Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1917-12-29
4 RAVINE EPISODE
BY AGNES c. BRoeAN.


opening in the bushes had attracted
his careless attention. bat now rs the
rocky cliffs doomed low before him. he
went on in sudden interest.
The village itself appeared more dis
couraging to the newly called young
curate than the poverty OF the sIuns.
There. at least. work might satisfy
ones ambition. He was grateful rs
he strobe along. that tile acceptance
Of tbs call lay with him. Above. the
trees were tinted with crimson and
gold. As far from habitatIon he seem
ed as though nn ocean lay between.
en all at once tie air was riven BIZ
. starVled cry Again it echoed as he
paused to listen. Hallowing back in
answer: ~This way please" called a
girls voice. 'comc quick Y And Owen
came
Upon broad stone the girl stood,
while just before her coiled huge
snake. In an instant owen had found
the branch Of a tree, and the snake
was no more. Still fearfully the girl
waited until he put forth an encourag-
ing hand.
"It's all right, said the rector.
Bewllderedly she looked about, then
laughed y don't know what should
have done without you" she said.
was frightened to death" She stopped
70 pick up a basket vl scarlet "squaw
berries" "Thank you" she added.
The Rey. Archibald regarded the girl
with frank pleasure.
you doa't suppose, do you," she
ask d, there could be more snakes
aboutg
ut is quite possible" Owen calmly
answered, Just in case, perhaps you'd
like me to stay around"
The mischief in the dark eyes deep
ened. "As n sort of Saint Patrick"
she asked, ''to charm the snakes
awayg" Her voice ended seriously. Il
must have my basket filed before
four o'clock she said.
"Nust?" owen questioned.
IL wish TO earn the money" she
responded.
$50, this is not just a pastime,"
he said kindly. "then you viii let me
help you. did not know that money
could be earned in this way"
''In q town like this" she replied,
1--WE take advantage Of many ways"
His gaze Travelled from the bright
face to the girls shabby boots. "And
you,n he asked sympathetically, find
the many ways necessary? Your home
is here?' the rector continued.
II live alone with my aunt who is
an invalid" the girl answered. In a
white house" she went on slowly, near
the bridge"
The Rev. Archibald recalled the
place Instantly, tiny cottage 1t was,
weather beaten ana ont Of repair. To
abide the year round, this glowing lit
tie creature, in that tumble-down hut,
with an invalid aunt for sole compan-
ion, cheerfuily picking berries in a
swamp in order 20 purchase no doubt
some necessary comfort. you are a
brave girlla he exclaimed.
A smile frembled the girls red lips.
"Am II" she questioned. you could
hardly have formed that opinion when
you appeared upon the scene" Sudden
~ she turned to- look into his face.
''Would you mind telling me-" she ask
ed. ''just who you are?'
"Why, / am the new rector on trial"
he replied. "0wen is my name"
1t was the girls turn to stare. "And,
and / joked you about ST. Patrick"
she said, ''and you are here upon your
knees" she broke Off softly laughing,
picking squaw berries to decorate
your own study table"
my study table" the Rev. Archi-
bald repeated stupidity He was watch
ing the dimples dottlng the girls pink
cheeks, the flash of her even white
teeth.
"Yes" she nodded, "that is what I
was sent out to get them for"
Determinedly Owen picked up the
basket. "Then your work is done" he
said, "and if you will allow me to
stop and see your aunt upon the way
baclx-?n
"You are sure you would know the
placer the girl asked. She studied
him beneath her straight brows.
"The little house. he replied, choos-
ing with difficulty his description,
s'with no steps at the front" She con-
sidered.
You may not remain here" she said.
saThe pastorate may not suit you. Per-
haps you had better postpone your call
upon aunt until You are sure" The
girls cheeks glowed as scarlet as her
hat. her hair, was as nut-brown as her
wooden cloak.
Il am sure" the Rev. Archibald re-
piled. that II shall stay. 1t is de-
cided."
Silently up the steep path they went,
then or to branching one at the side.
A small gray-lined car awaited here.
The girl opened its door and motioned
him inside.
"Mine," she briefly explained.
But" murmured Owen perplex-
edly.
81 was picking the berries TO accom-
modate Aunt the girl told him. sand
I had to be bribed with price. This"
She waved her hands in an enveloping
gesture, ais my picking costume. Our
home is the large white house on the
opposite side of the bridge"
The man hesitated. disappointment
was visible upon his features. You
viii then have no need Of me-" he said
stifliy.
The girls face grew sweetly serious.
sPiease come she begged softly. Then