The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1905-11-22

tie mountains top and saw the sun
set, only to be late home to Aunt Su-
sans tea biscuit and cold chicken, and
having a surprising appetite. The next
day they made a picnic trip to another
mountain, leaving the horse halfway up
and walking the rest Of the way. At
noon they returned, and beside cold
spring that bubbled beneath a rock
they opened their lunch baskets. Then
they picked flowers, hunted for VIII
tergreen and decked the horse and
wagon with ferns and Wreaths Of lau-
rel-only simple country pleasures, it
is true, but they at least had the
charm of newness for two Of the party.
That evening they sang all sorts Of
songs from gospel hymns to comic
operas, and Blanch showed in so many
ways that she admired her new found
friend that there was no further re-
straint.
'sI wish you would stay with me IN
til my school begins, Blanch," said
Alice at the close Of the evening. IF
you knew how lonely I am, I am sure
you would
81 might be persuaded to make q
longer visit next summer" was the
answer, ':if you will return this visit
next winter. VIII you?'
81 won't promise now" answered
Alice. 81 am afraid should be out of
place in your society. I'm only coun-
try girl, you know
II shall feel hurt if you don't" re-
sponded Blanch.
Il should like to see that schoolhouse
Frank has spoken Of several times"
she said little later, "and that bare
foot girl he told about"
1t was the FIST allusion to his inter-
est in her that Rlanch had made, and
Alice colored.
"We will drive by where that girl
lives tomorrow" responded Alice, "and,
if you like, will call and see her. She
is the most original little old woman
in my school"
The next morning, when Frank and
his sister were alone for q few mo-
ments, she said, 81 am going to do you
a good turn today, Sir Mahomet, and
have a headache" and, laughig lit
tie, eff you are wise you will improve
your opportunities and persuade your
Sweet Alice to go after poad lilies
and leave me here"
81 could not think Of going after
lilies," Alice replied when be proposed
the trip, "and leaving your sister alone,
and then it is almost too warm to be
out in the sun this morning. # she
feels better this afternoon we will so
there when the sun gets part way
down"
Blanch kept quiet ell the morning
and after dinner. was the first to pro-
pose another trip to the lily pond. &
am in love with that old MILL" she
said, t.and I want to see it when the
sun gets down so it viii be shady
there"
When they reached the spot she at
once developed an unusual interest in
the mill and began an animated COZ
versation with the miller regarding it
and its history.
"You two go after ilies," she said
when Frank had the boat ready, "and
leave me here I'm afraid the sun on
the water will bring back my head
ache"
GAIL right, only your smiles will be
wasted on the miller. he is too old to
appreciate them, We won't be gone
long" said Alice as she stepped into
the boat. And now what spirit Of mis-
chief had come over her? She joled
and jested on all manner Of subjects
the boat, his rowing, Blanch's interest
in the miller-and her blue eyes spar
kled with roguish intent. She barred
one round arm tb the elbow and. pull
ing every bud and blossom she could
reach, pelted her cavalier with them.
"Did you learn that stroke at col
iege," she asked when one Of his oars
slipped, cor is that the way a yachts
man always rows 2"
In response to all this he said but lit
tie, for ne was thinking how~best to
say what was on his mind. He headed
the boat for the shore, and as it came
to stop he said. Lets get out and sit
on the bank, Miss Page. want to
rest"
"Oh, we must not stop. It's almost
sundown, and. besides, want more
lilies"
Wont you get out, Miss Pase: he
asked. '!I've something want to say
to you and-and it's nice to sit in the
shade and talk"
Without a word or even 4 look she.
arose and, taking his proffered hand