slipped him a brick and told
him to have her hold it to keep her down. Seemed as if she might fly
any minute. She thought our barn was the nicest she ever had seen and
the cleanest. When Laddie opened the doors on the east side, and she
could see the big, red, yellow, and green apples thick as leaves on the
trees in the orchard, the lane, the woods pasture, and the meadow with
scattering trees, two running springs, and the meeting of the creeks,
she said it was the loveliest sight she ever saw--I mean beheld.
Laddie liked that, so he told her about the beautiful town, and the
lake, and the Wabash River, that our creek emptied into, and how people
came from other states and big cities and stayed all summer to fish,
row, swim, and have good times.

She asked him to take her to the meadow, but he excused himself,
because he had an engagement. So she stood in the door, and watched
him saddle Flos and start to the house to dress in his riding clothes.
After that she didn't care a thing about the meadow, so we went back.

Our house looked as if we had a party. We were all dressed in our best,
and every one was out in the yard, garden, or orchard. Peter and Sally
were under the big pearmain apple tree at the foot of the orchard,
Shelley and a half dozen beaus were everywhere. May had her spelling
book in one hand and was in my big catalpa talking to Billy Stevens,
who was going to be her beau as soon as mother said she was old enough.
Father was reading a wonderful new book to mother and some of the
neighbours. Leon was perfectly happy because no one wanted him, so he
could tease all of them by saying things they didn't like to hear.
When Laddie came out and mounted, Leon asked him where he was going,
and Laddie said he hadn't fully decided: he might ride to Elizabeth's,
and not come back until Monday morning.

"You think you're pretty slick," said Leon. "But if we could see north
to the cross road we could watch you turn west, and go past Pryors to
show yourself off, or try to find the Princess on the road walking or
riding. I know something I'm saving to tell next time you get smart,
Mr. Laddie."

Laddie seemed annoyed and no one was quicker to see it than Leon.

Instantly he jumped on the horse block, pulled down his face long as he
could, stretched his hands toward Laddie, and making his voice all
wavery and tremulous, he began reciting from "Lochiel's Warning," in
tones of agonizing pleading:

"Laddie, L