The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1912-06-28

the middle aisle aristocracy. | had
never heard Miss Ellen sing and did
not know now whether she was so
prano or alto. | was tempted sorely
to hook around just once to see her in
the organ loft. but so many eyes were
fixed on me that kept mine fixed re-
ligiously on the minister. After SER
mon the Turpins held quite a recep-
ton under the pines in the yard. and
was given an opportunity Of seeing
in what respect they were held IN the
county. Several of the young men in
vited me to hunt with them and of
fered me their guns. shells and dogs
I'VE know Bud is pretty busy they
would say, 80 II you give the word we
will ride by for you some day this
week" Miss Ellen was the center OF
attraction. and every man tried to edge
himself within the circle that sur
rounded her In order TO receive one
passing remark from her at least
She seemed entirely unconscious OF the
influence she exerted in her limited
sphere. yet apparently took this hon.
age for granted or so 1t appeared to
me.
I'VE must have dance in the hall
while Mr.. Palmer is here" heard her
saying to some of the girls who were
standing near. at which they immedl-
ately set up such a clatter and chatter
as a hundred sparrows might be ex.
pected to make upon the first warm
day IN spring The following Friday
was settled as the day, and all. boys
and girls as well. agreed to come
Thursday and belp cook the supper
for the party. and each agreed. too. TO
bring something. Margaret Robert.
son said she would bring all the sugar
needed for the cake. Bert Simmons
promised three quarts of cream for the
siHabub, and Jim Barrett said he
would make up the rest that might be
needed. Ruth Howard would donate
-four, and another offered chickens for
the salad, and so on down the list.
BE sure to bring them picked,
George Adams said Miss Ellen.
laughing, to the lad who had donat ted
the chickens, for if Sally Stovall is
there you will be of no assistance, as
we know from experience. And two
of you girls must come prepared to
spend the night of the ball to help clear
away the remnants the next day" All
volunteered, and Miss Ellen had hard
time to choose between them, so high
ly was this honor priced. The rector,
coming out and hearing what all the
chatter was about, delivered a lecture
upon the frivolity of youth and ended
by saying:
And If no one has seen about the
music I promise to furnish that as my
share. l will bring my old violin and
be one Of the band myself" which an.
nouncement was greeted with ap.
plause, for heard afterward that no
one could keep such good time as Mr..
Lamb, and the darky band always
played better when he led it.
That afternoon a number of older
people in the county called, and Miss
Ellen served tea on the shady side of
the house under the porch. Later Bud
and l rode horseback. He took me to
see the camping ground of General
Sherman, which Miss Ellen had point
ed out to me the night of my arrival,
and from there we took a clrcuitous
route home. He told me many of the
difficulties Of farming in the county.
We passed a number of farmers, and
from each l learned something and
stored up in my mind many a quaint
anecdote for my letters from these
simple country folk. One time when
Bud had ridden forward to consult
| oh ho dc
rode up TO a stolid looking individual
whom I saw sitting ON a rail fence
near by whiting a stick. His beard
and hair were unkempt, and his whole
attitude was one of supreme indiffer-
ence to his surroundings.
"Good morning" said.
Same to you," he answered without
looking up to see who had addressed
him.
How are your crops this year?' l
asked.
Poor" was his monosyllabic reply.
Good last yearT'
"Nup," with maddening Indifference.
81 hope your crops will be better
next year. ventured again.
Doubt It," was all he would answer.
The field back of him did not look en-
couraglng. Despairing finally Of get
ting any information from him, drew
rein, preparing to Join Bud, adding,
however, before leaving:
"Well, that's too bad"
With sudden animation he stopped
whiting for moment to look up and
remark:
"'Tain't as bad as you think, my
: friend. I don't own this land"
rode Off, laughing at this quaint
conception of the value of land He
had not intended to be either witty OF
? humorous, but was sincere in trying to
: disabuse my mind of a false impres
, sion might have of the extent Of his
= troubles When Bud rode up he ex
: planned to me that the man farmed
only on shares and had he owned the
] land he would have been held respon
? sible for the interest on the mortgage