The Somerset reporter., 1907-06-13
BY BERNARD BRAlNERD.

~ nUDDltas
A gentleman tiller this young man
might have been called, though the
style in which he was dressed on this
particular morning while working in
his garden was no faneiful affair.
A faded coat, corduroy trousers, earth
stained canvas leggings and an old
broad brlmmed hat composed his attire.
Between his teeth he held short
brierwood pipe.
Bently bent down and was soon bust
ly engaged III placing great cluster OF
sweet alysSum in its midst earthly bed
and finishing by encireling it with a
gorgeous Mabel Morrison
So engrossed was he in his work that
he did not hear the sound on the drive
in front of the house nor the light foot
fall on the gravel walk.
When he glanced up at last he was
startled to see a young woman but a
white summer costume trimmed with
ribbons and n huge picture hat. In
her hand she carried a white silk para
sol. Bently. however, saw only the
calm, beautiful face
"She looks like queen" was his
thought as he arose and lifted his hat
The young lady could not have failed
to see him. but. to Bently's surprise,
she did not notice his salutation. Bent
ly gazed after her in establishment,
She moved gracefully along his garden
walk occasionally pausing to look at
some choice specimen.
Bently very nearly fancied that this
proud intruder was n phantasy Of his
brain, and he stood starring after her
until she disappeared Then he decid-
ed to follow her. When she again APP
peared before him she was bending
over n r0sebuSh.
what are theseY" she asked, indi-
eating the pretty buds with her taper
ing finger
Bently described the variety of the
rose.
1T Is a very rare specimen" he
added.
Break me off several. please"
Bently deftly severed half dozen
punches and handed them to her. She
thanked him and moved away Bently
took out his handkerchief and mopped
his brow.
well, If this isn't puzzle! Shall
follow her again and speak to her?
She seems to be perfectly at home and
to regard me, egad, as the earth under
her feet. | must find some way to ask
this magnificent young person what
her business Is here"
His perplexity was dispelled for a
time by the lady looking over her
shoulder aud calling softly. "Will you
come here momentY
Bently was soon at her side.
What is the name of that beautiful
rose?" she asked. Indeed, that rose
the pride Of his garden-was a splen-
did specimen which Bently had watch
ed unfold In the dollhouse, and only
short time before he had overseen 1t
transplanted In the garden Two beau
tiful blooms were on the stalk. He
told her its name.
Zip me OH rose, please.
She noticed Bently's hesitation and
strange expression and said. 81 sup
pose you know | am Miss Blaney?"
The name still left Bently decidedly
In the dark. but he clipped rose and
presented 1t to her. with n bow
Miss Blaney, everything in this gar
den Is yours" he said CALAMITY.
II am glad you are aware Of it. she
replied as she pinned on the rose. Il
thought you doubted my right"
Not In the least" he said Your
visit Is too much OF an honor With
your permission will show you
through the garden. Perhaps there Is
something else you would fancy"
Ills intended irony was lost on his
fair visitor. She allowed him to walk
by her side like pet spaniel or cat,
not troubling herself to speak further.
Bently pointed ont and asked her to
accept some Of his most beautiful spec
linens. but every time she refused.
No, thanks. | shall ask no more ia
vors ! see you are jealous Of your
pets" she said Little wonder you
keep this place beautiful"
In a short time they had finished the
inspection Of the garden, and. looking
up. she said, Would you like to re
main here. or have you other arrange
ments?"
Bently looked at her in surprise.
"Well-I-certainly | would like to re-
maln-that Is. II you have no objec-
ton" he said, with a hooking smile.
Miss Blaney replied rather muslngly:
mo. do not think l could do bet
ter
She allowed her eyes to rove over
the garden. 1T is beautiful place.
am delighted with it,
Bently bowed low.
81 would like this question settled at
once" she said. Are you willing to
engage"
The humor OF it all began to appear
10 Bently.
But, Miss Blaney," he said. ut Is
my duty TO warn you that am very
high priced parsonage"
Il do not think you can take the adj
vantage of me because | am avon
an" she replied quickly, "for you will