Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1908-09-10
LADY OF THE ROSES.


mass of greenery. Rose trees, investi-
cation proved it. Red and white roses;
their perfume scented the air.
The traveller paused, and, leaning
on the little white gate, eyed them
thoughtfully From so many one would
never be missed, or if missed, regret
ted. He gazed around, not stealthily,
yet, undoubtedly searchingly.
He opened the gate and entered;
buccaneers may have worn such a look
as he. Few gardeners but would quail.
Around clump of bushes he strobe.
"Oh!" cried the girl. Startled, she
dropped handful of roses, which fell,
red and white, on the gravel path.
She was clad in muslin, a material
which. however unsuitable from hor-
ticultural point of view, was artistical
ly Incompatible.
From beneath a sheltering sun-hat
her eyes cleaned with an
noyance inquiry? She
Strengthened herself from her STOPPING
posture and brushed a curl from off
her brow.
The intruder dropped quickly on one
knee. Her look of incipient alarm
faded as she observed that he gather
ed together the roses which lay scat
tered at her feet. Yet one might have
thought this latter action was in the
nature of an after-thought-an excuse
Cor an impulsive movement.
He rose to his feet, and with a
courtly gesture restored her spoil. AL
most she accepted it as a gift. She re-
F"oated stephan act which aroused
urn &c an appreciation Of his intru,
sion.
Madam he murmured, bowling Low
that her age was but twenty sum-
mers was no reason for employing
the vocabulary of shopwalker-
Madam" he said accordingly, dare l
apologize?"
She gave permission with an inclina
ton Of her head.
Where there is no regret" he re-
flected, however, there can be no
apology"
can expression of regret" she sug-
gested, would be but polite" Albeit,
she was not insistent, leaving the
point for his consideration.
"Polite!" he protested He gave to
his accompanying glance a meaning
which brought deeper tinge of pink
to her cheek.
Desirable then" she amended cool
L., - IL
she awaited his judgment
81 crave" said he, bowling to her
wish, your pardon; little as | regret
having given you cause for displeas.
ure"
She cast a questioning glance at
him.
For the reason" he explained,
that had | not offended | should not
have been permitted to-apologize
She bowed-a bow inferring an &C.
ceptance both of the apology and the
compliment.
You came" she hazarded, with an
indicatory sweep Of the arm, for
roses?"
He was forced to admit the truth of
the accusation.
Had I but suspected your pres
ence," he pleaded, 81 should not have
come-for roses"
Red and white roses; their perfume
scented the air.
Nevertheless, she insisted, you
came for roses"
H6 watched her movement anxious
ly. From neighboring bush she
plucked a red rose. With her head on
one side she considered it for an in
slant. Then with the air of one MAX
ing concession she added to this
white rose.
She glanced from the roses to him
and caught his eye fixed upon her.
With a gesture lowering between en-
barrassment and intimacy she prof
fered them.
They hinted at the inevitable and re-
uctantly he accepted both.
A desire is never satisfied; achieve.
ment is but a dam which diverts it's
course. Therefore, he fingered
Il am seeking words" he responded
to her raised eyebrows, "wherewith to
thank YOU
"They are unnecessary" she said,
as her eyes fell before his glance
Slowly she moved toward the gate,
a rustling amongst the bushes hasten
ing her progress
At a bench by the gate she paused,
and fumbled awhile at her gown.
"Oh!" she cried at length, dis
tressed
The intruder offered her a wealth of
service.
HALF crown?" she murmured in
some confusion.
Even that was at her disposal
Thank you" she said, as she placed
it upon the seat.
She passed through the gate, and he
" Flowed, bewildered.
The flush deepened in her cheeks as
she answered his unspoken query.
II also was just passing" she
explained softly-F. Harrji Deans in
The Sketch.