Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-01-25

opening the front door in answer to
the summons of the great brass knock
er, to behold him standing on the step,
and his horse paving at the gate
about as much surprised as you would
be, If the statue of Washington which
adorns the square should dismount
from its rampant steed and pay you a
visit.
He extended his hand smilingly,
and inquired for her father and moth
er, upon which Sallie invited him in.
He said he had been trying to obtain
some Of the old English strawberry
plants-he had the Hovey's Seeding
and the Bartlett, and in fact almost
every other variety-but the old En-
glish had become very rare, and be
was told that Mr.. Deering had it.
Upon which Mr.. Deering said he
had, and that Mr.. Burch was welcome
to some. And then they fell into a
long conversation about horticulture
in general, and Mrs. Deering treated
him to glass of her elderberry wine.
So he stayed an hour or more, and
though he addressed but a few words
to Sallie, his hazel eyes were upon her
even while he talked to her father
And so upon one pretext and another
he continued to come, until at last he
came without any pretext at all.
The old people valued his society
on their own account not little, but
more because, as they said, the com
panionship Of a cultivated gentleman
like Mr.. Burch was such an advantage
to young girl like their daughter
As for Sallie, she regarded him as
dear brother, or at least she thought
she did, until her old friend, Mrs. Bur
dock-the same who was so scandal
lied by the "pink ribbons" destroyed
the illusion. 1t was one afternoon in
early June, when Mr.. Deering slept in
his arm chair, his wife darned his
stockings. and Sallie sat stitching
away upon some pretty piece Of non
sense-which, truth to tell she was
much addicted to doing-that Mrs.
Burdock stalked in like some gaunt
and grizzly Fate. After discoursing
a short time about the lateness of the
season. the prospect for crops-Mrs.
Blacks "rheumatiz" and Mr.. Browns
broken leg-she came at last to the
subject uppermoSt in her mind, and
which had been the real motive of her
call.
So Mr.. Burch is going to be mar
ried," she remarked, looking keenly
at Sallie. That young woman gave
little start which caused her to prick
her finger and stain her work with
blood. aud let US hope she derived a
momentary satisfaction from the fan
cy that the cambria was Mrs. Burdock
and the needle a dagger. She did
not, however, look up nor make any
reply, but her mother said in the most
commonplace way in the world.
"Is he? Who's the lady ?"
That | haint found out, but he's
fXin' up his house with the beautiful.
lest new things. | made an arraut
there and saw EN- myself. 1t must
be the Queen Of Shelby at least" and
Mrs. Burdock cackled at her own wit.
" He's been down to Boston three
times In one week-only think of it,"
she added.
What followed Sally did not hear
she felt confused and bewildered,
and was thankful when she could steal
away to her chamber. Then she re-
preached herself for feeling distressed
at the news.
"What is it to me-" thought she,
whether he is married or not? He
has been the kindest and dearest of
friends, and | hoped things might con-
tnue as they were, but | had no right
to expect it. Well, whatever happens.
shall always reverence him as the
noblest man in the world-nobody
can deprive me of comfort"
Like many other young ladies, Sal
lie was a little given to superlatiyes,
as may be seen.
The next day Mr.. Burch called,
smiling, as handsome as ever. He
confirmed the truth of Mrs. Burdock's S
statement with regard to reftting his
house, and paid Sallie the compliment
of asking the benefit of her taste in
completing the arrangements.
"Will you put on your hat, and go
with me now?" he asked.
Certainly" she said, and tried to
add, with pleasure" but the words
got no further than her throat.
She remembered how she had once
gone over another house with another
bridegroom, but it was not that men,
ory which caused her to sigh as she
crossed the threshold at Riverbank.
Indeed, Mr. Burch, you had little
need of any taste but your own," OBJ
served she.
They had nearly completed their
survey of the house, and were now
standing by a recess filled with choi-
cest plants.
"Then you are pleased ?" he asked
Il am charmed"
at still lacks one thing without
which even Paradise was not com
plete"-he said-"its Eve"
"A difficulty which will soon be
supplied, suppose" said she turning
her back on Mr.. Burch, and looking
intently into the heart of calla-lilly
THAT depends upon you,' he said
"On meT' exclaimed Sallie. facing
him now; chow can that be ?"
Because, unless you consent tt
marry me yourself, I shall remain sin
gle"
"Impossible" !" said she.
"Have presumed too much !" hi
asked, regarding her earnestly.
a meant impossible that you coult
think of me" stammered simple Sal
lie, blushing rosily.
"But seeing that it is not impossi
ble-what then ?"
"Why then"
Il shall fill up the blank to suit my
SELF" said he, bending lower, AM
taking her hands in his, but to his sur
prise she drew back.
"There are some things that ma
: cause you to alter your mind" sal
, she.
hWo11 ~ co.I ba ond xro.tol G.