The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1870-04-23

their head on seeing whom Mr.. Elton went
and stood little apart, out Of their road.
"Whats all this 2" interrogated every
BODY in a chorus. "What's the matter ?n
"Oh, nothing" replied the impertur able
Lima, whom Lothing could discom pose,
.Only I've ascertained, within the last five
minutes, two very useful facts. One is
that it's dangerous to pluck water lilies ON a
fallen tree and another is - that while some
peoples courage won't. stand fire. Lord
Oakiands Is remarkable for not standing
water"
But We don't understand it at ALI" ex-
claimed Mrs Anterior. And hereto add
to our perplexity-is Mr.. Elton, behind q
bush-a perfect modern mermani'
Il don't know anything about mermen,
observed Lima, with remarkable brilliancy
marching steadily up to MIR. Elton and tax
ing his arm but do know this, that if il
hadn't been for him, / should have been
lying under the water there with the fishes
among my hair. Take me home, Gustavus.
Arm-in arm these two walked otf-drip
ping and triumphant-and left their fashion
able friends to make the most OF it. There
ensued long silence, which. somehow
neither seemed inclined to break.
Lima" said Mr.. Elton at last in very
tremb bling, husky voice, II do not think can
find better opportunity than this to tell
you something that has been on my mind a
long tune. l have felt lately, more and more
every day, how neompara bly, superior 70 inc
you are in everything and KNOW 80
whatever you in your kindness may "
the contrary. that you have lei' " too, 0'
. moment. plesse. Tidings that reached me
of he fo nf
hank. which makes me a comparatively poor
man, these tidings have decided me-
Mr.. Elton paused moment and cleared
his throat.
THAT l love you as my own life, Heaven
knows-better far better; but it seems to me
that is best shown by unsel6shness and SO,
Lima, give you your liberty" he continued.
ANY tie that bound us once is dissolved for
ever, and you are free to choose, in the
world that just opening to you, some one
worthier of your affection. Heaven bless
you, my darling, and grant you may be
happy with q better and wiser man than l. y
To all this Lima listened without uttering
a single word
"Well, have you finished ?" she demanded,
in a very unsteady, tremulous voice, when
he had concluded.
~ have nothing more to say he replied
sadly.
'Then have" said Lima, coming to an
abrupt stop and wheeling suddenly around,
she faced him.
GU have given me my liberty, you say,
and l am vastly obliged to you for it" she
continued; land now, allow me to inform
you of one trivial circumstance, that may,
perhaps, interest you. If some one were to
make me to day queen of all this merry
England, and you, a beggar at my palace
gates, I'd take you by the hand and show
you to the world; and this is what I'd say
This is the man I love; and 10 me be is
the noblest and the best the wide earth holds
Revere him. And I'd stick crown on your
dear old head, and we'd sit perched on two
big thrones. and repeal the income tax, and
have fun, and be happy ever after you dear
old thing, you delightful old Gustavus y
Throwing her arms around his neck, Lima
kissed him again and again, at the same
time laughing and crying in the most ride,
ulous manner possible.
And you will forgive the way IN which
l have treated you?" he said my stupid
egotism and conceis, and stuck up airs, and
take me-poor as | AM?
"Didn't I say I'd scratch the polish off,
demanded Lima, appealing, in an ecstasy OF
triumph, to the surrounding landscape.
Gus, if you were as poor as mouse. and
black as a chimney-sweep. I'd have you;
and now take me home, l begin to feel
cool. Gomez
They marched off sgaiu; and, between
ourselves. very much doubt whether, on
that day, happier couple could have been
found in all her Msissty's dominions.
THE END