the
roast chicken was very good. sir, and
| lhdl upplC PIC NOuihii I NC pNot'
There was a moments direful silence
and then Mrs. Waterman sided out of
the room and betook herself once more
to the mysterious silence Of the night.
well, declarer' said Mrs. Fox
glove.
ma, don't scold pa" said Seraphina
half way between laughing and cry.
ing.
The farmer feebly rubbed his hands.
II think I'll go to bed" said he.
And he went Seraphina. running out
for a pitcher OF waterathe last thing
before shutting the house for the night.
nearly stumbled against George Pater-
son.
Goodness me! What are you doingT''
said Seraphina.
IL can't 20 home and sleep, Seraphina,
while you are angry with me" said the
poor fellow. who was very desperately
in love. What have doner'
Nothing" she replied. "Except-ex-
cept that you can't blame me for being
jealous when | see you hugging and
kissing the Widow Waterman"
1T was the cloak, Seraphina-tho
brown cloak that misled me- pleaded
ftn..,,a "A "a