Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-17
CHAPTER XIV.
GYp and GYpsies.

0yP c4A Wy HSASS'
During Mr.. Harlow's stay at Marion
Lodge Cover was 50 much engrossed. OUT
side of his lesson hours. with the pleasures
with which they were trying to enliven
that visit that Phil saw but little Of him.
Before this not many days passed when
| they did not meet, IL only for few min
utes. The hours spent with Cover were
about the only recreation he enjoyed.
The refinements Of his friends life, In
contrast to the coarseness with which he
was surrounded, had begun to appeal to
| him. He was naturally of cheerful dispo-
sition, but the glimpses of life at the lodge
were beginning to make him restless and
disconnected with his lot in life.
On the day before Mr.. Harlow went away
Cover had torn himself away from
the excitement and hustle in the par
lors, which were being decorated with
the hH"e kitche ln. where ns Fanny was making
salads and sweets to run out to the terrace
to watch Phil cut flowers for the house.
He brought handful of stolen CONNECTIONS
with him, and while they ate them he told
Phil all about the fine time they were ex-
pecting to enjoy that evening.
The boy listened eagerly and was enjoy
ing the recital until the thought came to
him that he would take no part in these
pleasures A lump came into his throat,
he tossed away the rest Of his dainties, to
Covers surprise, and returned to work,
clipping of the heads Of the poor flowers
as if he would vent his wrath upon them.
Cover watched him In amazement. why
don't you care to hear about our party?' he
asked.
There was no reply, but Cover was so full
Of the subject that he could not long hold
his peace, and Chartered away until his
companion said to him:
Here are the last Of the flowers; will you
take them in to Dean?"
Eyes; but don't you care to see how he
l. %l4yxH IN no orln
are stunning; come with me-"
Phil loved his flowers and he did desire
very much to see them, so he conquered
his i'll humor and followed his friend into
the house.
How do you like these?" Cover asked.
'"They look hideous." was the blunt an
swer.
Cover stared. 80
"Whlle l took such pains to cut long
stems to the roses, Dean has cut them of
and punched them all together. iney might
as we'll be paper roses. Why didn't he leave
those stems on and let each one hold up its
head and show how lovely it is?'
That's just what l say" exclaimed q
clear young voice, and. looking up, Phil
saw Antoinette standing in the doorway.
"They do not look right at all, but
haven't time to arrange them myself. I
wish. if you know how. you would do 1t"
Dean might not like 1t IL interfered."
"Ill tell him that 1 did not like his ar
| rangement," said the girl with a queenly
| You go to work and do what you like. and
| if the result does not please me I'll tell
| you so, too, with little laugh
Phil emptied the cut-glass vases of their
contents, looking Indignantly at the roses
bereft of their beautiful stems and foliage.
He begged some low dishes from Antoinette,
and when they were brought filled them
with the short-stemmed roses. With these
he covered the mantels. hiding the recep-
tacles which held the flowers with green
vines, ferns and asparagus. The long STEM
med roses that he had just brought into the
house he put into the vases, where they
smiled and nodded as If rejoicing that they
had not been despoiled Of their beauty.
AS he worked the bitter thoughts returned
to him. "Why should I be SO particular
about these flowers? won't be here to en-
| for meddling, and I may lose my place for
my trouble
Then his better nature came to the res
| cue. For shame! How can you be so sci.
| fish," 1t said. II know what I shall dc"
| he thought, 'if I may not enjoy these
| flowers this evening will do my very best
| to make those who will be here enjoy
them"
He worked away earnestly after that, and
there was no guest who took keener delight
In the result Of Pills work than he had
taken in doing 1t.
How lovelyl How perfectly lovely! ex-
claimed Antoinette, when she returned to
the door. And as grandmamma says, HOW
French You shall do all the decorating
hereafter. Cover" as that individual came
in sight. come in and see Pills work.!
Gee Whit! exclaimed her brother.
"Oh, Gower,-but there. l shall not scold
today, when every one Is so good to me.
Only think, grandmamma has promised to
| let me wear the ruby ring that has not seen
| the light for years-not since mamma wore
| II when she went to the Presidents ball!'
| Cover glanced at Phil. but his face be-
| trayed nothing, and he breathed sigh Of
| relief.
Dean was more surprised than pleased
| when he returned and found his work sup
| planted, but he was wise enough to hold
| his peace when Antoinette insisted that 1t
| was at her bidding that the flowers had
| been changed.
| Phil went home with a light heart that
| evening He was conscious Of having done
| his best and was gratified that 1t had
| proved a success. When they left the house
| Dean had given him a grudgng approval
| and said he supposed that he was too old
| fashioned to please that young lady, and
| he'd soon have to step down and give him
Phil only laughed at that, and said he did
| not want 1t, for he had something better
I in view.
| "Ani what may that be?" demanded the
| gardener.
IAN education. II can possibly get it.
| went to school until we came to Easton
| last autumn, and then as father had to
| give up his position and couldn't get work
| there, 1 was compelled to leave school and
get anything to do could find I'm saving
all can. and II father does not send for
| me 1 shall try to find work in the village
| and go to school this winter"
| After supper. the old feeling of depression
| returning, Phil sauntered out OF the house.
( away from Mrs. Irwin's scolding. and the
| sound of the chiIdren's crying-out into the
| starlight. The night was perfectly clear,
! although the moon would not rise until I
o'clock. He walked toward the forest
| "I wonder what IL the matter with me"
| he thought. 81 believe envy Gower-helloi
| What does that meant" He paused in
| amazement and his eyes opened wide when
| he saw a camp fire burning brightly In the
| wood. About 1t was gathered a group of
| dark skinned women, and in their midst
| stood Gyp, looking. in her white gown, with
| the weird light of the flames playing upon
| her. like fairy in the midst Of a group of
demons. From the wagons about them
| Phil saw that they belonged to a band of
| gypsies. and he rightly guessed that the
/ absence Of the men and horses was due to
/ the fact that the men had ridden the beasts
| to Easton and would spend the evening
there either In drinking or petty thievery.