The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1903-02-20
CHAPTER III-Continued.

CHAPTER III-Continued.
The hotel stood upon corner, and
on two sides of it there was q wide
veranda, at one end of which mother
and daughter were sitting. The girl
was plain, shy miss of II, while
the mother proved to be woman of
ample proportions, with worn but
kindly face which showed that her
path through life had not been among
the roses. Her manner towards
Rossiter was at first marked by
decided reserve, but when her son eX-
planned that he was indebted to ''the
gentleman" for a very particular
favor, she thawed perceptibly, and
later, when Rossiter contriyed to
compliment Joe while the latter was
not listening, she quite beamed upon
him, and thereafter the newcomer
was fully established in her good
graces. Though her experience in
the world had been limited, like her
elder son she was a person of obser-
yation, and treated Rossiter with
something akin to Difference, detect
ing in him superiority of breeding
1t was not long before the clock
in the city hall not far distant pro-
claimed the hour of noon, fact that
was reiterated by sundry whistles of
different tones in various parts of the
city.
''You might as well be gettin' the
lunch out, Mamie" said Mrs. Becraft
to her daughter. 81 presume the boys
are ready for it, we had such an early
breakfast"
Rossiter now rose, remarking that
he would join them later.
"No, you don't" announced Joe Be
craft. "You amt goin' to run off like
that. We've got enough for ourselves
an two or three more. Besides, you'll
offend Ma if you skip out when they's
any eatin' goin' on. She'll take it as
a slight to her coolin'"
There was general laugh at this,
| and as Mrs. Becraft assured Rossiter
that her son knew her failings, he
was without much difficulty persuad-
| ed to resume his seat. Mamie Becraft
soon emerged from the hotel parlor
| (thus designated by little strip Of
| painted tin fastened above the door)
bearing a capacious basket, which
| was found to contain an abundance
of bread and butter, doughnuts, and
cookies. Joe darted across the way
and purchased bag of peaches from
| fruit vender, and then the al fresco
feast proceeded with much gusto.
''You see what have to provide
| for, Mr.. Rossiter," said Mrs. Becraft,
smiling at Jim, who was rapidly MAX
| ing away with his fourth fried cake.
''But, dear me, their appetite now is
nothin' to what it will be when we
get into the hop fields. l don't know
what Mrs. Merton will say when she
sees how her pies an things disap-
pear. Did you ever hear of the Mer-
tons? It's to their place we are goin',
you know"
Hes goin' too," put in Joe.
"Oh, indeed! 1 didn't under
stand" said Mrs. Becraft II suppose
mebbe you're acquainted with the
people?"
''No, I'm not" said Rossiter.
"Well, Mr.. Merton is one of the
largest hop growers near Hinton
vile. His farm is about 2h miles
from the village"
you've been there, then?"
"Yes, last year, Mamie an I, but
the boys never have"
Soon others began to arrive at the
hotel, and by half-past one as many
as 25 people-men, women, boys
and girls-had gathered on or
about the piazza. A few were
acquaintances of Mrs. Becraft
and her daughter and there was
a slight interchange of talk. A
subdued air of expectancy, however
pervaded the company, and the eyes
J of many, of the male portion more
particularly, were constantly turned
in the direction of Keneseo street
Just before two there was a cry OF
Here he comes!" followed by gen.
eral movement towards the railing OF
the part of those upon the veranda
) Over the heads of two boys who ha6
crowded in front of him Rossiter be-
, held a long wagon with seats run
ming longitudinally, drawn by two
powerful horses, moving leisurely to
wards the hotel. The driver, perched
upon seat considerably higher thar
the body of the wagon, swayed from
one side to another as the clumsy
vehicle ratified over the cobble-stone
! pavement, the smooth asphalt having
I not yet been laid in front of the
I Cottage hotel.
Its Jack Parmelee," Rossitel
& heard Mamie Becraft say to one o.
her brothers. Hes Mr.. Merton,
brother-in-law, an oversees tn,
farm"
The individual in question, an en-
ergetic appearing man of about As
o his hat pushed back upon his head
$ the dust clinging to his brown beart
i and causing it to seem flecked will
= gray, presently pulled his horses VI
: before the hotel and surveyed thos
q gathered upon the sidewalk and We
. randa.
! "All here?" he demanded, his grut