Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-03-18

the hair and eyes-plague take the veil"
But plague" whoever that mystical pow
er may be- did not take possession of the veil,
SO Mr.. Edges curiosity about the blue-eyed
damscl remained unsatisfed.
Have you room enough, Miss2 fear you
arc crowded. Pray sit little closer to me p
"Thank you, sir" was the soft reply COM
ing from behind the veil, as Mr.. Edge reflected
like an angel from dark cloud. And his
heart gave a loud thump as the pretty should
er touched his own shaggy ovcrcost in hosi-
tating sort Of way.
Decidedly, this is getting quite romantic, y
thought he, and then with an audible whisper,
"what would Maria say?''
The rest Of that long, dreary ride was de-
licious with that shoulder against bis own
How gallantly he jumped up TO pull the strap
for her-by some streak of fortune il happen
ed to be at the very street he intended 10 stop.
And under the circumstances VIC hardly blame
him, when the cars stopped so suddenly that
she caught at his arm for support, for the
squeeze he gave the plump, rosy hand-any
man of sense would have done the samc-it
was such an inviting little lilly.
"Allow me to carry your basket, miss, as
our path lies in the same direction" said Mr..
Edge, courteously, relieving her of her burden
as he spokoi" and-and-may be you'd find
less difficulty if you'd take my arm"
Well, wasn't it delightful Mr.. Edge for
got the wet streets and pitchy darkncss-hc
thought he was walking on roses. Only as he
approached his door he began to feel little
bit nervous and wished the little incognito
would not hold on so tight. Suppose Maria
should be at the window on the lookout, as
she often was, how would she interpret mat
tcrs7 He couldn't make her believe that he
only wanted to be polite to tho fair traveller.
Besides, his sweeping declarations in the morn
ing, she would be suro to recall them.
As ho stopped at the right number, bid the
blue eyes adieu, he was astonished to see her
likewise run up the steps to enter. Gracious
Appolio he burst into cold pcrspiration at
the idea of the young lady's error.
81 think you must have made a mistake,
Miss, he stammored, " thiscan't be your house."
But il was too late-shc was already in the
brilliantly lighted hall, and turning around
threw of her dripping habilimcnts and made
a low curtsy.
Why, it's WY cysl' gasped Mr.. Edgo.-
" And happy to see that you have not forgot
ten all your gallantry toward US ladies" pur-
sued the rnoroiloss riila rusa, he- blue eyes
(they were pretty all in dance with suppress
ed roguery. Edge looked from ceiling 10 floor
in vain search of loop-holo 10 retreat, but the
search was unavailing.
"Well," he said ia most shocpish q toncs.
" !; is the first time ever was polite 70 alaly
in the cars, aud hang mo II IL shant D. the
last"
You sec. my DEAR" said Che cciste Hii'e
lady, "I didnt expect % to delayed 20 long
and hadn't any idea should inert with ueh
attention 60 the cars. and that from my ius-
baud. tool Goolness gracious. how Aunt Prs-
ella viii enjoy the joke"
Ifyou tell tho Oh harpy. win never Lar
tho East Of it, said Edge ia desperation.
Very probable" was the provoking reply
% hs WIFE
Now look here, darling" said Ne EIgc.
coaxiug, "you won't say anything, viii you
\ fellow don't want b DO laughed at BY al
the world. say. Maria, you shall have the
prettiest furs in New York, II you will only
keep quiet-you shall, upon my honor"
The terms were satisfactory, and Maria ca
pitulated-who wouldn't? And that is the
way she got those splendid flrs that filed the
hearts Of all her female friends with envy. And
perhaps it was what made Mr.. Edge such a
husband ever since.