Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-07-30
An Idyl of the Sugar Beet Fields
Copyright, lsoa, by Daily Story Pub. Col
By BELLE MANXATES

the sugar beet factory, to be up and doing at the dawn of this summer day. He hurried to the down town office of the factory, where troop of noisy, happy youngsters were await ing with impatience their drive to the fields few miles distant, where they were to weed the beets and receive generous payment for each hours work
 It was something of task to take their names and get them slowed away in the big wagons in waiting, and he gave 8 groan of relief when the task was over He heard the door open.
 ''Another!" he thought, weari1y, az he raised his head from the ledger. The look of impatience vanished at the sight of tho slender young figure of girl presumably 19 years of age, who stood before him. Her face was flair and delicately pink A big, broad brimmed hat rested on a head crowned by shining, reddish brown hair, and the eyes that harmonize with such hair looked appealingly up at him.
 What can I do for you?' he asked in courteous tones.
 ''I want to weed beets The driver said he'd wait while I came and got ticket"
 Waldo glanced at the dainty white hands with the well-kept nails.
 Why he said,. deprecatingly, "do you know it's hard work in blazing hot field, stepping over and pulling up those tough weeds? Do you think you could endure it?''
 T can--if they can,'' she said, with 8 sigh, pointing to the boisterous mob without
 What kind of work do you do?' he asked. skeptically.
 Il sew. But I don't like it. want to try out of door work
 Well, be careful he advised, as he went out to the wagon with her. He noted apppovingly the neat. well-f1t- ting gingham dress and, as she climbed into the wagon, he had 8 heeting glimpse of slender foot and a shapely ankle.
 He watched the wagons of merry makers drive away.
 They seem to think it's a picnic" he thought, grimly. They'll Eot be so gingery when they come in to- night. I'm thinKicg,
 All through the morning his thoughts wandered to the sweet, dream-centered face of the last appli- cant, Myra Cole. About II o'clock he said suddenly to the bookkeeper:
 II am going to drive out and see how our kindergarten is progressing"
 He arrived at the fields just as the little weeders were about to begin their midday meal. They were tired, dirty and perspiring, but still happy and noisy. He found his vision of the morning with little tot on each side of her.
 stGive your luncheon all to them" he said, peremptorily. T drove out to see how things were working, and brought luncheon enough for both of us. Come down to the road where my horse and carriage are
 She followed him obediently.
 Shall we serve 1t in the carriage?'' he asked
 There is nice shade tree across buC IOdu. WE CnH 5pFSHn AL OuL HUI G comfortably there"
 He agreed with this suggestion and watched her unpack and arrange the luxurious luncheon he had brought.
 How did you keep your hands from burning?" he asked.
 T wore some thick gloves, and I didn't pull very many. couldn't stand the sum- I am afraid I haven't earned much, but will do better when I am used to it.
 They sat down on the ground to the luncheon and he YVES pleased to see that she ate as daintily as she did other things.
 Are your parents living?" he asked
 Yes; I live at home with them"
 "And are they very poor? Pardon the question, but it doesn't seem as if you were fitted for such hard labor."
 II have to help. My mother is an invalid
 "Oh,' he said, sympathetically. "And your father? Does he work?'' works
 Have you any brothers and sis ters?"
 One brother
 Where does he worl?''
 "Ie doesn't work yet. He is year younger than |"
 He is old enough to work. He should be the one to do this instead of you," he growled
 When they had finished luncheon he asked her ito drive during the rest of the noon hour. She hesitated and looked little doubtful as to accept ing.
 aItll do you good and rest you for the afternoon" She finally consented to take a lit. tie drive, but insisted upon returning to the field at one o'clock.
 Where do you live?'' he asked, as he helped her out of the carriage.
 "At 415 Twelfth street." she replied. with slight blush.
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