The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-02-26
Z nHsRsDEFORD, ME-, FRIDAY
allied with the impatient Mr.. Hayden'
Ntiss Drs,a


bury, not expecting visitors before tea,
were engaged I'm taking to pieces and put
ting together again, the sewing-machine.
Round Miss Prlscilla's slender waist was
tied blue checked apron; In her left
hand was a kerosene lamp with the top
of, while her right, brandished featli-
er. ....F s.F = r. ..r. r... II
1t was not at an opportune moment
that nephew David, aged sixteen, ,rOguisli-
ly ushered the two callers into the sitting
room. Miss Priscilla was conscious that
scarlet We'd with russets In her face, and
that the twist Mt the back Of her head Was
stuck full of knitting needles.
Introductions were hurried over, and
the doctor took his leave, feeling very
guilty, and very much afraid of the severe
glances which the gimblet eyes were b0r-
ing into his soul. The moment Inc left the
room. however, Miss Priscilla darted af.
ter him.
so that Is your widower is itp And a
pretty time of day to bring him here, with
out SO much as word of warningV
The Doctor fingered for no further re-
prOaches, but shut the front door behind
with the utmost dispatch, while Miss
Priscilla ran up stairs to arrange her
toilette, leaving Mr.. Hayden and her
cousin together.
As 1t was day of blunders, and the
Fates had matters In their own hands, 1t
had made mistake at the Outset--the
trlfling mistake of supposing Mrs. Pills
bury was the lady Ofhis love.
Il am glad II was not the other One,'
said he to himself, complaccntly; for
Mrs. Pillsbury's comely face and plump
little figure did certainly contrast very
favorably with the grimness and angular.
ity Of "the onc.' Salmon Haydcn's mind
that the lady with her hair full OF knitting
needles had leit the loom on purpose to
give him an opportunity to express his
sentiments. There was no tipe to be
lost, he thought; for she might come
back again rs suddenly as she had gone.
Il am poor, bercaycd man. said he.
trying to get view OF the sole of his left
boot, 'ahem! as suppose my friend. the
Doctor has told yOu.'
Mrs. Pillsbury looked up sympathetic
cally.
i am sorry for you, Mr.. Hayden
There was q tear In her eye, which was
very encouraging to the poor stammer-
er.
Yes, a poor bereaved man. repeated
he, In more assured tones; 'and really,
madame, q word OF coincidence from you
Is worth q great deal TO me-wOrth more
than you can think
Mrs. Pillsbury looked mp again. and
this time with innocent surprise. Ii was
not really clear to her why her sympathy
should be so especially valuable.
You have feeling heart, madame.
u hope have, Mr.. Hayden; but your
lonely condition must touch any one, i
am sure. always thought house must
seem utterly dcsOlate when man goes
home and finds notherless children la
place ofhis wife,
Mrs. Plllsbury, rs she spoke, looked up
into the eyes of the bereaved with such
tender pity that his heart leapcd with u
great bound toward his gentle sympathi-
ger, instantly taking her into Its empty
corner.
Il don't know how to thank DR.. Ellis
worth enough for the favor of this intro
duction,' said he gratefully. Il suppose
you understand the object Of my visit
upon this occasion, and arc willing. l
hope, to receive my attentions with view
to marrlager L suppose too, you must
understand that must wish to hasten
matters as fast rs Is convenient to you.
l am all ready now, aud hope you Will
name as early day rs possible
So saying-thc mind of Mr.. Hayden re-
verting to the oid days Of his first court
ship-he took Mrs. Pillsbury's plncushlon
of hand In the most aflectionate manner
the very hand which ought ut that es-
pecial moment to have been frying frit-
tiers for It's impatient owner, her husband.
Impatient, sure enough; for before Mrs.
Pillsbury, In her amazcmcnt, had time to
speak, or even draw back, the opposite
doors opened, and from one came the
voice of Mr.. Pillsbury, inqulring, with
conjugal freedom, If supper was nearly
ready. Then he stepped over the thrcsh-
old, and stood In dumb surprise, just as
Miss Priscilla appeared In the other door
way.
Sarah Matilda! my wifer was all the
astonishcd husband could utter; while
Mercy OH us. fell from the pursed lips
of Miss Priscilla like quick storm Of
hail. Which was the most astonished one
of the party 1t would be difficult to say;
but the first to regain eQuipoise was Sarah
Matilda.
AN apology is due to Mr.. Hayden
said she, with ready tact. He has mista-
ken me an old married woman, for my
cousin. Miss Danley. Priscilla, Inc has
asked for my hand, and refer him to you
for an answer
Yes, yes gasped Mr.. Hayden, with rs
good grace rs he could command-A
natural mistake, ladies'; and hope you'll
excuse it, Miss Danley, 1 mean Mrs.
Mrs.
'Pinsbury,' suggested the outraged hus-
band, severely.
And l sincerely hOpc'-faltcred the
father of six, with an appealing glance ut
the spinstcr's tOp-knOt of steel cOlored
ribbon. which prOtrudcd from each side
of the tight twist like q atwo-edged sword
Il sincerely hope. Miss Danley, 1t will be
SO YOU can overlook this little blunder,
and take me for-for better or worse
Tea Is ready said Miss Priscilla, with
ont bending her head; walk out and sit
down with us, Mr.. Hayden.'
This invitation looked propitious. IL
the lady had been offended beyond all
hope all reconciliation she would not have
asked the enemy. out to tea. Mr.. Hay.
den's India rubber spirits had suffered
collapse on account of his innocent mis-
take; but they inflated and rebounded as
Miss Priscilla spoke. ..
He watched her sitting upright before
the little Japan tray, pOuringa stream OF
tea rs nearly as possible at right-angles
with the nose of the teapot; and thought
within his own soul that this "other one"
would rule his house better than the SYM
pathetic Mrs. Pillsbury, on whom he had
wasted five minutes Of hopeless and un.
lawful alteration. Yes, Inc was satisfied
that the happiness OF his future life de-
pended upon one short word from Miss
Danley's decisive lips, which rs yet had
only opened to ask her guests IL they
would take sugar and cream In their
cups.
Miss Priscilla did not for moment for
get the prophecies of the occasion; but,
while she was acting herpart as hostess
with the strictcst decOrlim, her mind was
busy with thoughts of the future. Should
she, or should she not, accept the horny
hand OF Salmon Hayden, and with II the
six responsibilities which roinped around
his hearthstonel
..... tl,at ,..o. Dale atlla's