Beverly [pp. 2-9]

LITIERA LT7JTL, SCIENVCE, ANAD APR.
5
Hullo! who's there?" rang the well-known voice, as Selim came to a full stop.
-wildtly uncertain, whethler to spring off anld h]ide myself in the bushes, "And I obey you instantly." Hle stooped from his saddle and lited
or-as soon as the gate waas ope-n daslh past without waiting for his the latch of the single gate. It swaung open lazily, and the taxo horses
recognition. Tha.t seemed thc most feasible, especially as I could see darted toward one another. Chi reined his back to letne pass, but Po1
the dark outline of hlorse and rider close at hand already. But I forgot ly, instead of dashing on as I supposed she ould, idled up like an
that a-e coulcl. be seen, too, and at a disadvantage. idiot to Selim, and stood perfectly still again, to my rage and dis HIullo! who's there?" rang the well-known voice, as Selim came gust.
to a stop. " Polly Flindr! ik, that you? " "Go on, Polly!" I said, desplerately; but it as all the same as
Polly whinnied and neigh-cl: " Yes, sir, here I atm, sir! " It awas as "Stand still, Polly!" to her ladyshlip. She rubbed up against Chi, and
plain as speech. whinnied with pleasure as he bent toward her and patted her neck in
"'What under the sun, moon, and seven stars, brings you here? the darlkness.
Jfarjo?ie! " n ith a sudcldei cry that thrilled me thlroulgh, it had suol a " Poor Polly!" he said, softly. " Your little mistress is angry with
startling anxiety in it. Should I speakl? but before I could reason you, ancl with me, too; and I dlare say you Iknow as little about it as I
about it, the old habit of response to hin, brought my words out un- cl(do. If you would only tell me, Marjorie, wvhat you wish" turning to
awares. mre with gentle forbearance.
" It is Marjorie, Chi, don't be vexedl —I couldn't help it," I faltered, " I avishl I was at home! I wish -"' but my voice broke, and the tears
with aii absurd disposition to cry. I had been fightinig back got the mastery of me.
"Couldn't help wahat? Is any thing the matter? Are you all " My deae Mlarjorie!" there was tlhe tenderestconcern in his toe,
.alonc? " and he stretched across the horse to put his hand upon mine. " It is
" No- yes-please open the gate and go on. I don't avant any thing the most impossible situation for us to colne to an understanding. I
at all." can'lt even see you —and you must be wet through with this snov. It is
"' That's cool," withl equal coolness. "A little more information, no timie andti mia aneatlier fer you to be so exposedc will you let me take
please, before I move on. What did you come for, in the first-, place? " you up to the house? "
"Because Polly brought mel-the little maule! ad slhe wouldn't "They are waiting for you at The Iollies,"I sobbed; "goon,and
takle me away again! I answered, vexed1 aid asliameed beyond expres- never mind ime. I'll do well enouglh.'"
sion. " They are waiting for you, too," he returned, " and they'll not see
Hle suppressed a laughl. "Well ldonec for Polly! l),it I don't under- one of us awithlout the other. Come, Marjorie! " and le turned his
,stand the colnjunction still. Why are you at Beverly axwitl P olly, ahen lrse's hlead towvard Beverly. "I'll wain a race aith you up the avenue.
by all rules you should be tit The iiollies awith Pain? " Start fair!
" I didn't go to Tche Iollies," I said, stuapidl. tic gave the x word to Polly, and she plunged foraard half her length
" That's more evident than the reasonm axwhy." thead of Selim. Five minutes breathless galloping brought us, side by
"Because I didn't choose to, and that's thle reason why!" I ex- side, up to thle great hall dcloor. A light was shining from the windows
,claimed, angrily. "How much longer must I waait ha this stoer to'c I of thec library —tlhe cheerful glowv of the fire built forMr. Wilcox'sbenefit
cate'laised? I have asked you to open the gate for me." and it showedus where to dismount, glimmering fantastically through