Smyrna times., 1860-05-24
when he was startled by familiar voice, call.

the wide-spreading branches of large apple
tree that stood in the feld near the road
Dick, perched upon the topmost round Of lad
der that leaned against pear tree, was quietly
filing the basket with rich fruit
swat minute, Sis, replied Dick. without
looking up; al have got my basket almost
full; viii come in minute"
Dick evidently began TO think there waa
something wrong, for as he turned around his
eye caught sight of our hero coming up the
road, but few rods from where they were
He instantly descended the tree, but instead Of
carrying 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
down the hill, shouting at the top of his voice,
30, MIR. Grafton, I've treed coon y Then,
placing his hands upon the ground before him,
he turned some five or six somersaults, picked
up his cap and ran with all his might to the
house. The little rogue evidently loved mis-
chief as we'll as his pretty sister.
Charles first thought was TO 60 to the assis-
lance of Nettie, and he leaped the wall and sp-
preached the tree. Taking the ladder from the
upper tree he was about placing il for her to
descend. when sudden thought suggested it,
SELF "She cannot run away from me now"
and not stopping to consider The ungalant act,
he grasped lower limb. and with some gay
remarks swung himself lightly up. and took
seat by her side.
Nettie, who was an amiable girl. and could
take joke as good-naturedly as she could give
one, oddly laughed heartily at the trick her
brother had played upon her, complimented
Charley upon his agility, and invited him TO
help himselfto the blushing' fruit that hung in
such tempting profuson about shen. After
chatting on variety of themes, be determined
to approach the subject, and if possible get an
intelligent answer. For some time they sat
in silence; he then said" Nettie. have
something to say to you.'
aAh. have you!" she replied. "well
Charley. please help me down, and you can say
it as we walk to the house."
Charley saw the mischief 10 her eyes, and
, resolved to 60 on without needing her request
yet changed somewhat his mode of attack.
: "Nettie, am going to be married
"Married, Charley; married y
Withous needing the playful glance that wa
raised to his face. he went on:
"Yes, Netiie, my business 10 very prosperou
IL have pretty home, which needs only th
additional charm of pair Of bright eyes.
have found sweet. gentle girl, whom Low
II ~
with all my heart, and who 10 willing to becom
my wife; and have been trying TO tell yor
but you would not hear it"
! Net,ie had listened TO bis speech in utte
amazement. She had long believed that sh
was the beloved of Charley Gratton's hear
! and she msant--after she had teased him I
: her hearts content--lo listen TO his love. an
become bis dutiful and loving wife. But be
hopes were now suddenly dashed 10 atoms.
J was too much. A giddiness came over he
: and but for the support of Chsrley's arm. sh
q would have fallen to the ground. Charley NJ
q ticed her emotion. and feared be had gone e
u far. IL was but for ia moment, however; 81
. soon gained her sslf-possessiOn, and sat U
= rightly by bis eide. Her face was very pal
i but her eyes shono brightly as she replied. al
d there was spice of bitterness in her tone
y aMay I ask the name Of her who has be.
'r honored with the offer ofthe hand Of my mob
= friendl" 8
= sFirst, let me describe her. She isa bea
: tiful girl, and possessed Of warm, lovil
= heart. She has but one fault--if fault il mi
" be called. She delights to tease those W
:. love her beat, and often she has given ma 4
y we're heart psng. Yes, Nettie, | love her dee
~ ly and fervenily, and il shall be the object
~ my life to guard her from harm, to protect h
~ as far ss ain able from the slightest breath
''a sorrow, and shall be aburdansIy rewarded
her love. Nelsies haze never offered her /
y hand. though she has long possessed my he's
81 do it now. Nestie. dearest, can you ask
name 7"
$. Nstsie gave one long, inquiring look,
though she had half comprehended his wol
.s .Will you be my wife. Nsstie!''
III aWhat n she replied, half bewildering
Id asrs you not forever lost to me r.
-, - Not If you consent TO be mins.''
ted o0o kc4ilLc0 WINS ~ Wouiu b1 ~ i1b%
,,le her head sunk upon his bosom. asd bursting
Re tears. she mlirmprsd:
ing ~ Yes, Charley, wi;l.'
- Sooa Maatei Dick came bounding into
vas orchard, ona hand filled with large sIic
red, bread and batter. while with shs other
nsd tosssd his chp into the sir, showing thai
ried fully comcrDhended the state of affairs, Oh
must ing Il tie tap ofbis yoiea:
med Halo, NJ Grsston-sin't you glad =
sssa. her ~ yoo ~
Both gvssled this sally with burst Of la
> - tss. and soor, all thrss were engsgsd in
l2ea Ispnp upoa sAe gfssn tprf.
1eefy We hardly nsed add that The same aut
- wisaenst asighs merry welding q The
- .anaion eftArlass GRAY.