The House On The Hill

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THE HOUSE ON THE HILL
by Elizabeth Evans

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It was a beautiful summer evening. Paul was happy. No more exams. College was finished. Now he needed a job. He wanted to be a writer and work for a newspaper. But first he needed a rest. It was hot in the house. There was no wind. “I’ll go for a walk,” said Paul to himself. “I’ll go down to the river.” Paul lived in a small town and he wassoon outside in the country. He walked near the river and watched the water birds. Suddenly, he saw the girl. She was standing alone, looking into the water. She was young and very beautiful. She had long, dark hair, and she was wearing a pretty white dress. Paul went up to her. “Hello,” he said. “What’s your name?” “I’m Maria,” she said, and she smiled at him. Paul and Maria talked for a long time.The sun went down. It was nearly dark. “I must go home,” said Maria. “Where do you live?” asked Paul. “In the big white house on the hill,” said Maria. “Where do you live?” “In the little brown house near the market,” said Paul. They laughed. But Paul was sad. The house on the hill was big and important. Maria was rich, and he was poor. And Paul was in love. After that, Paul and Maria often metnear the river. Maria always wore beautiful clothes.

She always looked lovely. Paul thought about Maria all day and every day. One evening, Paul said, “Listen, Maria, I’ve written a poem about you.” He took a piece of paper from his pocket and read the poem. I met her in the evening By the riverside Her dress was creamy white And her hair with ribbon tied. She turned and smiled at me, And I askedher for her name. Though I am young and poor, My love will stay the same. “You are wonderful, Paul,” said Maria. “I love your poem.” Paul took Maria’s hand. He looked into her eyes. “I love you, Maria,” he said. “Do you love me?” She smiled. “Yes, of course I love you,” she said. She stood up. “I must go home now.” Paul was very happy. “She loves me! Maria loves me!” he thought. Paul went home.The little brown house was small and poor. But it was always clean and tidy. Paul lived alone with his mother. His father was dead.

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That evening, his mother watched him. “What’s happened, Paul?” she asked. “Why are you so happy?” “It’s nothing, mother,” said Paul. “His mother smiled. “He’s in love,” she thought. The next day, Paul and Maria met again by the river. Maria looked sad, but Pauldid not notice. He took her hand. “Maria,” he said, “I am poor now, but one day I am going to be a famous writer.” Maria said nothing. “Will you marry me, Maria? Say yes. We will be so happy, and …” he stopped. Maria looked at him for a moment. There were tears in her eyes. Slowly, she shook her head. Then she turned and ran away. “Maria!” shouted Paul. But Maria had gone. Paul went home slowly.He did not understand Maria. “What is wrong?” he thought. “She loves me, doesn’t she?” His mother was waiting for him. She saw his face. “Poor boy,” she thought. “The girl doesn’t love him.” Paul and his mother ate their supper in silence. Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Paul opened it. A man in a servant’s uniform stood outside. “I’m from the house on the hill,” he said. “My mistress wantsto see Paul.” “That’s me,” said Paul. “Can you come with me now?” said the servant. “Yes,” said Paul. He was excited. “Perhaps Maria has changed her mind,” he thought. “Perhaps she wants to marry me.” Paul’s mother stood at the door of the house. She watched Paul and the servant. “The house on the hill,” she said to herself. “I know those people. A rich old woman, and her beautiful daughter. Mypoor son!” It was not far to the house on the hill. The servant took Paul up the wide steps and into the house. Paul was excited and his heart was beating fast. Everything was rich and grand. There were beautiful carpets, pictures and mirrors. Paul saw himself in a mirror. He looked terrible. This place was so rich, and he looked so poor. The servant opened a door. Paul went inside. An old lady...