Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1910-05-13
AMan and a Maid

grass hrOunQ MIN tuNuihk nih eyes
from the slanting rays of the sun.
ascent Of clover filling him with sub
tie delight LAzily he stretched out
iand. shapely as a woman's. and
pl icked a blossom. Poor little how-
err" he murmured, wistfully. you're
ramp, too But how sweet He In
haled the fragrance Of It more deeply,
'hen sighed.
"Helgh-ho, may as well get up and
uiove on. TITS pleasant here, though"
It was early morning and the dew lay
chick upon blade and petal thick. too,
ipon his own clothing. but the man
,,4d not mind. He did not move, but
continued to lie still, with eyes half
closed. looking up at the sky. Sud
denly he heard woman's voice raised
IN song. its tones soft and sweet as q
church chime. A strange thrill ran
through him. for the melody was one
he well remembered-his mothers
tavorite. All. It was SO many years
since In a moment his eyes
we're full of tears.
And then he saw her. Indeed, she
hsd almost stumbled upon him. There
a4s no fright in the gray eyes that
loesed down into his, only wonder and
great pity.
'You have been here all night" she
asked.
"Yes, miss,T be said simply. rising
and marvelling that such loveliness as
,hat before him could belong to hui
man being.
Are you hungry7" was her quite
human question.
mo, MISS" he lied.
"But you must eat some breakfast,
or you will be, soon. See what /
have here" On one shapely arm hung
a basket, which she opened, disclosing
some neat piles of tiny sandwiches, q
glass OF jelly and large piece Of
cake.
81 was bringing these to an old lady
who lives over there" she explained,
pointing to a tiny cottage near by,
"But you may have them. ! will get
= ore for her." She placed the basket
1pon the ground.
Aren't you afraid of met" he ques-
toned her. The gray eyes opened
w.se. Afraid oh, no--Are you not
gentlemanf / was sure"
He looked at her helplessly. Like
au angel she seemed to him as she
stood there, her bright hair imprison-
lng the sunlight, her beauty as great
as the worlds itself that perfect morn
rz. Suddenly, without warning, Love
cred the mans heart, anc he want
eo to run away. because II was hurt
ing him.
tits a pleasant life. is 1t not-the
rowing oneT the sweet voice asked, as
its owner with graceful movement,
spread upon a rock near by q napkin
which she had taken from the basket
"You are happier than us stay-at'
homes, are you notf"
"Us stay-at-homes," she repeated
as IL the expression fascinated her
and. bending over her task Of arrang
ing the food upon the improvised ta
bic that he might not see her face as
she said It. Suddenly she looked up
"Oh." she breathed, "One might tel
you something? Something way dowT
In ones heart meant" There was
ouch OF shyness in her manner and
her face quivered ever so little
There Is one-who is dear to me
who-stays away-oh, much, because
he is not content TO remain IN on'
place. But he is coming home to stay
for good. Oh, you know what It is tC
have that feeling in you. do you thinl
he will stay home when he comesi
mean. stay and be happy7"
There was world of appeal in hel
eyes now.
"You speak Of your brother-ol
your father, psrhaps?" he asked in I
voice that sounded far away.
"Oh, no-my betrothed," she re
Piled, as though surprised that he dit
not know. My" But the hurt wal
greater now, and the man did not tr,
to stay near her any longer.
The little church was crowded dur
Ing the wedding service. People cam'
from far and near to see Mary VIM
made the wife Of her wanderer lover
and many tender blessings we're show
cred upon the bride by those to whom
she had always seemed the kindes
Of ministering angels.
II was ali ONcfs 4ueSo tHO blOOu
hand in hand, on the lawn In front o
the church and listened happily to th'
expressions OF good will and esteem
that poured In upon them. And TIM
bride, while she smiled at them, pray
ed deeply. fervently. that 1t might no
turn out TO be all a dream, that h
would always stay as he had promised
Dear" he said when. hours later
they were alone. Il am quite sur
of myself now. See" He opened
small leather case and drew out of I
photograph. which he handed to heY
Mary uttered a little exclamation
why" she breathsd. "He is"
Yes. sweetheart. he told me. w
we're friends. you know. He said he
loved you, little woman. And he toll
me what a brute l was. He trayelle'
hundred miles to tell me-that. Poo
Harry! Why, what Is the"
For the golden head was buried ol
his shoulder and Mary Was cryin
soltly.--ANNA YORKE.