The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-06-20
eyes followed her, full of tenderness and
sympathy, but Mr.. Merrill only laughed,

lWeek-yOu see IL SIZE ISL Z.
ooh, no." said the mother; "Eva is
very constant in her loves and friend
ships; she will not change, l know"
"Mr Curtis is not in love with Eva,
nor she with him." exclaimed Maude, a
beautiful girl of seventeen years.
"Indeed, miss, and what do you know
about it?'' i @
The young girl hlushed rosy red, and
then laughing little answered; 7
81 can see, papa, as well as other peo-
pie" = .r .r'
"Yoti had better attend to your books
and not trouble yourself ab1iit your sis
ter's affairs ar a
Tsaall soon be through with tiresome
old books, and have some affairs of my
own," she retOrted saucily. -z
81 beg, Maude, that you will wait nn-
til Eva is settled before you begin your
firtations. shall certainly 60 crazy if
| have two to look after" a.f a'
II am going to parties this winter, pa
pa, and of course l shall look my pret-
ticst, and then-and then" 5a - ae
"It is time to go to schools so no more
nonsense, but come and kiss me good
Ibye," and the young lady old as request
ed. T.
That afternoon Mr.. Curtis called with
a dashing little turn out, and took Eva
Off in triumph, the young lady looking
bright and happy enough to warrant her
fathers predictions, but at Meridian
Lane another voting gentleman took his
place by her side, and indulgod in GER
tain demonstrations that his predecessor
had not dreamed of. They passed one
delightful hour together, the horses be-
ling allowed to take their own pace, mean
while, and upon returning to the place
appointed, Henry sprang out and young
Curtis again sprang Id and drove the
young lady hottie, .a. eaa
The same programme was repeated
week after week, Eva of course losing
neither health or spirit under such a re-
gime. At length, one day when Henry
Reldon was with her, who should they
see coming but Mr.. Merrill himself.
"What shall we do2 What shall we
do ?" asked tic frightened girl.
Haven't you a thick veil, darling p
"Yes, yes, and Immediately the article
in question was drawn closely over Eva's
face, and shivering with apprehension
they met the severe parent, who gave
them both a searching glance as they
passed by. srr .gr.rt
80, Henry, do you think he knew
me ?" rs- t.,. 81, .'..e g..
s.Not unless he recognized that dress
of yours .rar..e
"'rhen I'm safe enough; papa never
knows whether I'm dressed in purple,
green or yellow. Fortunately had my
veil; l shall regard it in future as my
kindest friend. Wasn't it funny, though ?
and she. went off into fit of joyous
laughter so contagious that her compan-
ion soon Joined in her merriment.
That evening Mr.. Merrill turned to
his daughter, saying j.
"Eva,I do not think you need to wear
the willow any longer for Mr.. Reldon;
he seems to be consoling himself"
"What do you mean, father I" she in
quired very demurely, but almost chok-
ing with suppressed laughter.
II met him riding with lady to-day,
so closely vailed that could not see her
face-but they seemed TO be enjoying
themselves very much"
IL do not suppose that Mr.. Reldon
will be silly enoug b to make hermit of
himself, and renounce the society of all
other ladies, because he has been dis
missed from the house Of the girl he
loves. hope that he will find consola-
ton somewhere" ys
81 think, Eva, that you had better
find consolation in the society of the
gentleman you were with to-day
"The gentleman was riding with, pa
pa?"
"Yes, dear"
"Why, wouldn't you object to my
marrying him p e
Il should be most happy to see you
his wife"
"Wcll, I'll tell him, then," and laugh
ing mischievously she ran out of the
room. ,3'..
$50 much for a girls love! What
did tell you, motherp | knew she
would be fascinated by the next good
looking fellow that came along" cxclaim-
ed the gentleman triumphantly
81 have not changed my opinion of
Eva yet, she replied.
"Have not changed your opinion? ?
You do f6t believe Chat she is still in
love with Retd6a, do your"
"Wait and see.'' ".a #
"Why l have just given my consent to
her marrying William Gurtis=and she
went off as happy as bird"
The mother smiled incredulousiy, but
said nothing more.
The next day Mr.. Merrill was sitting
in his office, when suddenly the door
opened and Eva entered, leaning upon
MIR. Reldons arm, looking very happy.
but little nervous.
"My husband, father!" said the auda-
cious little lady.
whats that?' he inquired, pushing
back his chair.
''Don't scold now, papa, sne conth-
ued "you said might marry the gen
tleman rode with yesterday-and this
is he l was the veiled lady you saw
consoling him."
Mr.. Merrill looked very grave for a
moment, and then said;
"Well. children, your two younger
heads were more than a match for my
old one; 60 and see your mother"
And the happy couple were very sure
they heard a sound strongly resembling
laughter, as they left the room.
"Papa, said sweet voice, few mo-
ments afterwards, "vou arc very anxious
you know, to have Will Curtis in the
family; and-and-he is willing"
What do you mean, Maude! Youl
haven't commenced your affairs in good
earnest, hare your" a.L
"Eva is settled -and Mr.. Curtis wants
me to marry him"
,sNot for two years yet"
m