Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1910-12-10

Nor, AiTs Norton went upstairs "
cozy Fpap about twilight, nnd Q
girls usually took iced tea and > d
sandwiches out ON the porch, WI e
they could lie In the hammorks a
book In one hand and n sandwich in
the other, safely screened from pryl q
eyes by the wistaria vines. The S1n-
day following the putting up Of ne
wire the hammocks were occuli I,
when some one came along the 81 O.
walk with quick, firm tread aud 81 o
liberately walked through the bro, IN
place In the hedge and across the ~ H..
Kit gave a smothered exclamn ion
and sat up, but before she could snpslk
there was the sound of fall at me
barbed wire guard, and the girls rose
with frightened yet half laughing
faces.
"Hello" called Kit gently. "Are YOU
hurt? 2"
There was no response for MINI e;
then some one answered in stran 20
voice:
II beg your pardon, but would YOU
mind ringing our bell and calling ne
boys? My foot is twisted, and Gnu
not stand up"
An hour later Kit stood guiltily ut
the head OF the steps as her mott ar
and Nell came slowly from the house
next door.
''Will he be sick longT
"About a month before he can walk ("
said Mrs. Norton at Is too bad. And
he is very delightful person to mrat;
not at all eccentric. He takes he
blame entirely and says he is worse
than the boys and that we were per-
fectly tight in putting up the wire"
That's what he said to you, moth-
erie, darling" interposed Nell discon-
solateiy. "He probably thinks that
Kit and I are heathens."
"Barbarous heathensi" Kit smiled
wickedly.
This is far from being a joke. Ka h.
crime" said Mrs. Norton. II am afraid
you must both do penance by being rs
kind as possible. or course he is a.
az
"Crank?"
"a celebrity" corrected her mother.
1--WE may find him odd, but after Ills
misfortune we must do our best to
make him comfortable. 1 told him lou
would take turns in bringing him Cow
ers."
well, / won't. motherie." said Kit
fatty. I'm sorry he hurt himself, but
I'm not a bit sorry put up the fence
and don't want to be forgiven"
In the days that followed they could
see the strong, patient figure sitting
In the shady corner of the veranda 1t
door. Nell carried the first propitiatory
bunch of roses over to the enems's
country. She brought back a good re-
port, and after a week of disinteresi I'd
indifference Kit suddenly announced
her intention of being flower bearer to
his majesty. She found him totally
disabled, rather sarcastic majesty.
so you're the young woman Who
BET the trap, are you, Miss Kit? Aud
you're not a bit sorry~ :
I'm sorry l came over to see you."
Kit stood erect, very naughty, very
sweet and very young. 1T only broua mt
the flowers"
And you didn't expect to be scold-
ed?" She knew he was laughing at
her. please sit down. Don't YOU
know I've been hoping every day to
have you visit me and beg my par
don?'
II won't do any such thing" she
met his eyes defantly. You hadn't
the least right to cross there. only
only 1 meant 1t for the boys, Of
course" Her glance fell to his sw,i A.
ed foot. 'T'm sorry you were hurt
THAT will do very well'' He rs
laughing openly now. st covers ne
personal side for me. you see. You're
not sorry you hurt me. but you're r.
ry I'm hurt. Please sit down and rplk
to fellow, won't your
Kit hesitated. flushed warmly unGar
his teasing gaze and took seat IN
the hickory settee.
Four weeks later Mclean took is
first walk. 1t was slow. tedious one
from the veranda to the hedge.
II came halfway for my roses o.
day" he said to the figure In VIII te'
beside the rosebushes. May 1 come
over the hedgeT
Kit did not even turn her head.
Are you angry?" His voice was
low and eager. After last eveniu4 1
was afraid you might not come aga n.
Kit"
She turned and walked toward him
slowly. the bunch of roses held 81 70
to her face. At the hedge she looked
up at him. and the merriment had died
from her eyes.
II was just coming" she said softly.
His hands closed over those that
held the roses.
"To say Yes sweetheart"
Look out for the barbed wire. Mr.
Mclean" called Nell from the sitting
room window. Exit still guards her
path"
"All wires DOWN. called McLean.
ats the path Of roses now. l claim
the right of way"