The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1871-07-08

lOlutu JACK anu MS Hlohu va va
II was brilliant moonlight night, and
the silyery light made the lake seem love.
lier than ever; some mad impulse induced
lack, who had already taken possession
ofNIaggie, to propose a row on the water
and, as there was no objection made, Mrs.
Campbell retiring into the house, after
charging them to be careful, they started
for the boats. The girls were in high
glec, and, when Jack proposed that they
should go in separate boats and have a
race, they willingly consented; 50 Jack
took Maggie in one boat, while Tom and
her sister entered another, and they pull.
ed from shore to stake which was a
racing point, and the two young men bent
to their oars with will. They were
about evenly matched, though Tom being
the taller had the longer reach.
The usual racing distance was mile,
marked bya buoy floating on the water,
and both struggled hard for victory.
Usually, in such contests, Jack had come
OIL conquerer; but this time he gradually
fell behind; and, when about twO.thirds Of
the distance had been passed, the other
boat then leading him about twO.thirds
OF the distance, stopped pulling, unshipped
his oars, and, folding his arms, sat In 81.
lence, while TOMS ironical cheer sounded
in the distance.
Maggie Campbell sat in the stern of the
boat rather surprised at Jacks unusual
fiRscO; and, as he did not speak, said, in
her low, musical voice
"Whatis the matter, Mr.. Savage? Are
yOu not well?" y-
Jack did not move Tor a moments then
he arose, stepped into the stern of the boat,
and seated himself beside her,
They had drifled in.shOre-the other
boat was out OF sight-and, rs Jack came
so near her, Maggie felt curious sensa'
ton in her left side, and O sort oil swelling
In her throat, while she wondered why
Jack acted so strangely, md what he was
going to do next. lie did not leave her
long in doubt as to that, for, passing his
arm around her waist-a liberty he had
never before Ventured to take-he said,
very quietly, but very paSSionately;
Maggie, we are going to part pretty
soon, and / may not have another Oppor-
tunity to tell you what Is in my heart To.
night, and,h been there these many
happy hOursthat we have passetttOgether
| want to tell you that ! love you, Mag.
gle, better than any one have ever seen,
and to Nsk you II may not hope that !
have gained u little of your love, too. |
mn sure / need yor-oh, ever 80 much
and shall want you to be my wife, ifyOu
wilI--.nOt now, Il you don't like, but when.
ever you can feel willing to come to Inc,
and let me take you all 10 myselG, tomnke
tod permitting happy home for both
Of u.s."
MIaggic's face had hccn bowling lower
and lower, and now II was entirel y con.
ccaed in her hands; and, when Jack
ceased speaking, he found she was sob.
bling, while the little hand which he
Clasped in his, and tried TO draw away
that he might look Into her face and read
his destiny, was mOistencd with her tears,
Fora moment he did not speak, thenhe
said.
maggie, dear, have | offended your
Don't cry! And Il | have, promise
never to speak Of this again, but 10 shut
my hopes and wishes up in my own heart
and make no sign.
You sec Jack was q lawyer, and knew
how 10 plead his case, anil this time he
got his verdict.
Dropping her hands, she turned her.
sweet face, wet with tears, toward Inn
and said;
al am not Offended, but II was so sud.
den'-here she laid her hand softly, upon
his-"but, IL you will have faulty and
imperfect girl whom you have made to
love you. | will be your wife Whenever
you wish and mamma consents"
The next instant Maggie's face was
slowed away somewhere under Jack'sCOat
and then II series Of curious noises was
heard, after which Jack jumped iranti.
cally back to his seat took his oars, and nj
once began 10 propef his boat with the
most incredible swiitness down the lake,
Maggie meanwhile arranging her hair
and collar, which hall somehow become
slightly deranged, and then sitting quiet
| ", with II soft smile on her laCe, watch.
Ing Jacks marvellous strength md doX.
terlty In managing tho oars.
~ shy, Tom" said Savage, an pull
you back for ten dollars. | was only play.
Ing oil when we came out."
"All rightln sounded from the other
boat, and presently they were alongside.
Then began q race that was n race.
The two girls clapped their hands, and
cheered on the competitions, and ut last
Maggie cried out: Z"
"A scarf of my lavoriIe color to the
one who winsl" ....
After that there was no use betting.
Jack came neatly into the little dock two
boat lengths ahead, and then they all ran
merily up to the house.
Jack," said Tom, after they had said
goodnight to the girls and reached their
room land II they didn't kiss them, the
little darkey that was sulking about the
batk stairs lied Consumedly)-"Jack, I've
made nm awful idiot Of myself tonight"
80 have l." said Jack, sentenHously,
as lie filled his meersChaum.
owe proposed to Susie Campbell" con.
tinued Tom.
"Just what I've done TO her sister" re.
marked Jack. ...
"And she's accepted me" whispered
Tom.
"Dittop shouted Jack, ut the top Of his
voice; and then Selling each other by the
two hands, they nearly shook them of,
winding up with an imprompiH war.
dance about the room, which induced old
Bob Rogers, who was shutting up the
house, TO shout at the highest pitch Of his
lungs
"Ho, you young scapegraces, you'll have
my house down in a minute Shut up,
or I'll set the dogs on ypul-lIerc, Cesar,
st.boy sf.boyr
A loud howl from the old touthless inns.
till in the yard, and concerted piece of
laughter In bass, tenor and soprano, from
various parts Of the house, finished the
concert, and then Jack and Tom sat
down quietly by the window to smoke
and consider the situation" rs Tom ex-
pressed II.