Ellsworth American., 1867-06-14

VIII UO IL NDH W III VTOlillSc HCNcT tO plague
me again about this
Twill promise anything if you will only
| give an honest answer" said eagerly.
well, then, if you can catch me before
| reach the elm tree, l will give you a
candid answer, upon my honor
thumped my head against the window
sash, and away went racing over the
green sward with ten times more eager
ness than l ever displayed in playing catch
in my boshood days. A very dignificd
proceeding truly, for a'.taid surgeon. All
the gossips in Oakdalc 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 intent was on catching
that flying gypsy and catch her did. be.
fore she was half way to the old elm.
Now for the answer, said eagerly.
.Oh but can't you wait until get
breath = drawing it in quick, spas,nodic
jerks. like some dilapidated old steam en-
ginc. Let me see {: what was it prom
ised to tell you p
whether you love me or not, you pro-
voking little wretch = l said, fairly out
of patience, ,,.,
leave off calling me names won't tell you
at all though perhaps this is love talk is
it! Will, promised. you say !!
of course you did 30 don't be all day
about it..
.Ifyou hurry me can't speak at all :;
for it will take me some time to think over
the objects of my love to see ifyou are
among them. Let me see, '-bcginning to
count her fingcrs-'therc is Chloe, that's
one and Prnce-though he hurt your
arm. YOU knows two ; and old Briudle
is three and Watch is four. and-let me
see-yes, there is-Mr. William Tremain
is five.
don't think stopped to thank her for
that answer, and if my return to the par
lor was not as rapid as my exit from it.,
it was certainly far more dignitied. had
taken my hat and was ont of the gate be-
fore Jessie reached the house.
Invent home in no very enviable state
of mind resolving that would never go
near her again. But by the time reached
my study my anger had cooled considcra-
bly,, and sat down in my arm chair and
hogan to think of any plan, just as l had
done hundred times before. how l could
outwit this provoking little elf. Have her
would but how? That was the ques-
ton.
A letter for you sir. > called out the boy
at the door.
Itook the letter and tore it open.
was too much occupied with my thoughts
to care much what It's contents were but
the first few lines fixed my attention. 1t
was fnom an uncle of mine-a surgeon in
Furnishing village-making ME a very
advantageous offer if Iwould come 3nd
take his place. This was just the situa-
tion had been wanting for years, and
hailed it with delight now.
A momrnt's reflection showed me what
was needed for if she really cared tor me.
nv absence would make her willing to ac-
knowledge it. 1t did not take long to
make my arrangements. and the next
morning started for the station, calling
at Mrs. IIalc's on the way to bid Jessie
good bye. | could see the little witch did
not believe one word Of the story l told
her.
Il hope, Mr.. Will. yoa won't break your
arm in the train it will make it so bad
for you, she said with queer smile, as
| concluded.
Aud YOU not there to cure it, l ret0rt-
ed. But seriously, Jessie, am in ear
nest. now. ltis probable shall not see
YOU a.ain for years; for if like the place
| shall remain there.
She still believed it some trick for her
eyes said plainly. You cant cheat me
again. And size said good bye as coolly
tie walk feeling much as | think Adam
ccrl that his Eve went with him and
left mine behind.
Twas well pleased with the place, and
not long in accepting my uncle's proposal,
! wrote to this effect to a lawyer, desiring
him to dispose of my property at Oakdale.
| knew Jessie would hear of it and it
would give her to understand that had
no intention Of returning. determined that
if did not succeed this time would give
her up forever, though my heart gave a
quick throb of pain at the thought.
1t was just at twilight, of a pleasant
September day WHEN reached Oakdae.
Direct to Mr. lIales took my way. say
ing over 10 myself as ! went, Now .r rev
cr = Straight up to the gravel walk aud
across the bread lawn went and on into
the dusky pallor, nnannounced. by the
light, saw Jessie sitting ON 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 we'll for my success. In y
moment was kneeling beside her, and
had raised the owed head
Jessie dear Je sic - said tcndcrly.
scarcely knowing how she would receive
il. With quick start and n glad cry Of
surprise her head was pillowcd On my
bosom.
oh, am so glad to see you. Will
They told me You would rot return, and
have he"n so lonely wthonty Il.
And | have been lonely, too. Jessie.
darling, said My home anywhere
would always be lonely without you.-
viii YOU nos 60 and share it with me
The answer was very low, but l knew
1t was in the Affirmative.
will YOU bccome my wife next week ~
| was determined to make sure work now.
There WAS some hesitation, and n few
objections raised, hut | finally gained the
same answer to that.
Then | hurried 10 the drawing room to
see the old folks There was considerable
pleasure expressed at my unexpected ar
rival, and great surprise was maniiastcd
when my crrand was made known and n |
few tears and regrets from the mother at I
parting with Jessie, and hearty congratu-
Iations from the father, concluded by the |
remark. That ,jnst as likely as not she |
would change her mind wE;ic changing
her dress.
think accomplished more in that half /
hour than ever did in twice that length |