Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-06-26

Andrew, impatient and totally uncon-
sclous OF their anxieties In his behalf,
bluntly locked his door In her very
face and, getting out his printing
frame. settled down to business.
The sunshine was bright In his south
window. and he had n print complet.
ed IN quick time. He held It to the
light excitedly. the water dripping
from It,
christmas, It's a goddess he ejac.
ulated.
She peered out at him, her laughing
face round and mischievous Her
dress was of olden style, with huge
panniers at the side and trim, laced
bodice with low French neck and
little pun sleeves. One tiny foot stuck
out saucily In high heeled French
boot.
Andrew stared at her amazed. The
arched eyebrows and delicate face
were patriclan. She might have just
stepped out Of some old French paint
ing. Why had he not noticed her as
he snapped the picture? II was all
mysterious. Then he heard Mr.. Merri-
wether's step outside and called to
him:
"Any little French court ladies'
around herc?" he inquired.
Andrew opened the door. and Lemuel
came In, a puzzled expression on his
honest old face.
mot that know Of" he answered
"Well, then. I'm seeing things"
laughed Andrew. because ! saw one
In the woods yesterday. puffs and ruff
fies and high heeled shoes"
"You did," exclaimed Lemuel slow
ly. You did, eh?'
Then. to Andrews surprise, Lemuel
quickly took the key from the lock
and. putting II In again on the outside
Of the door. went out. locking It behind
him.
Andrew pounded and yelled In rage
and surprise. but all to no purpose. A
half hour went by; then a carriage
drew up to the door, and second lat
or Lemuel unlocked Andrews door and
entered, a strange gentleman with him.
mot feeling well, hear" the
strange gentleman remarked.
"Tirst l knew of It," spluttered An
drew.
Hes got relapse" exclaimed Lem
uel. "Gone crazy like. Seeing things.
Saw French court lady In the woods
yesterday But he got no further.
DIR. Snow broke out into a mighty
roar.
$50 you are the young gentleman"
he said Lets see the picture"
Andrew brought Il sulkily forth, not
yet understanding.
"It's my niece, Dianthe Barrows,"
explained the doctor after minute.
still laughing.
Andrew smiled. Dianthe!
How the name fitted her!
'She was attending fancy dress
lawn party at Stratford, about six
miles up the river. on the other side.
She padded down In. her canoe and.
seeing those pretty birch trees, wan
dered into the woods, hiding her canoe
I'm the bushes. She saw you, but you,
Of course, did not see her. She knew
that she would probably show In the
picture. as she happened to peer out
from behind the trees just as you
snapped It. She was dressed in a
French costume that used to be her
great great-aunt's. We had good
laugh last night when she told us
about 1t. We could imagine what a
surprise 1t would be to the gentleman,
whoever he might be. after the picture
was printed"
at was" said Andrew, laughing h.n:
self now.
isis she staying with you here In
town."
The doctor smiled little.
YES; for the summer. At present
she is sitting outside in my buggy.
holding the horse"
an come out and meet her." said
Andrew promptly. II always knew
I'd marry a girl named Dianthe."