The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1912-12-17

ndu rluuen Ii divided skirts, which
was a fine preparation for riding In
breeches. Bert, who had already been
out on horseback, rode up, and when
had mounted we started on the daily
rounds.
Il studied Bert's countenance in an
EFFORT to make out how far successful
l was in personating man. He didn't
give me the slightest evidence that
there was anything unusual in me.
treating me as a man would naturally
treat another man several years young
er than himself. He was very kind
and attentive. telling me all about the
orange culture. the dangers Incurred
and the pleasure experienced after
passing season of them In gathering
an abundant crop. refined In several
times during the morning under tree
to pluck ripe fruit. How much more
delicious Is an orange eaten just off
the tree than one picked green and
sent north, ripening on the way.
ut would require several hundred
pages Of this letter paper-especially
written in my scrawIy hand-to give
you an account Of my experience with
Bert Varney. thought him a very
pure man. for ! noticed that be said
not word to me but what he might
have spoken to girl companion
! came at once to have so great
reverence-admiration-for him partly
on this account that | took pains to
repress the hoyden nature to which
was born. and up to a few days be-
fore l was expecting to leave for home
deported myself in an exemplary man.
ner.
You know that riding horseback is
my hobby. and If had been a man
would have long ago broken my neck
at fence or ditch. There were no
fences at the plantation except some
inclosing orange groves, but the bitches
were constant temptation to me. l
was afraid that II / should get fall
In taking one of them it might lead to
betraying my sex. After resisting
many temptations yielded one morn
ing and. making run for a ditch, at
tempted to put my horse over it.
felt the bottom Of the universe drop
ping out beneath me, a thud, and
knew nothing more till saw Bert
bending over me. My coat and vest
were both open, and my shirt and un
dervest had been badly torn. saw
in moment that my secret was out
Though was badly stunned, felt the
hot blood rushing into my cheeks
''Now. wasn't this just too provoking
for anything7 was lying on the
ground, but gathered strength to sit
up and rearrange my clothing, though
about all could do was to button my
coat. Then ! clapped both hands to
my burning cheeks and would have
kept them there had Bert not gently
pulled them away.
.'Don't trouble yourself I've known
It ever since the evening you came
to u.s.
HE said no more at the time; he
was too much concerned about my in
jury. | made an effort to rise. but IL
was not very successful. However
with Bert's assistance | got on to my
feet. l took no thought as to bruises
or broken bones or internal injuries.
was Mortified at my secret being oni
and the manner of its exposure. MY
head was hung while my companion
was trying to get some Of the dirt of
my clothes. at the same time looking
at me with anxiety.
docs your mother know-itT
managed to get out with difficulty.
emo
81 was getting faint again. and he
supported me IN his arms.
~ suppose this ends all the pleas
Rnt-friendship'
Yes. It does. on my part and h,
tissed me.
lit Is astonishing how far that klss
Anded to restore me.
How | remained a few days iongr,
at the plantation. a hoy to every on
except Pert; how | got home. how
continued to keep my secret froi
mamma and told 1t to papa will t.
you when we meet Bert aud are o.
gagged but IRE not to be married II
spring. Papa says he knew | wonl
never get husband In the regun
way. Buff ! ever have a daughl,
and she il inclined to play SIN.
FRANKS as ! have played III shut H.
up In the tuD of a tower"