The Lincoln County herald., 1872-11-27

continued slowly. ne is neither very
young or very old, very kind or very
cross, very good or very bad, very rich
or very poor-but think he likes me. "
"Of course he has told you so in most
affecting tones muttered CATER ironi
calIy.
"Ne," said she quietly, "he has not"
Madeline are you crazy ! or going
into q dotage Why did you not tell me
that you we're so anxious to get married :?
and l would have advertised in all the
daily papers for "a suitable lover, for a
widow not very far advanced in life, well
preserved, ana anxious to leave CATER
Hitchcock Why did you not tell me
all this ?" and his face clouded woefully.
ut is too bad Maddy! would never
have believed you would 60 away again J;
it was bad enough to leave me when
sister was here, but now, now, why
Maddy Maddy think better of it-de
and don't leave me alone child"
Madelin's fingers worked nervously !;
how she longed for tho knitting work !
"Gaffer," she said, without looking up,
perhaps to morrow you will not feel so
badly about it. 1t 10 no sudden thing,
my determination to get married ; have
thought about it for over u year, and yet
last night | would have said there was
no telling when tho wedding would take
place."
Poor CATER seemed perfectly undone
at the news Madeline had impaired, but
at her last words he stared from his seat,
and drawing up chair took seat in
front of her. ut is not too late then
he said, his face radiant with hope.
You can yet retreat oh by the mem
DRY past days, by the solemn agreement
| entered into with your father, to guard
his little girl, by all the years | have
loved and striven to serve you, do not
leave me now; you know that it would
be taking nay life away to part with you )"
he took the two cold hands in his
"Will you leave me dare you leave me :?
still no answer? if you would be happier
away from me, my dear girl, say 50, and
CATER will not say another word speak
Maddy, speak don't mind me"
The face Of the woman was averted,
but the words though soft and trcmu
lous, were distinctly heard by the anxious
man before her. IL never said was
going to leave you. If ever marry
again, it will be to be forever near YOU"
The look of anxiety of CATERS face
gave place to one of bewildermsnt, and
then utter astonishment. "Uo you mean
what you say ?" he asked.
~ do, and it is for you to judge
whether he is blind old dotard con
cei'ed dandy, or after CATERS money"
Then Gaffer rose, walked across the
room and took his old scat, picked up
the evening paper, aud asked, "uhat time
is it?'
Half past nine. Good night"
Good night" he answered as #
nothlrg had happened and Madeline
put the knitting in her work basket and
left the room.
The next morning, at the usual hour,
the bell was rung, and CATER walked
down to the breakfast table, in dressing.
gown and slippers to see Madeline dr.
ranging the cups and saucers in her own
quiet, precise way they talked very
quietly together antil Madeline asked
when are you going to New York,
Gatfer p
mot till after the 6rst of tho month
for | expect to be married on New Year
day myself
There was little more said, and il
Maddy ate little, CATER ate less
'Maddy,' he said, When they had ad-
ourned to the library, "you are a very
sensible girl, and | never knew before
last n sht that | needed a wife; but
am fifteen years Older than you, and
what will the world say ?"
You suit ire" she answered, putting
up her face for kiss "and we will not
invite the world to the wedding"