Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-03-23
m 1R TESTOWN JEFFERSON COUNTY, W VA, SATURDAY, MA

angel,-that is, supposing that angels can
dwell in the flesh She was bright-taced,
sunny-haired. mild-eyed maiden, full Of pure
and healthy life, with truth in every look and
tone and grace in every movement. Harry
greeted her as one old playmate is wont to
greet another; and after tea he sang with her,
and talked of the bygoue school-days. But
Lizzie was not over and above social and
when. in the bright moonlight of the August
evening, they walked out upon the the piazza,
she took his uncles arm instead of his, and he
was forced to offer his arm to the mother
encouragement which. if his after manner was
to be trusted, did not particularly please him
On the following day Uncle Tim. caused his
span of dapple grays to be hitched 10 the
light buggy, and as the team appeared at the
door Lizzie Folger came out arrayed for ride
Uncle Tim gallanty handed her to her seat,
and having placed himself by her side, he took
the.reins and drove off. Harry Bunkum. be-
held the movement with feelings which he did
not think to analyze; but it was evident from
his look, and from few mutterings which fell
from bis lips, that he regarded the whole thing
as a gross infringement upon his rights.
It was late in the afternoon when the grays,
upon their return, came prancing to the door.
Uncle Tim. lesped out with wonderful agility,
and having handed Lizzie to the piazza, he
kissed her upon her dimpled cheek, exclalm-
ing. in an exuberant manner, as he did so,-
",Bless you, my darling You are an angel
And Lizzie looked up and smiled, and pat
ted him upon the cheek in return.
Harry Bunkum had been standing upon the
niazza all the while, and be muttered some
thing very far from blessing when he had
heard and seen.
That evening Uncle Tim. and Lizzie played
chess, and Harry sat in dumps. Mrs. folger
sought to engage him in conversation but be
complained of headache, and took himself of
at an early hour.
During the forenoon of the third day Uncle
Tim. met his nephew in the hall, and called
him into the library.
mHarry, my boy" he said, with glowing
face al have deemed it my duty to let you
know that there is soon to be change in our
household. / am going to give it mistress.
"a mistress ?" repeated Harry, in surprise.
"Yes,-and one Of which any man might
be Justly proud"
81 don't understand"
"You mean, you ,cont understand Haven't
you got eyes What dye suppose l brought
Lizzie Folger here for ??
"Pshaw You don't mean that-that-"
"What is it, Harry? Out with it.
"O-ridiculous !"
"But what is it that is so ridiculous
"Why," returned the nephew, with ghast-
" effort at laugh, " wondered whether you
would intimate that Lizzie-that Misss Fol-
ecr-was the person to whom you alluded.
m.Miss Lizzie Folger is the person, SIT, re-
piled Uncle Tim. with dignity.
"And you are going to make her mistress
Of your house"
Exactly"
"Do YOU mean that-that-you are going TO
make her your wiie?"
"And what do you find wonderful in thatT
"YoU,-at your age!" said Harry, gasping-
ly.-though he tried to speak sarcastically.
/" At mn age! :" exclaimed Uncle. Tim. ferc-
ciously. =" What dye mean by that, you
Young iackanapes? At Ny age!--I am only
two-and- right ,in.the prime OF life. }
was never Younger in health and vigor. Con-
found your impudence / could take. yon
across my knee as,I would child. a girl Of
sense looks for supporter and protector IN
aihusband." -,
Harry looked at his uncle-looked him from
head to foot-and was forced to admit that he
gazed upon a remarkably strong and we'll
made man. and, moreover, upon man exceed
ingly well looking.
al trust" added Uncle Tim who Evidently
read MS 'ncphew's thoughts, that. the ar
rangement will meet your'approval."
"Bah! What is it to me You can marry
dozen Lizzie Folgers, if you like,'
"Ah. my boy, there isn't but one oi them
and | think may say, am glad Of il. But
mark ye-forget not the respect which is due
from"
Harry did not stop to hear the conclusion
.be sentence. but with an ejaculation Of painful
impatience he turned upon his heel and left
the library and not long aderward he saw
his nncle and Lizzie walking together in the
garden. She hung confdingly upon his arm,
and they were talking upon subject which
seemed to be one of deep interest.
Harry Bunkum began to open his eyes to
the true state Of his own heart. The thing
which he had regarded as set apart especially
for him. and which he might. take into possess
sion at any time, he had not been anxious 10
claim. especially as the movement would bring
TO him new duties and new responsibilities
But now that he saw the prize in the handSrof
anoiher-now that the sweet bud seemed about
TO be plucked away from him for ever-he
was startled into new estimate of the value
Of the boon he had sighted; and after time
he reasoned with himself Did he wish to live
ALWAYS alone? Did he tllirk he might at some
time like home Of his own? Could he ever
love another than Lizzie Folger? With such
thoughts he grew frantic. He wearied himself
with mutterings Of most malignant and bitter
import. and then turned his attention to sober
er thoughts. And so he thought, in deep re-
lection, for long time.
Late in the day Uncle Tim, was called away
upon business which would probablydctain him
until the next morning In the evening Harry
followed Lizzie into the garden. He had re-
solved to do a desperate thing, and was prepar-
cd to be plain and outspoken. He urged her
TO sit down in one Of the arbors and as he took a
seat by her side be found her trembling.
"Be not alarmed" he said and yet par
don me if I speak plainly. Has my uncle
asked You for your han1?'
"He has" Lizzie answered.
"And have you given him favorable an
swer?'
"Mv answer has not been unfavofable."
40. Lizzie | had not thought this Of you :"
"How? Not thought what ?"
"That you could thus slight me-
"Slight you, Harry do not understand"
ayes, Lizzic-you do understand. No.