Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-05-09
BLUE EYES BEHIND A VEIL.


Mr. Edge was late at breakfast-that was
not an unusual occurrence-and he was lit
tie disposed to be cross-which was likewise
nothing new So he retired behind his news
paper, and devoured his eggs and toast with
out vouchsafing any reply, save unsocial mon
osyllables to the gentle remarks of the fresh
looking little lady opposite-to wit Mrs.
Edge. But she was gathering together for the
grand final onslaught, and when at length Mr..
Edge had got down to the last paragraph, and
laid aside the reading sheet it came.
"Dear, didn't you say you were going to
leave me hundred dollars for my furs to- day 20
What furs 2" (Rather shortly it was spo-
ken.)
"Those new sable, dear; my old affairs are
getting shockingly shabby ,and really think
ooh rs!.aw! what's the use of being so ex-
travagant haven't any money just now to
lay out in useless folles. The old furs are
good enough for any sensible woman to wear. %
Mrs. Edge, good, meek little soul that she
was relapsed into Obedient silence; she only
sighed a soft, inward sigh, and presently be-
gan on a new tack.
ssHenry, will you go with me to my aunt's
to night ~
"Can't you go alone ?''
"Alone How would it look 10 Mrs. Edges
temper-for she had one though it didn't very
often parade itself-was fairly reused. "You
are SO neglectful of those little attentions you
used to pay me once-you never walk with
me, nor pick up my handkerchief, nor notice
my dress, as you did once"
"Well, a fellow can't be forever waiting up
on the women, can he 20 growled Mr.. Edge.
ssYou could be polite enough to Miss Waters
last night, when you never thought to ask ME
If wanted anything, though You knew per-
fectly well that had a headache. | don't
believe you care SO much you used to do !"
And Mrs. Edge looked extremely pretty,
with tears in her blue eyes and a culver on
.he round rosy lips.
"Pshaw 20 said the husband peevishly.
"Now don't be silly Mara!''
"And in the stage yesterday, you never
asked me if was warm enough, put my
shawl round me, while Mr.. Brown was so very
affectionate to his wife 1t was mortfying
enough, Henry-it was indeed ~
'sI didn't know women uere such fools"
esid Mr.. Edge sterny, as he drew on his over
coat to escape the tempest which he saw ra-
pidly impending. cam the sort of man
TO make ninny of myself doing the polite to
any female creature Did you ever know me
to be conscious whether woman had shawl
or n swallow-tailed coat ~
Maria eclpsed the blue eyes behind little
pocket handkerchief and Henry, the savage,
banged the door loud enough to give Betty
in the kitchen nervous start.
"Raining again do believe we are going
to have a second edition of the deluge,'' said
Mr.. Edge to himself that evening as he en-
sconsed his six feet of iniquity in the south
west corner of car at the City Hail. ssGo
ahead, conductor, can't you What are you
waiting for? Don't you see we're full, and
its dark already 20
ssIn one minute, sr,'' said the conductor, as
he helped little woman with a basket on
board. SHOW, sir, move mp bit if you
please"
Mr.. Edge was exceedingly comfortable,
didn't want to move up, but the light of the
lamp, just ignited, falling full on the pearly
forehead and shining golded hair of the new
conner, he altered his mind and he did move up.
"What lovely eyes." quoth he mentally, as
he bestowed a single acknowledging smile.
"Real violet blue the very color L admire
most. Bless me what business has an old
married man like me thinking about eyes p
What would Maria say, the jealous little mink! !!
There-she's drawn a coniounded veil over
her face, and the light is as dim as tallow
dip, but those were pretty eyesH'
The fair possessof of the blue eyes shivered
slightly and drew her mantila closer round
her shoulders.
care you cold, Miss? Pray, honor me by
wearing my shawl. / don't need it at all my
Belf.''
She did not refuse-she murmured some
faint apology for troubling him, but 1t was
not refusal.
ssNo trouble-not bit:'' said he, with
alacrity arranging it on the taper shoulders; !;
and then as the young lady handed her fare to
the conductor, he said to himself, sswhat a
slender, lovely little hand If there's any
thing admire in woman it's a pretty hand
wonder what kind of mouth she's got? 1t
must be delightful if it corresponds With the
hair and eyes-Plague take that veil -
But "plague," whoever that mystical pow
er may be, did not take possession of the pro-
voking veil, so Mr.. Edges curiosity about
the mouth OF the blue-eyed damsel remained
ungratifed.
"Have you room enough Miss fear you
are crowded. Pray, sit little closer to me. .
"Thank you SIR was the soft reply coming
from behind the veil, as Mr. Edge rapturous-
Iy refectcd-"Like an angel from the gloom
OF dark cloud" And his heart gave loud
hump as the pretty shoulder touched his own
shaggy overcoat n Nesting sort of way.
"Decidedly this is getting rather romantic"
tnought he and then, with an audible whis-
per, "What would Maria say ?''
net - tIxS1 L.. =