The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1903-09-25
The Guide.
BY CATHERINE NEWELL.

BY CATHERINE NEWELL.
Along the steep, tree-clad bank of a
winding west country stream a young
man climbed one bright, blazing June
afternoon.
Entirely bewildercd as to his where
abouts, now he stopped to peer up the
unexplored heights, now to look back
upon the silvery thread below, ALWAYS
starting afrcsh, puzzled as ever as to his
right route.
Soon, by good fortune, he stumbled on
guide
Hating by a tangled underwood. where
shadows and sunshine played hide-and-
seek in the summer breeze. he saw be-
yond the moving branches what. from a
distance, he had mistaken for a bit of
gray crag, but what in truth was the de-
caying wall of some old monastic cell.
and leaning lightly against it n young,
girlisli form, a book neglected at her feet,
hands lazily clasped, and dark eyes
dreamily gazing into the hazy distance.
The south wind, stealing around an
ivied corner, ruffled the dark feathers of
her hat and stirred the short, curling
chestnut hair below; but whatever
whispers it bore uponits wings, it carried
no tales of the stranger close at hand, no
suspicion Of an admiring watcher intrud-
ing on that happy solitude.
The 81 beg your pardon, but may ask
if I'm on the right way to Mr.. Hurst s,of
Persistence that presently broke the
stiffness was as startling rs a thunder
clap from an unclouded sky, and a vivid
blush rose on the young face that turned
toward the inquirer with the answer:
You arc right. if you wish to walk
round by the bridge"
But think was told to take a nearer
way" said the newcomer, pushing for
ward through a miniature forest of
brackcn and oak saplings, and disclosing,
under the broad brimmed hat he raised,
sunburnt features, young and cookbook
ing. Il was to find Mr.. Hurst's boat,
ferry myself over if it was on this side, or
shout for it if it was opposite. l have
kept watch for the boat all along, but
failed to find it. Can you direct me to
it,"
a glance, half-shy, half-amused, came
with the response to this:
afraid he hnot sc ,,Du.Iara
Some of them from the house are fishing
from it, believe"
"Unlucky! And the bridge"
"Wil take you four miles round. The
river winds so.
Now, the day was delicious for doing
nothing, and doing that at ones leisure;
but the very thought ola four-mile trudge
under three clock sun was exhausting.
The young man hesitated, casting long
ing eyes at a messy seat near by in
cool. shady angle.
His young guide had much ado to keep
from laughing, and a pair of fascinating
dimples began to hover about her checks.
us there no other way to get over?"
said he, distinctly disinclined to go.
"None at all" said she, with shake of
the head.
Then I have no choice. Thank you
very much for directing me-"
And, adding something to his farewell
of being forced to get on to Perristone,
the stranger turned to begin his long
walk.
Hercat conjunction overlook the
young lady, and her OBTAINING voice
brought him to a standstill.
as it Mr.. Hurst you are wanting to
see?"
"Well, partly-yes.
Then he is not at home. l saw him
drive toward Ross half an hour back
Indeed. Thank you; but must still
go on. shall find Mrs. Hurst within"
"Oh, no! MFRS. Hurst was to have
come back from Gloucester Yesterday, but
instead she only returns this evening".
This seemed stop final; but the gentle
man appeared to be still undecided, or
perhaps he enjoyed prolonging the con-
versation.
81 believe there a,c two Mr.. Hurst's, OF
Pcrristonc. | am speaking of-of he
squire"
and so"-with very pretty smile
cam l."
"And bring a note to him from my
hostess, Mrs Furnival, of Coombside,
who is his sister.
Aunt Helen! Oh, then, give it to me-
please, for am his daughter
At this off went the young mans hat
again; the note was handed forth, and a
prolonged study of the bright, Young
face enjoyed while its owner, taking the
underlined Immediate" for leave, opened
and read the missivc to her father
Dear Hugh-Please entertain the bear
cr of this for 4 few hours, and keep him
to dinner. He is Captain Ryland, son of
my old schoolfcllow you fell SO despcr-
ately in love with thirty years ago. |
am planning little surprise for him, and
want him out of the way. Will explain
when l come this evening with another
friend. Love to Charlotte, who came
back, of course, last night.
'lour affectionatc sister
MAUD FURNIvAL."
Give Iva fivc-and-twcnty kisses for
me! The child hasn't been to see me for
Il week"
The said "Iva'-diminutiv for Olivia