The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1872-02-09


mistake. This is my name and mum.
ber," Mary said, again glancing at the
card
The man expressed his knowledge
of the flowers having reached the one
for whom they were intended, by go
ing to work unloading his cart, and
taking them into the hall.
just then Mrs. Fulton came in from
walk. Mary stopped, admiring the
flowers, then followed her into the sit
ting room, and wondered anew who
could have sent the beautiful present.
"Shall the man place them in the
windows, he says, Miss Maryp the
servant asked.
THANK him, and say, if he has the
time to spare" Mary answered.
Immediately after the man began
to bring in and arrange the plants.
"How soon you are back, mamma.
Surely you dld not get through your
shoppingl" Mary SAID. removing her
mothers wrappings and gently seat
ing her in n rocker.
~ es, love, came back much soon
er than | expected, to bring you dis
appointment, | fear, as well as max
ing you very busy to day When ]
reached your fathers office, / found
there an old friend and school.iellow
OF his. thought papa's eyes were
asking, as plain as could be, Tor me TO
invite him to dine with ms to-day,
and so did: and the gentleman read.
lily accepted my invitation. When /
was coming away, papa followed me
To the door. aud SAID he was so glad |
had asked his friend to our home.
And | hurried back To set you hard
to work-never rejecting, until few
moments since, that you had an en-
gagenent Tor the afternoon" answer
ed Mrs Fulton.
do not worry about my engage
ment-I am glad TO stay home aud
be busy, To make dear papa happy.
can send n note of excuse to my
friend, and then To work. Mamma,
we will have n dinner papa will be
proud of."
Just then came n bang, crash Mary
turned quickly To see, lying on the
carpet, the iragrants OF pot, and
near by the scattered dirt, some still
clinging TO the roots OF rare rose in
full bloom.
Mary might well have been excus.
ed ii she had gotten little out OF
temper. But she did not. The shade
of regret which gathered for an i'll.
slant on her face quickly passed away,
and when the man picked up the rose,
and began to mutter some excuse or
apology, Mary SAID;
Never mind. ] hope the rose is
not injured much; and if il is. | must
not grnmble about the accident. for |
am still very rich in the possession of
SO many beautiful ones"
The last flower was placed in the
window; and as the door closed on
the man, Mary said:
Poor fellow, really pitied himi
lie is so awkward, and seemed either
so frightened or bashful he could not
raise bis eyes"
"well, Frank. my boy, the time has
expired. Am | to hunt fitting bri-
dal present for your chosen one? I've
been anxiously expecting to hear from
you for several days past. l shall be
true to my word. Am TO give my
consent to, and blessing on your union
with Miss Courtney"
No, sir"
"No, sir! Why not?"
"Because I've asked Mary Fulton
to be my wife"
What Indeedl Hurra! Oh, Frank,
yon arc all rigk. now. How happy
we shall all be! But tell me how you
so suddenly recovered both sight and
senses. l had not expected my little
plan to accomplish so sudden cure, "
said Uncle Phil, clasping Franks
hand, and shaking it warmly.
"Oh, uncle, spare me a recitation
from the first peep behind the scenes.
Sufficient to say. thank you for saw
ing me from "a leap in the dark, )" said
Frank, with grave face.
"Ah, see. The lovely belle did
not care TO be so charming to the awk.
ward, redheaded cartman, as to the
very eligible Frank Osborn" said
Uncle Phil. with knowing smile
but cannot let you off from some
little hints about your second call and
peep at the little 'h6me-spun' girl"
Don't uncle. please, ever say that
again. am ashamed of myself ever
TO have been so foolish. Well, the
red-headed, awkward cartman found
| Mary Fulton more charming and love
ly in every way than ever Frank Os
born had dreamed; more beautiful in
her morning dress than in evening
toilet-industrious, gentle, amiable
considerate. And so / grew more
desperately in love than ever, and
learned to adopt completely your idea
that 'only good daughter will make
a good wife,"
but do you think she can preside
with ease, grace and dignity at youl
entertainments" asked Uncle Phil.
Another thrust, unclel Well,
deserve it, / know she will. wen
in that very evening after my call and
fonnd her entertaining her fathers
friends. l do not fear but so good
and lovely girl will be all | wish.
felt like picking her up and running
off with her that morning, when, aftel
smashed up her best flower, she wa,
so pleasant about it. Bless her dea
little heart! There isl no reception hours
or company behavior with her.
i Isabel never ceased watching ant
waiting for Franks return to her side
until she saw his marriage announced