The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1862-11-11
$1,000
Iretnrned the hin IN her.

returned the Dill 10 ner.
II owe you nothing, madam. l never saw
you before in my fe."
"You needn't lie TO me !" cried she, setting
her arms a-kimbo. II hain't kept genteel
boarding house fifteen years for nothing, sir.
You'll either fork over on the spot, or Ill take
the law!m
"Take it." remarked l; "you're welcome to
It'll"
"You think to sars me, young man! Re-
member what you promised! I'll have you took
up a. sure as my names Diggins! I'll larn you
better than TO deceive trusting wilder wo-
man in that way, you desateiu hypoeritew
MADAM, you insult me! l."
"Oh it looks well for such as you to stand
on your dignity! Mighty lofty, all at once!
You've forgot the cream fapjacks | used to
make you, and the kisses You used to give me
every evening after the rest Of 'em was gone
to bed You've forgot the half-dozen shirts l
made you, and never charged you cent
You've forgot that you solennly promised that
you'd marry me last Tuesday morning You've
forgot that, have you?'
"Yes-yes-I never mop" stammered l,
dropping Miss Lilies arm in CONSERVATION.
"Do you dare to denv ii ?" cried she in rage.
ayes; forever and day aiterward!' / roar
ed out. "Do you think would marry an old
termagant like you? I'd sooner wed my
grandmother"
I saw the fire fash up in her eyes. The wild
ow was waxing dangerous. lodged the ret-
Guile she aimed at my head, and tell over back
ward as she charged upon me with her half
mourning parasol. Miss Lille turned and fed.
l thought discretion the better part Of vior.
so leaped over a garden fence near at hand,
and was Immediately attacked by a large watch
dog that sprung out of a kennel near by. L
seized dahlia pole, and, hurting it ut the bel
lgerent, made good my escape by fording a
duck pond and reaching the next street, from
I'D, hal hat + onNiI
command.
was resolved that would not remain in
Weston day longer. Evidently there was
In the city some other Richard Smith, for
whose notorious self was mistaken. penned
hasty note to my employers-giving my rea-
sons TOR leaving them-packed my trunks,
paid my board and, marking my baggage
"Richard Smith, New Hampton" entered
the cars for the locality specified on my trunks.
In selecting New Hampton rs my destination,
had no definite purpose In view; but In a
place of its size / had no doubt of being able
TO secure some lucrative situation, and the
Office of Boots" was better, if / could be left
unmolested, than the station of President. II
must lose my identity, and be attacked by
viragos In the streets.
1t was near noon of the next day when the
train whirled up to the depot at New Hampton.
alighted, and was Fastening down the plat
form to look after my baggage, when / saw
young lady, in brown silk walking-dress,
earnestly regarding me. As she caught my
eye, she threw up her veil and ssprang toward
me- As the veil swept back, 1t revealed the
loveliest lace had ever looked upon. l had
never dreamed of anything half so beautiful.
In involuntary admiration stood still. She
threw herself into my arms-her arms fell
round my neck-her velvet cheek touched
mine-aiid such kiss as she planted full on my
lips. My face was In blaze. felt as If | had
been stewed in honey, with lavender for flavor
ing. She repeated the kiss-the munificent
little angel !-exclaiming
Dear, dear Richard! How delighted am
that you have come at lastw
was dumb. Ny mouth was sealed up with
the sweetness of her kisses. l dared not
speak lest should dissolve the spell
I'VE have been expecting you for four whole
days. Only think what period OF suspense~
went on the soft voice of the lady, as, claspiug
my hand, she drew me INCREASINGLY to pha-
eton, In waiting. There, make yourself easy.
I'm going to drive Isn't 1t pleasant to be
waited on Richard?'
The arch brown eyes sought mine, as, draw
ing up the fur-lined robes, my companion
shook the rens over the white horses, and we
We're whirled rapidly away.
Papa Is so anxious to see you once more,
Richard; but his rheumatism is worse to-day,
ana ne could not drive down. William is alb
sent on an errand for the bride. But
would come. ] wanted SO much to be the first
10 greet you. dear Richard. Alice Is so beauti-
flii! Richard: you ought to be the most CRATE
iul man allve.
I-l-belleve am" exclaimed l. as reach
ing up her sweet lace, the little enehantress
favored me with another KISS, which, this time,
irepaid with compound Interest, and then
oiusned boiling hot to think OF II.
AT TINS moment the phaeton stopped at the
door OF fine old mansion on an aristocratic
street; and, mechanically, lalighted and lifted
out my companion. The hall door was thrown
open. Ihe clasping hand OF the young lady
Grew me within the restlbule; her musical
voice called softly at the door OF 6oudoir:
Alice, Richard has come"
instantly the door flew open, and dark
haired, beautiful woman came forth: She
gazeo at me an instant with unutterabe ten
oefness, ana then embraced me, with ming
ing OF iervor ana snyness, that was absolutely
pewlderlng. Verify, was favored individ-
ual. An elderly gentleman, supporting HIM
sell by a cane, now came forward and saluted
me, calling me his dear SOL" and cutting short
everything attempted to say by his joyful
volnohity
The folding doors separating the sitting
room and parlors were thrown apart. l heard
the subdued hum of voices, the rustling of
heavy silks, and, waiting in the allowed arrh
In an east window. saw clergyman In gown
and bands The elderly gentleman took the
hand OF the dark-haired Alice and placed it in
mine