The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1905-05-04

BATH her face leyn a fres& white

solitude Of the orchard.
She climbed to her favorite seat in
the fork of an old apple tree. and had
been there long enough to get rested
and cool. when gentleman came
sauntering along through the shady
sweetness of the old orchard.
| Ange did not see him in time to run
away, or even get down from her
perch. and sat still and almost breath
less, hoping he would pass by with
out seeing her.
But he came on. straight to that
particular tree, a fold Of her dress
brushing his sleeve.
He glanced up. and said quickly:
II beg your pardon"
"It is granted" she said, frigidly,
apparently intent on her book.
He stood still.
II am a stranger here; came down
with my friend Royal Dent this morn
ing. You are a member of the family
III -esume:" lifting his hat. and
speaking: in the most respectful tone.
Ange raised her sparkling eyes, a
slight smile curling her fresh. red
lips.
Il am the cook, sir"
"Ah, yes! 1t must be delightful to
serve so charming a family" leaning
against low, sweeping bough. and
friendly eyes. thought Ange, feeling
a trifle warm.
Are you laughing at them. sir:'
| NO, indeed. l am in earnest. he
quickly cried.
Just as I thought-ready to fiirt
with mistress or maid" said Ange to
herself She stole glance at him.
He is very handsome: but beauty
sometimes covers very deceitful
heart. shall test this fine gentle
man."
He interrupted her thoughts.
MAY l have an APPLE"
"If you like them 50 green"
Encouraged by her 'friendliness, the
gentleman drew nearer, and While
they partook of green apples their ac-
ouaintance progressed rapidly.
That meeting was only the begin
ming. A week passed. and every day
Allen Estwald managed to see the
cook. for Ange still filled that posi-
ton.
At last they succeeded in securing
the services of stout woman. ana
with a little nervous laugh Ange said
Aunt Mary wished her to return home.
Il will come this evening. and be in
troduced at the tea table" she said,
and went away to her favorite haunt
in the orchard. She felt sorely trou-
bled. 1t was her duty to betray Est
valid but she shrank from the task
with trembling dread, and finally de-
cided to keep silent. Just as she had
arrived at the generous conclusion he
made his appearance.
$50 YOUR situation has been taken
from you?" he said, with grave con-
Germ.
YES" heaving a sigh.
"What will you do:"
"Try to find another"
81 can offer you one if you will ac-
cept it." speaking slowly and doubt
fully. and coming quite close to her.
You are kind" she murmured.
averting her face. What shall nave
to do?"
THE first and most important duty
will be to love me as deeply and as
truly as l do you,' coming nearer
still, and stretching out his arm un-
til it half encircled her.
"Mr. Estwald-sir! how dare your
she cried out, turning her flushed face
and flashing eyes toward him.
Hush. Ange, until have finished"
"Ance% You know me. then:'
YES" he said and boldly took her
hand. .
Now, how long have you known"
she faltered, blushing deeply.
Royal told me the first Cay. fell
in love with your picture before l
saw you, and Royals account of your
manifold perfections determined me
to see and win you, if could"
He talked eloQuently. and must have
won her complete forgiveness, for
when he lifted her down from her
perch, he ke.t her close in his arms
minute, and stole kiss from the sweet
lips unrebuked.-New York News.