Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-11-12

or not? l believe you do-in fact. know
you do
Here was again making simpleton of
myself.
oh! you know, then. do your she said.
coolly, with merry twinkle in her eve.
Then of course there Is no need telling
YOU
No, did not mean it, JESSIE said.
But do you love me? Will you answer me
yes or not
Yes or no. she answered demurely.
on, Jessie Hale. l exclaimed, impa-
tiently, you will drive me crazy!
"A terrible misfortune, surely she said,
with laugh, throwing down her work.
and stepping through the low window up
on the lawn. Now, VIII, l will tell you
what will do il you will promise never to
plague me again about this
4 will promise anything, IL you will on
ly give me an honest answer said eager
ly.
Well, then, ifyou can catch me before
l reach the elm tree, will give you de-
cided answer
thumped my head against the window
sash, and away l went, racing over the
green sward with ten times more eager
ness than ever displayed in playing catch
in my boyhood days. | caught her before
Now for the answer, said, eagerly.
'Oh! but can't you wait until | get
breathY drawing it in quick, spasmodc
Jerks. Let me see; what was it promised
TO tell you?'
whether you love me or nor, you pro-
voking little wretch, said 1, fairly out of
patience.
Now look here, Mr.. viii; il you don't
leave of calling me names | won't answer
you, now see if do. Aud sure enough no
answer could get from her.
The next day 1 received a letter from
my uncle, stating that his assistant had
left him, and asking me to take his place.
This was just the situation [ had been
wanting for years, and hailed it with de-
light now.
But, JESSIE | thought-'could leave
her.,
moments reflection showed me it was
just what was needed, for if she really
cared for me my absence would make her
willing TO acknowledge ii, It did not take
long To make my arrangements, and be-
fore night they were all completed. and
the next morning l started for the station.
calling at Mr.. Hale's on my way, to bid
Jessie good-by. | could see the little witch
did not believe one word of the story |
told her.
I hope, Mr. will. you won't break your
arm in the train; it would make it so bad
Tor YOU she sald, with smile, as | con-
cluded.
And you not there to cure it, | retorr-
ed. But, seriously, Jessie, am in earn
est, now. II is probable | shall not see YOU
again Tor years; for il like the place |
Shall remain there
She still believed it some trick, for her
eyes said plainly. You can't cheat me
again Aud she said good bye as cool
ly as il II were only for dav. | went
down the walk, feeling much as | think
Adam must have felt when he left Para
disc, except that he took his Eve with him
aud lett mine behind.
was pleased with the place, and was
not long IN accepting my uncle's propos- !
ais. | wrote to this effect to a lawyer de-
string him TO dispose of my property at
Oakdalc. knew Jessie would hear OF it, !
aud it wond give her to understand that |
had no intention OF returning. In three
days followed the letter determined that
II did not succeed this time, | would give
her up forever, though my heart gave
quick throo ot pain at the thought
It was Just at twilight, OF a pleasant
september day, when | reached Oakdalc.
Direct TO Mr.. Hale's took my way, saw
ing 10 myself as | went. Now or never"
| entered the dusky parlor unannounced.
By tue dun light | saw Jessie sitting on a
sofa, her head resting on the soft pillow.
She was alone aud had not heard nv step.
Was she asleep? quick sob answered me.
That argued we'll for my success In A mo-
ment was kneeling beside her, and had
raised the bowed head.
Jessie, dear little Jessie | said. tend
erly, scarcely knowing how she would re-
celve II. With a quick start and glad cry
OF surprise, her head was pillowed on my
bosom.
oh am so glad to see you, Will. They
told me you would not return, and have
been so lonely without you.'
And | have been lonely too, Jessie darl-
ing said. My home anywhere would
always be lonely without you. Will you
not 20 and share it with me?'
The answer was very low, but knew it
was the affirmative.
viii you become my wife next week p
was determined To make sure work now
There was some hesitation. a few OBJ
jections raised, but | finally gained the
same answer to that.
Then | hurried To the drawing room to
see the old folks. There was considerable
pleasure expressed at my unexpected ar
rival, and great surprise when my erraul
was made known; and a few tears fr,.l
the mother at parting with Jessie. aud
hearty congratulations from the father
concluded by the remark That lust as
likely as not she would change her mind
while changing her dress.
Not so, however. In a week | got the
prettiest, best little wife in all England:
and what is better STILL l think so now,
even though she did say. ten minutes after
the ceremony, L never told you | loved
all