The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1859-12-10

sensation. Mary set up loud scream, and
the rest of the company rushed toward her
to see what was the matter and it was some
time before order WAS restored.
When the tumult had In a measure sub
sided, Mary looked around for the unlucky
cause of it but he was nowhere to be found.
Mortified at the ridiculous figure he had
cut, and the merriment of those who wit
messed it, he had rushed from the house and
never stopped or slackened his speed until
he reached his own room and boited the
door, firmly resolving as he did SO. that he
would never speak to or even look at girl
again as long as he lived.
Poor Mary was more annoyed at joshua
evident discontinue than at the loss Of her
dress, which was nearly ruined, as she con-
ceiyed a stronger dislike than ever for the
young collegian, whom she was quite sure
was at the bottom of all. of it. She reso-
lutely declined the proffered escort at the
close of the entertainment, going home with
one of her brothers and leaving him the al
tentative of attending some other lady or
going home by himself.
Two days passed and Joshua never came
near her; and on the Monday following,
Mary put on her bonnet and shawl and went
over to the house, for the ostensible purpose
of having a gossip with old Mrs. Wheat,
who lived with her son, but in reality to
find out what had become of her sensitive
lover.
Much to her disappointment Joshua was
not at home, though she saw coat tail
quickly disappear through an opposite door,
as she entered the room, and she shrewdly
coniectured that it belonged to him.
After sitting awhile and chatting with
the old lady, with whom she was quite fla
vorite. Mary arose to go, saying as she did
so, that ..she guessed she would go across
the lots, as it was considerably nearer
She accordingly passed out the back way.
AS she passed through the garden she caught
a glimpse of Joshua in an adjoining orchard,
walking disconsolately among the trees la
den with their luscious fruit, and looking as
if he hadn't friend in the world.
He started and colored as his eyes fell on
Mary.
''Why, Mr.. Wheat" she exclaimed in
tone of surprise, "who would have thought
Of finding you here ? Why, havn't seen
you for an age. Have you been sick p
"Yes-no--thatis havn't been very well
lately stammered poor Joshua, looking as
though he had half mind to run away.
'You don't say so! You are looking
pale!' said Mary with an appearance of great
sympathy, CHANGING mischievously at his
face. which was growing redder every mo-
ment and which certainly showed no signs
of i'll health.
what beautiful situation you have"
exclaimed she after a pause, looking adm
ringly around on the well cultivated farm.
There is only one thing wanting to make
g., Il eI,o III Ill
'.and that is wife. What in the world is
the reason you don't get married Joshua %
The poor fellow colored clear up to the
tips of his hair. "I-really don't know"
be gasped - there WON'T any body have me-"
s'Fiddlesticks,' was the laughing rejoin
der Il know better than that! There are
plenty that would if you would only take
the trouble to ask them. know of one, at
least" she added in lower tone.
''No, but really do YOU" asked Joshua
eagerly. Who can it be 90
This was rather too much; and growing
indignant either at his stupidity or his
want of courage to take advantage of the
opportunity she gave him she remained ST.
lent.
s'What singular looking apple that is,
you hold in your band," she remarked at
last, breaking the embarrassing silence that
ensued.
Eyes" replied Joshua, cit is new kind
that | grated last year, and the only one
that came to perfection. Won't you have
it Miss Mary 90 he added, looking at her
timidly.
will have you Joshua? Of course
WILL" said Mary, with the most innocent
air imaginable.
Joshua was thunderstruck, scarcely dar-
ing to believe his ears care you in earn
est Mary ?'' he inquired, looking anxiously
into her face.
ITO be sure I am" she answered, laugh
ing and coloring. t'And we will be mar
ried next Christmas"
Unable longer to contain himself, Joshua
threw his arms around Mary,
and ratified the bargain with hearty kiss,
at which performance Mary manifested not
the slightest objection or displeasure.
On the following Christmas there was
merry wedding at Squire Dearborn's at
which our friends Joshua and Mary were |
the chief actors.
And now the staid, dignifed man who
walks into church with such an important
air, with his wife on one side and little boy |
on the other, would hardly be recognized as
that laundering, awkward fellow, Joshua
Wheat.
FOLLY OF PRIDE-Take some quiet and |
sober moment of life, add together the two
ideas, of pride and man. Behold him, crea-
ture of span. stalking through infinite
II 4 4 Il