The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-08-09

/ trophe, but he was soon convinced
that no assistance was necessary. Sid,
by side they cantered along the coo
country road. They presented a strik
/ ing contrast, the polished city gentle
man on his well groomed. finely capar-
/ isoned thoroughbred. the bare -soot
/ country maiden riding barebacked, tho
/ unkempt, half broken colt
Water" he exclaimed. MAY we stop
and get a drink? I am so thirsty"
Certainly. IL you WISH
He dismountcd and Turned to assist
her, but she was already on the ground
He took of his soft felt hat. and crush
Ing it together. stopped to dip the
water.
Hold the pony, and l will give you
drink"
Though parched with thirst, he obeyed
her. With thorns and some large leaves
she deftly fashioned a fairy chalice, and
dipping the water she threw back her
bonnet
Adams ale. Drink ye all of it
a sight of her face made him to for
get his thirst. To that finely fibered,
artist soul, hers was the very most
beautiful face he had ever seen Deli
cately nodded. regular features; big,
dark brown eyes. carmine lips, the only
bit of cOloring in her perfect complex
ion. daintily curved like Eros bow; a
smile brought dimples to her cheeks to
match the dimple in her round chin:
the heavy braids of fluffy, brown hair
were wound about the small, well-poised
head and fastened just above the broad
brow with knot of scarlet ribbon. The
fulsome glare of admiration had not yet
dried the dew from the sweet field bios
som, for she was. apparently, entirely
unconscious of her extraordinary beauty
Drink fast" she laughingly com
manded; your cup is leaking" That
proud. independent, spirited man felt
singular, exquisite pleasure in obeying
her.
At the lot gate they dismounted A
short. sharp whistle from the girl
brought an angular hobbledehoy from
the region of the barn: he took charge
OF the horses and they two sauntered
to the house. Reuel was anxious TO
know something of her family. but he
refrained from inquiry, trusting time to
develop the desired knowledge. The
house was a tiny, whitewashed cottage,
nesting in a group of live oaks with
various climbing plants running riot
over if: in front was a well-kept yard
full of fashioned flowers.
Dada gave him a rocking chair on
the piazza. while she sat on the steps
and talked to him. Her unique origi-
nality was refreshing. He fully realized
that his personality had nothing what
ever to do with her frank friendIiness:
age and LONELINESS would have received
the same courtesy. He was a specimen
from world of pursuits outside of her
ken-therein lay the interest.
tall. gaunt. wizen-faced. old woman
in a black calico wrapper and blue
checked apron. came out on the piazza;
her scant gray hair was combed Sc
verely together and twisted into tight
little knot on the crown Of her head
Dada. want you mint" she said
brusquely.
The girl rose to go in Miss Julia
Hooper. the gentleman is Mr. Blair,
Daddy's friend"
Hired man." put in Reuel Blair
Reuel Blair, left alone. experienced al
satisfaction that the intro
duction of the grim duenna developed |
no relationship 10 the girl.
The simple, welI-served dinner in that /
Isolated, country home, presided over I
by the little country girl, was more en-
ioyable to him than the most elaborate |
menu. presided over by a hostess in
velvet and diamonds.
The afternoon was his 10 do with as
be chose. so he followed Mr. Christian |
10 the upper field. The shade Of the |
woods hard by soon, however. became /
so inviting that he crossed the fence and |
stretched himself on the cool mold and |
lozed the hours away Near sunset
be stole away and walked home with /
Dada
He was given a small room on the east /
side OF the house Everything In 1t. in !
1f his gracious hostess. Weary from his /
lays journey anC the excessive heat, |
he cool, white bed was inviting; with a /
delicious breath of honeysuckle coming /
10 him through the open window. and. as
S always so with those who are blessed !
With peace Of mind and ease OF body. he l
ell into deep. refreshing sleep. Early /
he following morning Mr. Christian /
5arne into his room and laid a bundle on
/ chair.
You said you WIS goin' to work this
nornin'. guessed as how you couldn't
hop cotton in your Sunday buds, so ! /
etched you some.
Though the face was serious, the clear
yes we're full OF laughter. II warn't
.ountin' or no SIGH good luck as gittin'
rusted FUR buds TO work In"
That's all right come, hurry up,
breakfast purity nigh ready" he return
a with his BLUM. easy-going humor.
Arrayed In the suit % indigo blue
lomespun. ReueI viewed himself in tho
mall mirror. His natural. long sup>
PRESSED love for fun got the better Of
In, and he laughed softly. He was one
II Gods creatures so gifted as 10 honor
whatsoever he undertook, therefore in |
harRe Of rairnent he lost nothing