Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1874-10-10

you to fall to and begin to consider
the matter, as Uncle Jotham requested.
Think it over prayerfully and we'll, and
let the argument Of the late 'Missus
Finch's gravestone' weigh in Mr.. Finch's
favor" ,...,.. -
"It's all we'll enough for you to-
laugh" said I, Indignantly; "but ii
you were in my place, you'd think diff
ferently of it. How am 7 going to get
rid of the wretch? What under the
sun possessed Uncle lothian to send
him off down here? I never was so
provoked in all my life, never!"
"Ill tell you what I'll do" said
Belle, after a silence of a minute or
two. He doesn't know howyou look,
and if I were to pass myself off for
you, he'd never know the mistake. I'll
be Susan if you'll be Belle, and Ill get
rid of Mr.. Finch for you."
eff you only would! cried I.
"I WILL" answered Belle, her eyes
sparkling with anticipated pleasure;
I'm going to make Mr.. Finch think
that I'm deaf-deaf as post. Oh, my!
won't it be jolly, thought"
Belle leaned back in her chair, and
laughed till her sides ached. p.
Monday morning Mr.. Finch came. 4.
We took a good look at him from
the window as he came up the path.
He was little man, with red hair, and
no eyes to speak Of. The poor gentle
man had evidently got on his best Sun
day clothes, and looked i'll at ease
in consequence. Perhaps his mission
helped to make him nervous.
From this time forth, as long as he
stays, I'm deaf, remember" said
Belle, warningly. 81 shan't be able to
hear anything short of respectable
scream"
I went to the door.
els this Miss Susan Spencer?" asked
Mr.. Finch, as he entered.
"Susan is in the sittingroom," an
swered. I'll introduce you. You
are Mr.. Finch, aren't your"
"Yes'm; Caleb Finch, he responded,
SO solemnly that wanted to giggle.
We took him into the sitting-room
where Belle was.
"Susan," said I, in loud voice,
"this is Mr.. Finch"
ct don't hear what you say" said
" Susan" turning her ear toward me.
"Speak little louder, if you please"
This is Mr.. Finchw screamed I, in
her ear. I thought I must laugh, to
sec how Mortified Mr.. Finch looked.
"I'm glad to see you, Mr.. Finch, "
said Susan," with beaming smile.
Take a chair-bring it close if you
please, because I'm slightly affected
with deafness. How are the children?''
Pretty WELL" answered Mr.. Finch,
taking q seat beside her.
"Louder, if you please" said "Su-
san," presenting her ear.
"Pretty we'll, answered Mr.. Finch,
in fair war-whoop.
I managed to keep my face turned
the other way, and had hard work to
keep from screaming.
"I was much touched at what Uncle
Jotham wrote about your kindness to
your late wife, said "Susan," with a
fond glance into Mr.. Finch's face.
"What did she die Of p .'.
"Congestion of the BRAIN" answered
Mr.. Finch, his voice about two octaves
higher than its usual pitch. -H
"I didn't hear" said Susan. CA
trife louder, Mr.. Finch"
Mr.. Finch repeated his reply in so
loud tone that he got red in the face
with the exertion its utterances caused
him.
"Ahr
Susan" comprehended at last.
els she al,cays SOP" he asked, turn
ing to me, and wiping his face vigor-
ously with big red and yellow hand
kerchief. .-.
"She isn't quite as deaf all the time, I"
I answered, demurely.
Pretty soon Mr.. Finch made another
attempt at conversation.
"You have a very pretty place here" ,"
he shouted.
"Yes; groceries are pretty DEAR"
responded Susan" "You're right
about that, Mr.. Finch"
"Pretty place" explained MIR. Finch,
getting desperate. Very pretty place
here!' and he waved toward the garden