The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1914-10-23
THE WAY OF 4 MAIDEN

| hllluItu ilttIl "uIitltu TtSlltSSlS
about her beautiful home, one mo-
ment reading. another with her violin,
but more, signing. She was realiz-
ing that being alone was not exactly
as she had imagined. Picking up a
magazine, she went into the orchard to
a hammock. Bruce, large shep-
herd dog, followed in the wake of his
adored mistress.
This is fine out here, Bruce. Why
that maid couldn't stay one day more,
cant see; and mother and daddy
detained in town."
Bruce whined and wagged his tail.
Even could he speak, he would not
have thought of reminding her how
she had insisted on the maids leaving.
The wise old dog knew what a bit
of irresponsible girlishness she was,
so decided to do his duty and take
care of her.
| She nestled her brown curls in the
| cushion, gave deep sigh and began
to read. A flirt of a breeze darted
under the apple blossoms, kissed the
maiden's cheek and saucily tumbled
playful curl across her face. Bruce
snapped at passing bee, then set
tied by the hammock for nap. But
not long was his peace to be, for
through the dream came happy lit
| tie giggle from the hammock. A ST.
| lcnce--Bruce doZed-anothcr t,iggle,
then a low, murmuring conversation,
punctuated with delightful ! little
laughs.
He said last night he would fish
in the Hawkins branch. know
where it is--Gypsies camping in the
woods-that GypSie dress ! wore at
the masquerade ball Tom is there
by now go and tell his fortune!
More unsurpassed giggles. and
Bruce went to investigate.
80, Bruce, won't it be funny? III
tell his fortune and make HIM pay
for it! He'll not know till tonight!
Won't it be great
Evidently some pervcrse imp had
possession of his idol, but Bruce was
used to her numerous personalities.
1t was these that made her 80 ire
sistiblc. Giving her book sling,
Mildred skipped to the house, Bruce
bounding by her side. lurrying to
the attic, she quickly found and
donncd very wrinkled Gypsie cos
tune. She then burned cork and
put Il brown coat over the pink of
her face. Her curls provoked her
the more she brushed the more OBJ
stinate they chung together--so i'm
patiently snatdhing scarf. she
wrapped her head in it, saying: "I'll
show you if you cant behave or not.
Now I'm rcady-will saddle Bonnie
Don---can tie him at edge of
woods"
In short time Mildred was mount
ed looking like a "sure 'nough" Gyp-
sic, and started on her way. Bruce
was troubled. She didn't look right
to him and she actually refused to
tionably astounded. He sat down
and watched her out of sight; surely
he must do his duty, and his duty was
to take care of the Adored One. But
then she said he could not 20, and he
had always minded her-always!
Something must be wrOag-shc had
acted so mysterious, and he must pro
tcct her-iust keep distance be-
hind so if anything should happen,
Naughty Bruce, Why didn't you
mind your mistress?
At the edge Of the forest, Mildred
tied her horse then started toward
the fishing hole. There she saw Tom,
holding his pole and patiently watch
ing his cork.
\ twig cracked and Tom raised
his head, and almost dropped his pole
from amazement mt the sight which
met his eyes. trim little figure
was walking listlcssly toward him,
her eyes rowing about the forest She
seemed part Of nature herself, this
brown maiden. Suddenly she saw
him, and with a startled exclamation
stepped backward in assumed con
fusion. a half amused, admiring
look shOnc in Toms eyes as he lifted
his hat to the girl. She mt once gain
ed her composurc and drawing her
scarf close about her face. addressed
Tom in a deep, musical voice:
"Tclle fortune"
Tom smiled. shook his head, "No,
believe not, thank you" In fact, he
felt he knew all he wanted to, as
fair curly-headed vision came before
his mind.
every chcapce, tells past, present
and future"
Tom was about to protest again
when little winsomc "pleasc" caus-
ed him to say, Alright" That
please had accomplished miracles
before.
Gross hands wifi silver, now, in
minute"
Turning her back to him as much
as possible, she began in the deep
voice:
"You have big money some day
"a letter-a journey, and yes,
girl"
"You're right
1.-TWO girls"
"No stree, little miss, don't waste
time, you're off there" Could he
have seen under the brown coat then.
blushing cheek, eyes spark
ling with pleasure and joy inexpres-
sible.
1.-TWO girls, one brown eyes, brown
hair"
"You're a trump" Tom was hav-
ing amusement to his own SatisfaC-