The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1905-05-16

4
soft, white mist lay, Ike a shadow
of feecy pearl. over the line Of the
little alder-fringed river; and the train
from New York, after a minute
stop, flung out its black banner Of
smoke, and glided swiftly on, gradu-
ally accelerating its speed, as 1t
moved out Of sight.
Only two passengers for Cruxbor-
ough. 1t was no fashionable summer
ing place like Saratoga. Cape May,
or even Clifton Springs, but there
were few evenings when there were
not at least half a dozen to spring
from the platform Of the New York
cars.
Tonight, however, two only were
visible-two who stood staring at each
other with sort Of unwilling recog-
milton.
TITS never you, Fitzroy?" said one,
in a pearl-colored summer suit, with
an expensive Panama hat and gloves
of the palest primrose tint.
BLESS me. Symington, who expect
ed to see you here, Of all places In the
worldr' calculated Mr.. Fitzroy, who
was attired in immaculate white, with
a dainty sole-leather valise in one
hand, and cigar in the other.
Both young men looked decidedly
sheepish, as they might have done
were both very small boys, detected
by their maternal ancestors in the
very act of stealing sugar from the
top shelf in the cupboard.
There's q hotel here, suppose?"
said Symington, gazing obviously
around at the two or three houses,
the church and the miscellaneous
store which constituted the village Of
Cruxborough.
why, of course" responded Fitz-
roy, who was of a sanguine disposi-
tion.
And both the gentlemen adjourned
to the hotel-a one-story building,
with a barroom of disproportionate
size-to remove the dust Of travel
and smoke the cigar Of peace, or rath-
er of truce.
Both John Symington and Ferdin-
and Fitzroy had come on the same
errand-to see Olive Harcourt, the
belle and beauty, who had come to
Cruxborough to recruit her roses for
the next Philadelphia season.
Miss Harcourt had supposed that
Cruxborough would afford her safe
retreat from admirers and bores alike,
but she was mistaken. True love will
find its way through bolts and bars,
and it is not likely that few miles
OF wood and swamp will prove any
obstacle. At all events, it did not in
the individual instances of Mr. Sym
ington and his friend, Ferdinand Fitz-
roy.
Olive Harcourt was not su ,Msed to
see them the next day. as she sat
sketching on the slope of hill.
How is old Philadelphia she In
quired, "hot and dusty as ever?"
"well, yes" said Symington; ''but
It has it's advantages. Don't you find
1t very dull here?"
mot so very" Miss Harcourt an
swered I'm in a farm house-the
sweetest old elm-shaded spot you ever
sawr'
(But she did not invite MI. Syming-
ton to come there, Fitzroy observed,
with delight.)
ANY pretty places around here?"
Symington asked, with simulated ease
of manner.
"Oh, plenty of 'em! By-the-way,
can either of you swim?" cried Olive
her deep blue eyes sparkling into sud.
den brightness.
Mr. Symington unwiIlingly owned
n..lt he could not-neither, it appeared
could Mr.. Fitzroy.
"Of course noti Nobody even car
do what want 'em to do" pouted
olive "There are some of the sweet
est water-lilies you ever saw just out
in the stream, and do so want few
to model in wax"
Are they far? Perhaps l could
reach 'em with the hook Of my caneY
suggested Symington.
''No, you couldn't" said Olive, i'm
patiently. But I'll go and show then
to you, all the same. I'd give anything
in the world for some Of themr
"Anything?" repeated Symington
laughing.
"Yes, anything!" said Olive, with Q
sauey nod.
She knew she was safe enough.
Just where the River Croix makes {
little bend around the abrupt slopes Of
a tiny island, sweeping into the broad
er and bluer expanse beyond. lay III,
tangle Of broad green leaves, float
ing serenely, starred here and ther,
with the cream-white cups OF the
superb water-lilies.
oh see them" cried Olive. longing
s..,~rng her hands together. If
,Juld only get one-just oner'
Mr.. Fitzroy looked at Mr. Symlng
ton; Mr.. Symington eyed the far-of
lilies. Both Of them wished them
selves crocodiles. water-rats. specklc,
trout-anything, in fact, which coul,
swim.
VERY pretty said Symington.
upon my word. superb" said Tlt=
roy.
they continued their walk ovcr u
crest Of the hill to see cascade
A.. 49,.