Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1864-12-01

erythlng-mysef in PARTICULAR went over
the way, resolved that the matter should be
decided before | returned, Jessie was sit
ting by the parlor window, busiy sewing, and
humming some merry tune to herself when |
entered. She was looking prettier than ever,
| thought; and l found it terrible hard work
to talk on commonplace subjects, when nv
mind was so full of the one so important to
me.
AT last L broke in upon some of her care
less nonsense with" Why in the world, Jes-
sic, don't you say whether you love me or
not? What is the use in keeping fellow in
suspense forever? I believe you do-in
fact, know you do"
Here l was again making a simpleton of
myself. l might have known she never would
have told me after that, but did not under
stand woman kind as well then, as I have
done since.
Oh you know, then, do you?" she said,
coolly, with a merry twinkle in her eye
Then, Of course, there is no need of my tell
ing you"
"No, did not mean it, JESSIE" said pen
emily. But do you love me? Will you
answer me, yes or MOP"
"Yes or no." she answered, demurely
go Jessie Hale" l exclaimed, impatiently,
"you will drive me crazy!"
g A terrible misfortune, surely" she said,
stepping through the low window upon the
lawn. Now VIII, [ will tell you what I will
do if you will promise never to plague me
again about this"
81 will promise anything if you will only
give an honest answer" said eagerly.
"Well, then, if you can catch me before I
reach the elm tree, will give you candid
answer, upon my honor"
| thumped my head against the window
sash, and away went racing over the green
sward with ten times more eagerness than
ever displayed in playing catch in my boy
hood days. very dignifed proceeding tru-
ly, for staid surgeon. All the gossips in
Oakdale would have held up their hands in
piOus horror had they seen me then; but
did not care if half the world saw me, so in
tent was l on catching that flying gypsy; and
catch her [ did, before she was half way to
the old elm.
CHOW for the answer" l said, eagerly
ooh but can't you wait until l get
breath " drawing it in quick, spasmodic
jerks, like some dilapidated old steam engine.
" Let me see; what was it promised to tell
you?"
Whether you love me or not, you provok-
ing little wretch !" | said, fairly out of pa
thence.
"Now look here, Mr.. Will; if you don't
leave off calling me names I won't tell you at
all; though perhaps this is love talk is it :?
VIII, | promised, you say?"
"Of course you did; so don't be all day
about it."
IF you hurry me | can't speak at all for
it will take me some time to think over the
objects Of my love to see if you are among
them. Let me see,"-beginning to count her
fingers" there is Chloe, that's one; and
| Prince-thOugh he hurt your arm, you know
is two; and old Brindle is three; and
Watch is four, and-let me see-yes, there is
Mr.. William Tremaine is five.
| don't think | stopped to thank her for
that answer, and if my return to the parior
was not rapid as my exit from it, it was
certainly far more dignifed. l had taken my
hat and was out of the gate before Jessie
reached the house.
I went home in no very enyiable state of
mind, resolving that 1 would never 90 near
her again. But by the time | reached my
study my anger had cooled considerably, and
sat down in my arm chair and began to
think of any plan, just as | had done hun
drcd times before, how l could outwit this
provoking little eli Have her | would but
how? That was the question.
g 4 letter for you sir" called out the boy
at the door.
l took the letter and tore it open. l was
too much occupied with my thoughts to care
much what its contents were; but the first
few lines iXedmy attention. 1t was from an
uncle Of mine-a surgeon in d fourishing
ylllage-making me very advantageous of
| fer if | would come and take his place. This
was Just the situation | had been wanting for
years, and l hailed it with delight now.
a moments reflection showed me what was
needed, for if she really cared for me- my alb
! sence would make her willing to acknowledge
it. 1t did not take long to make my arrange
ments, and before night they were all com
pleted and the next morning | started for
the station, calling at Mrs. Halls on the way,
to bid Jessie goodbye. I could see the little
witch did not believe one word of the story
| | told her.
az hope, Mr.. VIII, you won't break your
arm in the train it would make it so bad for
YOU" she said, with a queer smile, as | con-
Guided
" And you not there to cure it," Iretorted
But seriously Jessie, l am in earnest, now.
1t Is probable shall not see YOU again for
years; for if like the place l shall remain
there"
She still believed it some trick, for her
eyes said plainly, "You can't cheat me again"
And she said goodbye as coolv as if it were
only for day. went down the walk, feel
ing much as | think Adam must have felt
Niitit Ht iSIO L dI dliISc, except GlaG his Eve
went with him and l left mine behind,
| was well pleased with the place, and was
not long in accepting my uncle's proposal l
wrote to this effect to a lawyer, desiring him
to dispose of my property at OaIldale l
| knew Jessie would hear Of it, and it would
give her to understand that l HAD no inten-
ton of returning, determined that if l did not
succeed this time, | would give her up forev-
er, though my heart gave a quick throb of
pain at the thought.
1t was just at twilight, of a pleasant Sep
| TENDER day, when reached 0akdale. Direct
to Mr.. Hale's l took my way, saying over to
myself as / went, Now or never D Straight
up to the gravel walk and across the broad
lawn l went, and on into the dusky parlor,
unannounced By the light, l saw Jessie sit
ting on a sofa, her head resting on pillow.
She was alone and had not heard my step
Was she asleep? A quick sob answered me-
That augurS well for my success In a mo-
meme | was kneeling beside her, and had
raised the bowed head.
Jessie dear Jessie 7" | said tenderly.
scarcely knowing how she would receive it.
| With quick start and a glad cry of surprise
head was pilowed on my bosom.
Oh, l am so glad to see you, Will! They
told me you would not return, and : have
so lonely without you"
land l have been lonely, too, Jessie. dar-
ling" l said. "My home anywhere would al
ways be lonely without you. Will YOU not
go and share it with me ?"
The answer was very low, but knew it
was in the affirmative.
"Will you become my wife next week :? "