Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-02-08

A LADY's HEART TO BE LET.
TCoNCLUDD.I 4

good old Vickery to pursue his homeward way,
alternately upbraiding himself with being a
confirmed Don Juan without knowing it, and
exulting in this present happiness.
He had hardly disappeared, when Miss Ia
bitha Buckram, who, as the judicious reader
knows perfectly well, is the real owner of
The HEART TO BE LEI" approached the seven
frs, and was about to take the seat that Fanny
had just vacated, when a tall figure came
bounding round an angle in the path, and ran
straight into her arms. 1t was Jack Vesper 1!
Bless my soul! 10 exclaimed Jack, beg
you thous and pardons. L hope have not
hurt you. Very clumsy Of me, indeed, but I
have an appointment, and my desire not to
keep lady waiting, must plead my excuse for
such awkvardness."
Appointment ?" thought Miss Buckram.
Then 'hs he-'tis my Theodore, (the
name that old Vickery had signed in his let.
ter to @ Constance.
"0h, SIR" she said, al can pardon the ex.
cess Of your ardor. Those are the seven FIR
trees, believe: This is the little vallsy-and
here-here am l."
"0h, I see," Jack said to himself, Fanny
can't come, and this is the old nurse she spoke
Of"
Young and handsome, ;" thought Miss Buck
ram, gazing fondly at the stalwart Vesper
. He seems quite struck, too, with my appear
ance. It's love at first sight feel the soft
emotion myself"
"Well, my dear madam" said Jack, seat
ing himself beside her, " as you have taken
the trouble to meet me here, must tell you
all my intentions"
Miss Tabitha Buckram bestowed languisb-
ing look upon the unconscious Jack
. am resolved" continued he, 0to endura
no more delay and concealment, but to be mar
Tied at oncen
"Ah, the nrdor Of youth :" sighed the Buck
ram, shall, therefore, confde all to INV un
Gle, and ask his consent to our union; that is
proylsed that my sweet darling, my best and
trusst love -
''oh," exclaimed Miss Tabitha, closing her
eyes, I" this is exstacy!"
Tell me, then, Jack resumed, "does she
consent? Will she let me claim her at oncee'
'She will, she will, murmured the deluded
spinster, leaning tenderly against aok s shoul-
der for support.
Then I'm the happisstOf mem" exclaimed
her companion, jumping up; thereby causing
poor Miss Buckram to fall full length upon the
bench ''oh, beg your pardon again" said
he, assisting her TO rise. BE composed pray.
remain here, please, I'll be back in half an
hour, and tell Spu the result of my oonversa.
tion Wltn my uncle. Then away ran Jack, as
He might have touched my cheek with a
chsste salute" thought Miss Tabitha, fondiy
watching the retreating figure, ''but all in good
time. Why, bless my soul, there's that odious
old bachelor"
'COnfound it ~ cried Mr. Vickery, who. of
old maid"
Now tell you what it is, Mis- Buckram,"
he continued aloud, "I'm not going to stand
this; L m not going to be lodged and followed
about by you. What have done? You amt
detective oficer in disguise are you?''
"FOllOw yOa'" retorted the Buckram, in
dignsntly, "the mans out of his senses, and as
for your insults, sir, I'd have you know that 1
am no longer unprotected; nv hush and"-
Your lchGt?" said Mr.. Vickery
My intended husband will protect his
bride from your coarse insinuations"
. his bride, hs, ha. hai You will excuse me
Miss Buckram but--his bride, ha. ha. ha,''
Ah, you may laugh" CALCULATED Miss b.:
There are soma people whom nobody would
marry at any price, ard who are naturally
spiteful when others enter into the happy state
can make allowances for such people, Mr..
Jeremiah Fiekery; and as you are 80 ungentle-
manly as to doubt nay word, sir, read that,
giving him his own letter. my intended's
epistle, sir, inviting me to meet him here sir;
and we have met, sir, and he has Just left me-
the hsppiest of men, SIR"
Mr. Vickery took the letter, still laughing at
the idea Of the ancient Tabitha becoming a
bride; but when he opened and saw its con-
tents, his lower jaw fell, his knees trembled,
and he looked the very image of abject,
speechless misery.
"DO-do 1 understand you, - he gasped cut
at last, "that-thst you have already seen this
devoted individual ?''
Il have, sir :" replied the damsel, "and he
is now preparing his friends to receive me-"
Then, thought Mr.. Vickery, taking heart,
somebody else must be after these dilapid ated
premises. Il wish you Joy, my dear Miss
Buckram,' said he, aloud. ''I'li do anything
for you and your beloved Theodore. I'll 20
and buy the licelse. I'll give you away In
the church. I'll stand the wedding breakfast.
I'll propose the health Of the bride. Ill-I'I
be godfather to all the little Theodores ONLY
don't lose a day. Never let your beloved out
Of your sight till the ceremony is performed,
and send for me when the day is fixed At
present, business OF the most urgent importance
demands my presence. Good morning"
Turning sharp round, he very nearly ran full
tilt into Jack Vesper and Fanny Parker
My dear uncle" Jack said, [" give me ioy
I've seen Mr. Parker, he has been 90 kind we
are so happy; but, believe me, / shall never
forget your kindness to my dear little Fan"
mo; and little Fan will not forget it either,
dear uncle" said the young lady indicated.
Mr.. Vickery covered his face with his pocket
handkerchief, staggered to the bench, and
feebly requested to know where he was.
Then you-you are not the writer Of this?"
she inquired, presenting poor Jeremiah's letter
NO" he replied, after having looked at the
handwriting, "but dare say he will arrive
presently. Come, uncle, you will be in the
way here. Good morning, Miss Buckram;" 90
saying he took Mr.. Vickery by the arm, and
led him unresistingly away, When they were
well out of hearing, however, he burst out into
q roar Of laughter, and said, oh, uncle
uncle, What have you been about?"
II did it to get home, Jack, )" replied the
penitent Vickery. "I'm a miserable, lonely
old fellew, Jack, and -" c1
You shall not say so any longer" inter.
ruptsd his nephew. GAS for this mistaken
affair have here your letter, and there it
goes"
so saying he tore IL into minute fragments,
and sowed them broadcast on the hearth.
With regard to your being miserable and
lonely" he added, "that Is easily settled.
Come and stay with me till am married, and
then IL my Pan does not make you the jolliest
old uncle in the world in cur little home, she
is not the girl take her for"
Mrs. Fan did not 'disappoint her husband q
expectations. A happier old fellow than uncle
Vickery Is not to be found on a summer day
He is devoted TO his nepbew's pretty wife and
handsome children; but, although be deems it
no trouble te ramble with them for miles in
other directions, no power on earth will get