Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1905-05-05
THE oAvLzvs' MOUNTAIN TRIP.

They were extravagant in leisure. They
took time to know each other and the
world. They kept two servants, and went
on long bicycle trips In all else they
were economical-even parslmonious.
When they went on trips, they never stop
ped at expensive places. They avoided
hotels and high priced restaurants. They
took their food and their Views In primi-
tive fashion. Constantia had been known
to say-more truthfully than wittily, per-
haps-that she did not need to have her
scenery served on a platform to enjoy 1t.
This cutting allusion referred to the three
mountain houses that surrounded the
neighboring peaks and desecrated the
landscape.
Marcus, be 1t known, was Of more
catholic temper. He knew how to be
abased and how to be exalted. He could
climb the steepest mountain In the neigh
borhood, throw himself GREATNESS and
solitary, on the carpet of moss at the top,
and drink in the glorious view, careless
of the absence of all other drinks OF any
kind whatsoever. Or he could ride proud
ly up the inclined railway. pay his fare
like a man, step patronizngly out upon
a lofty platform. and survey the scenery.
He could view 1t, with calm countenance,
through a telescope, or a colored glass,
or a straw. as the case demanded. The
presence of a soda fountain at his back
and peanut-stand around the corner did
not mar his enjoyment. Even Sunday
school picnic with a band had no terrors
for him in the presence of a glorious
scene.
Constantia's prejudice was thus a sealed
book to Marcus He respected 1t. how
ever. He respected, too, the demands
of economy. He saw that while a plat
form may not hinder view. neither does
1t materially help it-besides being ex-
! pensive. Machine and platform views
were therefore avoided.
| 1t fell out, however. upon a day, that
| wind and mud combined to force the hap
less riders along a road that led to the
famous Folderol Pavilion. They rode
along chatting carelessly, exulting in the
cool air unconscious of danger. They
could turn off by some cross-road; they
| could hurry and catch a train at the little
way station further down the road; they
could do any one of many things. There
was not a possibility that they would
visit the Pavilion.
| They stopped at a farmhouse for a
drink of water. They espied, on a shelf
in the back kitchen where they drank the
water and chatted with their hostess, an
| oldfashioned platter. 1t was mulberry
pattern, without a crack and beautiful
to look upon. Their hostess listened in
amused scorn to their comments. II don't
set no great store by it. 1t was my grand
mothers. I'd a sight rather have clean
| white one"
In mute comment they looked at each
| other For years they had sighed for
large platter. For years Marcus had
| splashed gravy on the tablecloth-and
such a platter!
would she be willing to sell AZ"
why, yes, she'd just as lieves."
What would she ask for it?'
'oh, she should think dollar would
be about right"
chase. They could not take 1t with them
then. They were going to ride further
II they decided that they wanted 1t, they
would stop on their way back
Well said Constantia, when they
were clear of the gate, that is too big a
bargain-even II We haven't any money"
1T is a fnd!" Marcus leaped into his
saddle. mo more gravy puddles for mel"
They rode along elated. They talked
OF the pfattteFis merits II might have
been an Old Master. They decided to go
without at least three expensive garments
to justify themselves. They fell into holi-
day mood They came to a turn in the
road.
Lets keep on up the mountain" sug-
gested Marcus; I'VE can hide our wheels
here in the bushes"
Constantia's face clouded. I'm not go
ing near that Pavilion
"Oh. no, we wont go near that Wen
strike on TO the South Peak. Just look at
those clouds!'
Constantia looked The sight OF the
mountain house always put her in a
smoldering rage But the cloud effects
were marvellous 1t was not day to miss
for a within. She succumbed.
They hid their wheels and began to
climb. The memory of the platter still
soothed them. 1t cleaned softly in the
background Of their thoughts.
Here's the path to the South Peak"
Marcus pulled out his watch.
What time is it?" asked Constantla,
| carelessly
"Half-past four"
What a shame! We shall have to
give It up. We couldn't get back in time
for dinner"
Nonsense! what difference does that
make? Come on"
we can't be late again so SOON" said
Constantla, decidedly annie almost
gave notice last time, you know"
They looked at each other. Annie was
treasure. The view would be superb.
Constantia turned grimly back.
Marcus hesitated. He looked at the
summit, still miles away-beautiful sun
set-hurrying masses of clouds. I'VE
must go up the railway" he said, deci-
sively, He did not look at Constantia.
"Marcus!"
1T won't be so bad. See how glorious
it Isl" He waved his hand toward an
opening in the trees, blue vista Of haze
mists and sunlight.
IT can't. Marcus. You go on; I'll wait
here"
"Oh, come on! It's only trlie for the
railway. Besides, l shouldn't enjoy 1t
without you"
1t was always the final argument. Con-
stantia turned her steps toward the little
station.
They seated themselves in the throne
like chairs OF the holiday car. The ma
chine below throbbed. The great cables
frightened. They moved slowly toward
the distant top. The car was a bucket
between earth and sky. Constantia grasp
ed the sides Of the seat firmly. She fixed
her gaze on the bottom of the bucket. She
owned to qualms. At the final bump, a
Swiss muslin cap and false front peered
down over the curb, with business air,
into the car, Just as II we were eggs or
products" said Constantia.
"Or tourists" said Marcus.
little wicket gate flew open. They
stepped out into large room with win
dows on all sides. Rocking-chairs were
scattered freely about, and sofas and
papers. 1t was a spot to lounge in and
enjoy the view. Constantia stalked
haughtily through. She stepped out on
the observing platform The whole Con-
necticut valley lay spread out before her.
She pumped down upon bench, with her
back to the scene. She folded her hands
in front of her, waiting for Marcus to
enjoy the view. He followed slowly. He
had stopped to drop few atoning words
to the Swiss cap. He walked up and down
once or twice. He seemed to think he