The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1860-04-21

dering what neighborhood she would like
me to engage . fesidsnce-how soon it
would be best to name the day Oh! if
should awake, and find it Ill blissful
dream !"
Early the next morning. Err. Thornbrooke
set briskly to work, "righting up ,hings."
How be swept and busted and seoured-the
room was aired. to get rid Of the tobacco
smoke, and sprinkled with cologne, and
beautifed generally. And at length, when
the dust was all swept into one corner. and
covered by carelessly disposed newspaper
he found the window glass murky, and pol
ished 1t with such vengeance that his fist,
handkerchief and all, went through, sorely
damaging the hand, and necessitating the un-
graceful accessory Of an old hat to keep
out the wintry blast for the time being.
However, even this mishap didn't long damp
his spirits. for was not Lilly coming.
at the bell gave warning Of her approach.
Its all her sweet feminine modesty," !"
thought be, and was content.
At length there was an appeal below, and
Marks heart jumped up into his mouth,
beating like reveille drum. He rushed to
the door. but there was no one but little
grinning black boy, with box.
s.M,ss Raymond's compliments, and here's
de housewife, SIR"
The housewife, you little imp Of Ere
busE'
eyes, sir, in the box, all right"
Mark skunk back into his room and open
ed the box, half expecting to see full
dressed young lady issue from it, a la Arm
bian Nights; but not was only little
blue velvet book, and full of odd compart-
ments in azure silk, containing tape, needles,
scissors, silk, thimble, and all the nice little
work table accessories.
"And -he calls this housewife!" groan-
ed Mark, in ineffaple bitterness of spirit at
the downfall of his bright visions. I" But
won't be put off So"
Desperation gave him courage, and off
he hied to the Raymond mansion, determin
ed to settle the matter if there were forty
Joneses and Esthers there.
But Lillian was alone, sing ng ut her en-
broidery in the sunshiny window easement.
"Dear me, Mr.. Thornebrooke, is anything
the matter ?"
Perhaps it was the shadow from splendid
crimson cactus plumes in the window that
gave her cheek such delicate glow-per-
haps-but we have no right to speculate.
'Yes." And Mark sat down by her side,
and took the trembling, futtering hand.
s You sent me housewife this mornlng!"
I" Wasn't it right ?" faltered Lillian.
i" 1t wasn't the kind wanted at all ~
" Not the kind you wanted?"
"No; prefer living one, and came to
see If could change il. ! want one with
brown hair and eyes-something, in short:
Miss Lillian, just your pattern. Can't !
have it 20
Lily turned white, and then red. smiled,
then burst into tears, and tried to draw away
her hand, but Mark he'd it fast.
"No, no, dear Lily; first tell me | can
have the treasure | ask for"
"Yes," che said with the prettiess con-
fusion in the world; and then, instead Of
releasing the captive hand. the unreasonable
fellow took possession of the other. too.
But as Lily did not object we suppose it was
all right.
And that was the odd path by which
Mark Thornebrooke diverged from the walk
of old bachelorhood. and stepped into the
respectable ranks of matrimony.