The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1868-08-15
pOLLY'S ONE OFFER,
IN SIN CHAPTERS.

Bob was quite that sort of person. He
had taken fancy to Polly,-everybody in
the house had taken fancy to Polly; but,
with the exception of Mrs. Livingstone, no
one treated her with the respect that was
her due. She seemed made for kisses, ca.
resses, teasing, and spelling, and pettng,-
for anything but grave airs and work. Of
course, Polly did not see herself in the light
of a good joke, very far from it, and yet she
was happy in the atmosphere of kindly sar-
casm that surrounded her. They were all
SO good to her, so easy aud pleasant, and
Bob and his mother especially. Mrs. Liv.
ingstonc drew her on to talk of herself, and
approved of what she heard of the princi.
pies and practical sense of the young crea-
,ure.
Yes, l know | am pretty, but children
will like me all the better for it, so I am
glad" said she in reply to some comment
IN her beauty. "Miss Mill, an old govern.
IS near us, thought might wear spectacles,
nut the oculist said, if did not require
hem, they would permanently injure my
yes, and was not going to suffer that.
|! id alter my hair, and cut lot off, which
ather went to my heart; but it will take
,ss time to do, and people who only see me
it'll it plain will never know how much
, Hcer look in curls. And, besides, don't
ink anybody calls me pretty except those
no are fond of me. And, after all, can't
lip it, and l am not inclined to starve or be
burden on Jane because of my face. dare
" it will prove quite as serviceable a face
if it began by being ugly governesses
so fast Jane has some white hairs al
ady.
/" But you may marry. dear. Don't you
err dream of a husband and children and
use Of your own? My girls do, and it is
ost NATURAL" said Mrs. Livingstone.
"My mother does not approve of marry.
81 said Polly, calmly. I" used to think
should like it, but since have heard how
NJ ,ch there is to be borne from men, and
lat trouble in the bringing up Of children,
~ I'm sure | shall be better out of it, and |
o We turned my mind to other things. Jane
10 d an offer once, but my mother would not
: assent; and she has given up caring. We
. Ill teach as long as we can, and when we
We saved money enough we shall live to.
her, and be two old maids. All my am,
r. ion now is to be good goyerness.
J. : l wish you'd come and be mine, Polly"
d Bob, who, entering as she spoke, had
:; ,ght the last words. You have no no.
D. n what good boy should be under wise
judcious guidance, though am moth.
. to boast Of under present misrule. The
1 is, they don't know how to manage me.
yes, Polly" But Folly only laughed at
air of meek entreaty, and his mother
, d him Polly had not courage to undertake
1' III rough handful as he was, and he must
ply elsewhere.
n, re That evening Polly played on the piano
Ms A sang distractingly. There was no end
her accomplishments. Bob listened till
I. loved her, till he longed to do as Maggie
= 4, and hug her up aud kiss her for pure
by .ndness and pity that she was destined ever
o be anything but pet and darling. Tha
vas the state Of mind into which she threw
many people, while she herself was feeling
Dsll the time quite strong and capable, and
Equal to her fortunes.
In this way the week went on. 1t was flint
weather, but Bob contrived to be much more
han usual about the house. He was ever
Troublesome occasionally, as one morning
Tor inst ance, when there were custards t.
make, and it was Maggies turn in the kitch
IN. Maggie would have Polly with her, ant
ust when she was standing at the end OF th
,ong white table inquiring, where she shoul'
L. A.. -. n.J vot mt ha in anvhodv's way