Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-08-26


disappear through an opposite door as she en-
tered the room, which she shrewdly copjectured
to belong to him.
After sitting awhile and chatting with the old
lady, with whom she was quite q favorite, Mary
arose to go, saying, as she did so. that " she
guessed she would go across the lots; as it was
considerably nearer.n
She accordingly passed out the back way. As
she was going through the garden, she caught
a glimpse of Joshua in an adjoining orchard,
walking disconsolately among the trees laden
with their luscious fruit, and looking as though
he hadn't friend in the world
He started and cOlored as his eyes fell upon
Mary.
why, Mr.. Wheat" she exclaimed, in q
tone of surprise. "who would have thought OF
finding you here9 Why, / haven't seen you
for an age Have you been sick 2"
Yes-no-that is. 1 haven't been very well
lately" stammered poor Joshua, looking as il
he had half q mind to run away.
:" You don't say so. You are looking pale -
said Mary, with an appearance of great SYM
pathy, glancing mischievously at his face,
which was growing redder every moment, and
which certainly showed no signs of ill-health
"What beautiful sitution you have :" she
resumed, after a pause, looking admiringIy
around on the well-cultivated farm There
is only one thing wanted to make you quite
comfortable" she added, slyly, 'and that is a
wife. What in the world is the reason you
don't get married, Joshua?'
The poor fellow colored clear up to the tins
0f his hair. 'I-I really don't know" he
gasped; " there-there won't anybody have
me-"
81 Fiddlestick's end ~ was the laughing re-
jninder; " 1 know better than that There are
plenty that would, if you would only take the
trouble to ask them. 1 know of one. at least, -
she added, in a lower tone.
mo, but really do you?'' inquired Joshua.
eagerly. q Who can it be-"
This was rather too much; and, growing in
dignant at either his stupidity or want of cour-
age to take advantage of the opportunity she
gave him, she remained silent
What a singular looking apple that is that
you hold in your hand 20 she remarked, at last,
breaking the embarrassing silence that ensued
"Yes, - returned Joshua at is new kind
that grated last year, and the only one that
came to perfection. Won't you have it, Miss
Mary ?" he added, looking at her timidly.
"Win l have yoU, Joshua OF course I
will, said Mary, with the most innocent air
imaginable.
Joshua was thunderstruck, scarcely daring
to believe his ears. Are you in earnest
Mary" he inquired, looking anxiously into
her face.
To be sure I am," she returned, laughing
and cOlOring. ''And we will be married next
Christmas"
Unable to contain himself. Joshua immedi-
ately threw his arms around Mary, and ratified
the bargain with a hearty kiss, at which per.
formance 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- looking man,
who walks into church with such an important
sir, with his wife on one side and little boy ON
the other, would hardly be recognized as that
blundering, awkward fellow, Joshua Wheat