The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1856-12-23

seventh visit to Miss Clarisa Cooler the other
evening. He found her in a rocker, alono in
the parlor, stole his arms around her alabas-
ter neck, and slipped the necter Of her sweet
cherry lips-a proceeding there was not the
least harm ia considering that they had come
to an agreement, and were generally reported
to be on high road of matrimony. The lady
took all quietly--even indffercntly to judge
from the lasstude Of her attitude in her rock
err; her lazy use of her fan, and her exclama-
tion of something between heigh ho and a
va ham.
Commonplace were disposed Of Then fol
lowed silence, broken only by Nj Popps
slapping at the mosquitoes and Miss Clarissa
tanning herself increasingly.
!. At lenghth Pops proposed promenade
and ice cream. Clarissa declined both, adding.
IL wish to stay at home; for have some
thing particular TO tell you."
"Indeed, ,"said Pops, "what is it dear!"
"You expect our wedding to tskc place in
thace weeks, don't you"
'sTo be sure dolo
"well, am sorry to disappoint you, but I
must DO it. Icannot marry"
"Good heavens, G arissa, what are you say
ingg"
oDon't interrupt mo. Imean l can't mar
ry Just yet while-not for some months to
come"
"Why, Clarissa, what's the meaning of all
this? You gave me your positive promise,
and said nothing stood in tho way, ] am all
ready and worried with waiting. Why do
you put it off, dearl"
.lrb,t 10, boxo 20 oxo,,so 49,, tol1;no, ,,o,,
| have good reason for i'll have thought
the matter over well-and my mind is made
up VIII that satisfy you?"
Popps unused awhile. Clarissa kept her
hand going. Finally Pops spoke"
"No, Clarissa, it won't satisfy me. You
postponed your wedding, and refuse to tell
me why. If you have reason for it you
ought to let me know it, and maybe it would
satisfy me. But won't be satisfied without
the reason"
"Wel, then, you'll have to remain unsatis
fed, tell you have reason and a good
one-what more do you want~
81 see how it is-I've courted you too long
i didn't strike while the iron was hot
You are tired of me aud wish to get rid of me.
Well if that is your wish 90 ahead"
"Mr. Poops, you're dunce-youre fool p
"Maybe l am, and maybe aint," said
Popps rising with his temper, "but this III
say, Miss Claarisa, if you don't tell mo why
you postpone the edding for few months,
YOU may postpone it forever SO far as am
concerned. Tell me Clarissa, else swear
that when leave this house to night will
never set foot in it againw
"Woll then Vou'd better 90 r
avery well. Good night, Miss Cooler"
Popps reached the door, Clarissa followed
him, and seeing that he was in earnest, cried
to him to stay. Pops came back CIaris-
sa but her head on his shoulder and cried.-
Pops melted. Popps spoke first.
"Well, dear, what's the matter!'
"Oh, think you're SO unrcasonai lc and
cruel! indeed indeed, | have good cause
for putting of our marriage-but cannot,
must not tell You what it is. Oh, dear Mr..
Popps, do excuse me' And she cried lit
tie more.
"WelI, tell me this. Do you put it off to
to please your father or any of your rela-
tion |"
"No-they know nothing of my determi-
nation"
~ 1pu pun ~ Oh vi dCCOuut VI tHiLR
concerning me!'
"No."
"Do you want to go any whore, or do any
thing particular, that will keep you from mar
ryingw
"No."
ain Gods name then, Clarrissa, what do
you want? Why keep me in this suspense~ ~
ooh, Mr. Popps. you're SO cruell May be
| ought 10 tell YOU the obstacle-but / can't,
indeed / can'tr
"Just as you please, Miss Cooler And
Pops again picked up his hat.
"0h, Mr.. Pops, pray don't go-don't go
yet awhiler
"Then, Miss Clarissa, tell me the obstacle"
Popps was evidently determined. Claris-
sa but her head on his shoulder, laborng un-
der a strange agitation. Several times she
essayed TO speak. AT length she breathcd
into his ear these fearful words:
"7He wedtter's too hot?'
Popps wilted. When our spirit left he was
advocating trip to the White Mountains.