The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1865-02-01

CdLcH III ny bUyHUou Ody II seAJ 0iS-
nifed proceeding truly, for staid sur
geon. All the gossips in Oakdale would
have held up their hands in picus horror
had they seen the then; but did not care
if half the world saw me, so intent was ]
on catching that flying gypsy and catch
her I did, before she was half way to the
old elm.
SNOW for the answer" said, eagerly.
"Oh but can't you wait until | get
breath 7" drawing it in quick, spasmodic
jerks, like some dllapidated old steam
engine. "Let me see what was 1t |
promised to tell you 7"
"Whether you love me or no., you
provoking little wretch p said, fairly out
of patience.
"Now look here, Mr.. Will; if you don
leave off calling me names | won't tell
you at all though perhaps this is love
talk is it? Will, L promised, you say p
"Of course you did SO don't be all day
about it,"
"Ifyou hurry me [ caut speak at all
for il will take me some time to think
over the objects of my love to sec if you
are among them. Let me see, begin.
ming to count her 6ngers-"there's Chloe,
that's one and Prince-though he hurt
your arm, you knows two; and old
Brindle is three and Watch is forr, and
Jet me see~-yes, there is-Mr. William
Tremaine is five.
I don't think | stopped to thank her
for that answer, and if my return to the
parlor was DOT as rapid as my exit from
it, it was certainly far more digni6ed l
bad taken my hat and was out ofthe gate
before jessie reached the house.
[ went home in no very enviable state
of mind, resolving that I would never 60
near her again. But by the time I reach
ed my study my anger had cooled consid
erably, and | sat down in my arm chair
and began to think of any plan just as
had done hundred times before, how !
could outWit this provoking little elf
Have her [ would but how Z That was
the question.
GA letter for you sir" called out the
boy at the door. ~
{ took the letter and tore it open. I
was to much occupied with my thoughts
to care much what its contents were but
the frst few lines fixed nay attention. 1t
was from en- uncle of mine--a surgeon in
fourishing village making me a very
advantageous efer if would come and
take his place. This was just the situa-
ton [ had been wanting for years, and |
hailed it with delight now.
a moments reflection showed me what
was needed, for if she really cared for me
my absence would make her willing to
acknowledge it. 1t did not take long to
make arrangements, and before night
they were all completed and the next
morning I started for the station, calling
at Mrs. Hale's on the way, to bid Jessie
good bye. I could see the little witch
did not believe one word of the story |
told her.
~ 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 I concluded.
"Aud you not there to cure it" 7 re-
tcrted.
"But seriously, Jessie, I am In earnest
now. 1t is proable I shall not see you
again for years; for If like tie place I
stall remain there"
She still believed it some trick, for her
eyes said plainly, you can't cheat me
again, And she said good bye az oooliy
as if 1t were only for day. Iwent down
che walk, feeling much as think Adam
must have felt when be lef Paradise, ex.
cept that his Eve weet with him aud |
left mine behicd.
I was well pleased with the place, and
was not long in accepting my uncle's
7 wrote to this effect to a law.
yer, desiring him TO dispose of my prop
srty at Cakdale. I knew Jessie would
hear of it, and it would give her to under
stand that I had no intention of return
ug, determined that if I did not succeed |
ms time, Wo1ld give her up forever, |
though my heart gave quick throh of
pain at the thought
Tt was just at twilight, of a pleasant
September day, when J. reached Oakdale. |
Direct to Mr. Hale's | took my way, say.
ing over to myself as I went, "Now or
never" Straight up to the gravel walk
and across the broad lawn I went, and on
into the dusky parlor, unannounced. By
the light [ saw Jessie sitting on sofa,
her head resting on pillow. She was
alone and had not heard my STEP Was
she asleepY 4 quick 500 answered me.
that augurs well for my success. In a
| was kneeling beside her, and
had raised the bowed head.
"Jessie dear Jessie" I said tenderly,