The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1872-04-26

of sheifer'' Just below. She remembered
the exact position in which Phil stood
as he held the hymn-book open for his
wifel That was too much. Polly drew
tight the green curtain and looked no
more.
"You're pale, to-day" whispered the
friendly gossip in the rear, "or else your
hat isn't becoming"
This reused her pride. Bad as 1t was
to be miserable, it was worse TO be
pitied; she bit her lips till they were red,
and taking advantage of the last prayer,
am sorry to say, inflicted series OF
furtive pinches which restored their
bloom. Coming down stairs with the
rest, she saw, she was sure, PM hnger-
ing as If to speak. Cruel, insulting she
would not seei Leaning on James arm,
chatting, all bloom and animation, she
brushed past. "Polly,n he halt eX-
claimed, then paused. Backs are some
times as expressive as faces. Polly's
said, distinctly as back could, 'Don't
speak to me-" Phil looked after them a
moment, then suppressing a low whistle,
he plunged his hands into his pockets
and took the opposite direction. But
soon, relenting, he was sorry to have
done so. "She didn't see me- he said
to himself, "that was it. Weni pll go
over this evening, at all events, and find
out what it means"
Oh what a miserable day it wasl All
thelittle, carefully preparation pleasures
were as so many gOads and stings to
poor ROlly. The turkey choked; the
children's merriment stunned her. And
there were all the relations to be seen to
Aunt Elmira and Uncle Jacob, Cousin
Jane with her family, and the new baby.
But for all her heartache, the little maid
was true to herself. Only Mrs. Pursall,
with motherly instinct, divined that
something was the matter. To the rest
Polly was her usual self, prettier than
usual, il anything, and gayer with that
deep flush on her cheeks, and the saucy
tongue, which, barbed with inward
misery, had smart answer for all and
each.
At last the long dinner ended, amidst
praises loud and high. The fire was re-
plenished, the candles lit, evening and a
general romp set i'm. Amidst the hustle.
Polly could Slip out unpercieved.
Climbing a chair in the dark pantry,
she felt about, and found the pie. Just
so she had meant to come and get IL for
PHIL With tight-set lips she carried
the dish through the hall to the back
door to find Jowler, one of the most
faithful of dogs.
"Jowler-Jowler-poor fellow" she
said, there's something for YOU" and
she held out Phil's piel
Never was dog awakened by daintier
morseli 1t was very heroic vengeance
that, but somehow ii suited Polly's feel
ings, and there was a certain tragic
quality in her manner, as she stood
looking at the demolishment which
would have struck an uninterested spec
tator as infinitely comic. As the last
crumb vanished, however-the last
twirl of the "P'-a different mood as
serted ITSELF She put her head in child
ish fashion against the door, and with
the empty pie-plate in her hand, began
to cry-a silent, miserable crying, with
little dumb moan running through it
like a child's.
1t was just then that somebody pass-
ing up the walk came upon her-some-
body who in his haste had come ecross
corners" and leaped the garden fence i'm
his way-a tall, brown-heired fellow,
with merry, kind eyes, ip which won
derment shone as he took in this aston
ishing spectacle.
'Hallop' he began; "why, it's-bless
my soul, Pollyi Why, Polly, what rs
Ine matter, GEAR -
At the sound of the voice Polly started
as if stung. She gave a little scream
then, recollecting herself, would have
dashed past him into the house, but q
strong hand held her back.
"What is the meaning of this?n said
Phil. ''fou here, and crying on Thanks
giving night-the night when we were
going to be so happy? Tell me what it
fG polly Go,,Ff
Aren't You glad to see me?"
"Why? You ask me that? Because" ,"
suddenly remembering what she inn
plied-"because YOU have no right TO
speak TO me-to anybOdy-nOw that you
are marriedr
'Ehw calculated Phil, "and who saws
am married?n
Polly, with dilating eyes, perused his
face. She could not speak.
Ppm not married." went on Phil,
whoever says so; and l can't imagine
how such thing got about. And that
you should'-he stopped.
The lady in ehurch?" gasped Polly.
"Well, what about her?" said Phil,
sharply. Hrhat was Willis wife-my
brother VIII, you know, or rather you
don't know, for you were a little girl
when he went to South America. 1t
seems he ran away with beauty and
heiress, and the letter they wrote never
reached us; and the first thing | knew
they were in New York, and poor Will
miserably knocked up by the voyage
and pistol ball one of her relations sent
after him. So | didn't let father know
for fear of worrying him; and when
Will got betterwe all came up together.
That's the story, Polly; but did think
you trusted me littIe.n
"Oh, did, do" sobbing; "and was
so miserable, Phil"
$50 this was the cause of Polly's tears, -
went on teasing Phil, availing himself,
manlike, of the opportunity; ''and that
was the reason she turned her back this
morning. Then Polly does care for me
a little-a very little?''
"A very little, F" responded Polly, with
faint gleam of mischief from under
her wet lashes.
Enough TO put some confidence in
my word when ] assure you | shall
never marry-never-unlesS somebody
l know, somebody who has proved very
faithless and hurt me not little to-day,
should learn to believe me and like me
well enough"-SqueeZing little brown
hand as he spoke-"to take me for 8
husband herself? What do you say,
dear?' for the pretty, rosy face had van
ished into the sleeve of his coat, and for
all questioning no answer could be won
but sweet, half gurgling, half sobhing,
Forgive me, Phil"
Phil did not prove obdurate. Before
long the face came out of its hiding
place, and leaning on his arm Polly
stood happy moment to look at the
rising moon, and taste the consciousness
of bliss. JOwler stretched himself lux
uriously, yawned, then leaping up, his
paws on POlly's shoulder, he gave vent
TO lone, solitary bark of benediction,
perhaps, or maybe self-congratulation
that this consummation devOutly to be
wished did not happen sooner, TO the