Year: 1878




She twined the dark leaves in aud out
her glossy braids, and then looping a
fairy white apron upon one arm, COM
menced filling il with apples.


One for Ella Gray, two for dame
'Lizabeth, three for little Bobby, and that
nice, big bouncer for me Thank YOU.
thank you, Mr.. Waters The company
beg me 10 tender in their behalf their
their-whats that girlsH"


AS Kate spoke there was little
cracking noise among the apple boughs
at her back, and before she could give
the alarm, young Waters bounded out i'm
the very midst of the frightened girls,
who ran, screaming Justify, in every di-
rection. But could there have been an
eye witness to the comical scene, il
would have been easily observed that
the farmer cared little for capturing
any save their wild reckless leader.
Down the long avenue Kate few like
wind, with the dignified bachelor fol-
lowing closely after her. Faster, faster
she went, her long glossy braids falling
about her face and down her shoulders
her light scarf, like banner of rosy
mist, floating out upon the breeze "a she
flew along. Faster, fasterl Another
moment passed and she was within n
single leap of the wide gate. But her
pursuer was there before her, and like A
frightened deer she sprang away in n
different direction. There was another
gate that led from the west side of the
grounds, and like lightning she shot to-
ward it. But oh horrors of hororsl II
was locked fast! She turned about
again, but the enemy was close upon
her track and there was no hope Of es-
cape for her Painting and trembling
she stood silent until he came up TO her.


Permit me to escort you TO the
house, Miss Weston" he said, bowing
low before her, and speaking as though
nothing in the world had happened
to mar his self-possession.


No, i thank you sir, will go home,
if you please"


Kate's voice shcok as she spoke, and
she fairly reeled as she made nm at
tempt to take few steps forward.


cannot permit you TO go home
while you are 80 weary" he said cour.
teously. You cannot walk without,
assistance, even. Lean on my arm: in
a moment we shall reach the house"


But Kate did not accept his aid will
lingly, and so he went forward, and
gently putting his arm about her, drew
her toward the house. Her breath came
freer and easier within moments time,
and when she stood within the old oak en-
trance-hall she was quite herself again.


will go no further, if you please,
sir" she said, pausing there and giving
a hurried glance at her disarranged
toilet.


"This to man of my hospitality,
Miss Weston2 This way, il you please"


lie threw open q door into a small sit
ting room and moti0ned her to enter.
When she went hesitatingly forward, he
drew n large easy chair up before the
windowand begged her to be seated.


Oh, but our fruitw said he. Ex-
cuSe me for not relieving you before of
the burden"


Kate crimsoned to the very roots of
her hair, as he pointed TO her apron Of
apples, which she had still held looped
up over her arm. The next moment he
had gathered them into fruit dish, and
was ringing for plates and knives.


Excuse me sir, but cannot remain
longer" said Kate rising, and giving
little fash of light into his face.


But shall insist upon it," said he.
/ have moral right TO detain you to-
night, remember"


VI "Ohiu nave ptindpsj III am not
able TO purchase my own ransom" said
Kate. al think / understand YOU
May ask at what price you value your
fruit?"


She drew her purse from her pocket
with one hand, and pointed to the fruit
with the other


Mr.. Waters lips curled for moment
and his steady eyes burned beneath
their perfect eyebrows with a deeper
light; but when he spoke his voice was
as firm and as mellow MS though the
faintest ripple Of passion had never
broken over its quiet surface.


by the peck those apples are worth
let me see--some FIVE shillings at the
early season of the year. Perhaps /
can afford TO discount upon the price
since you have taken 20 large a guam
tity.p


e." No, no, sir; do not rebate the small
est fraction upon them, as you value
your happiness p said Kate. "IfI have
not enough money in my purse. / can
apply 20 some friend 10 lend me the re
mainder."


" Miss Westonp said the young
farmer, and he spoke her name in a low
stern voice.


1" You choose well, sir, am sure"
said Kate. Among the score Of girls
who visited your orchard tonight, am
the only one who has not some friend
20 buy them from the unhappy conse-
quences Of this adventure There is nv
purse, sir ="


She threw a small purse upon the
carpet at his feet, as she spoke, and
then, ashamed Of her ungenerous words
and her high flow Of passion, burst into
tears


Miss Weston" the voice was a lit
tie tremulous now, but il detracted moth
ing from its deep sternness. He stepped
IN front Of the door, ~ he spoke, rs he
OWNED an intention on the part Of Kate
TO glide from the room.


A moment, if you please will not
detain you long" he said, inclining his
head toward her al believe Won too
true and generous, Miss Weston, TO
think me guilty of such meanness as you
just ascribed TO me. / am sure that for
q long time you must have known me
better If you have not, IL is not my
fault For a long time have been in
terested in you. Your face pleased me
when first looked upon IL, and felt
that IT was no common sOul, no poor
spirit, that spoke out no eloquently from