The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1860-02-08

"Come now, Dick. quick, quick y
again called the impatient voice of his
] sister.
Dick evidently began to think there
was something wrong, for as he turned
around, his eye instantly caught sight of
our hero coming up the road, but few
rods from where they were. lie instant
ly descended the tree, but instead OF car
rving the ladder to assist his sister to de-
scend, he gave loud shout, threw his
cap into the air, cleared the wall with
bound, and ran rapidly down the hill
shouting at the top of his voice, "Char-
ley, I've freed coonw Then placing
his hands upon the ground, he turned
some five or six summersaults, picked up
his cap, and ran with oil his might to the
house. The little rogue evidently loved
mischief fully as we'll as did his pretty sis
| ter.
Charley's first thought was to 90 to the
assistance of Nettie, and he leaped the
wall and approached the tree. Taking
the ladder from the upper tree, he was
abeut placing it for her to descend, when
sudden thought suggested itself. "Shc
cannot run away from me now." and not
stopping to consider the ungallaut act, he
graspcd lower branch. and with some
gay remarks, swung himself lightly up,
and took S at by her side.
Nettie, who was an amiable girl, and
could take joke as good naturally as
she could give en-, only laughed heartily
at the trick played upon her by her broth
er, complimented Charley upon his agil
ity, and invited him to help himself to the
bIushing fruit that hung in such tempting
profusion about them, After chatting on
a variety of themes, he determined to APP
proach the subject, and, if possible, get
an intelligent answer. For some time he
sat in silence, then said:
"Nottie, l have something to say to
YOU"
"Ah, have you? well Charley, help
me down, and you can say it as we walk
to the house."
"Charley saw the mischief in her eyes,
and resolved to 60 on without needing
her request, yet he changed somewhat
his mode of attack.
'Nettie, l am going to be married"
married, Charley, Married 2"
Without needing the playful glance
that was raised to his face, he proceed
| ed.
Eyes, Nottie, my business is now very
prosperous-I have pretty home, which
needs only the additional charm ola pair
of bright eyes. l have found a sweet,
gentle girl, whom love with all my heart
AID who is willing to become my wife;
and have resolved to marry. have
tried long time to tell you, but you re-
fused to hear it."
Nettio had listened to this speech in
utter amazcment. She had long belize
we'd that she was the beloved of Charley
Gratton's heart, ana she intended after
she had teased him to heI hearts content,
to listen to his love, and to become his du-
tiful and loving wife. But her hopes
were now suddenly dashed to atoms
1t was too much. A giddiness came o.
YER her, and but for the support of Char
ley's arm she would have fallen to the
| ground. Charley noticed her emotion,
and feared he had gone too far. II was
but for a moment, however. She soon
regained her self possession and sat up
rightly by his side. Her face was very
pale, but her eyes flashed proudly as she
replied:
May I ask the name of her who has
been honored with the offer Of the hand
of my friend.
"First let me describe her. She is a
beautiful girl, and posed of a warm low
ing heart. She has but one fault--if
fault it may be called. She delights to
tease these who love er best, and often
she has given me heart pang. Yet,
Nettie, l love her deeply and fervently,
and it shall be the object of my life to
guard her from harm, to protect her, as
far as / am able, from the slightest breath
of sorrow, and l shall be abundently re-
waried by her love. Nettie, have new
er profered her my hand, though she has
long possessed my heart. do it now
Nettie. Dearest, can you ask her name @
Nettie gave one long inquiring look,
as though she but half comprehended
him.
"Will you be my wife, Nettie?"
"Whatw she replied half bewildering-
| ". care you not forever lost to me9"