Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1868-02-14

avery pleasant" said John, II think
we shall have rain. It's about time
we had scme," and he pulled out his
watch with a confused idea of con-
Sulting that article on the subject.
A long pause. Then the widow
suggested again:
"This matter that concerns Helen's
interest so nearly; i"
"Yes-quite curious, | assure you,'
said John.
Anything that affects my daughter,
Of course affects me-"
"Oh, certainly Nothing more ma
t1ral."
"Though the manner of announc-
ing the business is little out of the
common way with lawyers" said Mrs
Rich, gaily. as if she meant it for a
piece of pleasantly.
As such John received it.
"But quite womanly, he said, with
a laugh, "if you'll permit me to say
so. Ladies don't do business exact
ly as men do, generally"
"That is true" laughing in return
and will no doubt serve as an expla
nation Of"
"Oh, no explanation is needed, Mrs
Rich-none at all"
Il was about to say"
d beg you won't apologize, madam,
said John, very much distressed by
the prospect and growing rapidly
more confused.
"Apologize, Mr.. Hamline !"
"Not at all-not at all"
Il meant to offer no apology, sir
[ do not perceive any occasion for al
apology"
"Not in the least" said John, more
and more abashed, and looking at hi.
watch again for assistance.
"If you will be kind enough tc
proceed to business, Mr.. Hamline,"
IL shall be happy TO do so, sale
Jchn, assuming an attitude of re
spectful attention.
Mrs. Rich stared at him with un
feigned astonishment. Was the MAI
crazy?
"Will you be so good as to inform
me what the matter is which con
Germs my daughter so nearly? ?'
It. was now Johns turn to stare.
Precisely what | came to learn,
he cried.
you speak in riddles, Mr. Ham
line. When | received your note
"My note! have sent no note tt
you, Mrs. Rich"
IT. i>-dy 90 ho~ fnet. .Johl
also. Mrs. Rich touched bell.
servant came.
"Go up and ask Miss Helen fo
the note that came from Mr.. Ham
line" she said.
John took note from his pocket
with a new light breaking over hi
face.
"Allow me to ask you, Mrs. Rict
if you sent me this ?'
Mrs. Rich glanced at it, and return
ed it.
Il did not" she said.
Then it is the work of some praC
ticaI JOKER" said John. "That i
very plain .
The door opened, and Helen Ric
entered, radiant with a beauty tha
seut the blood rushing to young Han
lines head. She brought the lette
for which the servant had been dis
patched.
Notwithstanding the mothers ez
citement, the breeding of the lad
prevailed, and Mrs. Rich introduce
Mr.. Hamline to her daughter.
She handed him the note.
"a forgery" said he Immediately
"BCth these letters are the work o
some rascally hand"
At first, Indignation prevailed bu
to this succeeded a realization of th
ludicrous aspect Of the affair, whic
recalled all their good nature, and
few minutes they were laughin
heartily, while John Hamline, forge
ting to be bashtul fired a volley 0
bon mots. And by-and-by, when b
left them, he said, ..
81 really feel quite in forgivin
mood toward the scamp who got u
this joke-and | think | know wh
it iS-for he has been the means o
introducing me to an acquaintainc,
ship which | might otherwise neve
have formed, and which | find mos
agreeable"
"Indeed, | share your mood" sal
Mrs. Rich
("And so do |, said Helen.
And | hone ynn will come agai
to see us, Ar. Iiamline-soon an
often. We shall always be happy I
see you"
Aud so they were. But by-and-b
somehow it happened that Mrs. Ric
did not feel as if John cared so muC
for her society that he could not e
durc to be lett alone with Miss Hele
SO she tested the question, and lie
them alone together so much that OF
day John Hanlline asked permisSiC
to be left with Helen for the remain
, er of his life. ''a 1 " -
: Young Hawes thought, when
= heard of the wedding-to which
was not invited that his "self' hs
worked very curiously.
''Hanged if | wouldn't like to
sold myself" he exclaimed, "AT tt
PRICE II aoL- 5s5 4o -'5''i'i.'i- fii -.
! Without doubt he would.
o Nor TOO LOUD.-Concerni b