Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1874-06-06
were yet visible when he brought the pranc-

Hal was making numerous pilgrimnges from
thence to the sleigh, loaded with robts,
wraps, etc.
At last they were ready to start TIE
sun was glowing red in the cast, and the
smoke was rising slowly in the still, frosty
air, from the farmhouse as they used
past.
Isn't this glorious !" exclaimed i,.;e.
her cheeks glowing, and her eyes >paIk,in-
like stars. "See the sunrise, It's jas
splendid l wish we were going as ia'
again"
$50 do l." remarked viii, who sat hy
her side, looking into her eyes.
Her cheek took an added tinge, but >le
flashed him defiant glance.
TIC sun was near is meridian when t|"y
drew up before the residence of the G.cy~.
a large, iine-looking house, surrounded by
eyergreens.
'Such surprise :" exclaimed Mrs. G gy.
aS she came forward to meet them. II GI,
not expect to see you to-day. | am sony
Victor isn't here she continued, seating
them in her pleasant parlor round the fire
'lle has gone down to Chester on business,
and won't be back for several days"
Tne afternoon sped rapidly, and it was
late before they dispersed for the mig It.
Shortly after the nine-o clock breakfast
next morning, Eife came into tie pacIor,
ner bright face wearing Il shadow.
''lsn't it shame, girls? 1t has cloudr,
up, and looks SO gray and dark it tuiuy
makes me have the blues"
She yawnad sleepily, but mischevous
light Shone in her eyes a> Will D.vereux
and Charlie sauntered in
care there any nice young fellows around
here, Nettie?" she asked, Suddenly.
Ms. Grey waited a moment before she
answered.
"No-yes, there is, too, One, bachelor,
who lives six miles from here. You passed
his house when You were coming down.
"YeS, said Charlie, who was stretched
out on a sofa near, II have the honor Of his
acquaintance"
"l~ he o.d?' asked E,fe.
"Oh, snperam"ated!" answered Mrs.
Grey, Iaugl ing.
M. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen !"
interrupted Hal, putting hi, head in at the
door, 81. has begun to snow. and it's my
humble opinion We d better be GOING
My dear boy" responded Charlie, grave
~, the suggestion does honor to yon
Judgment. We mast start Immediately"
And half an hour afterward saw them Oh
their way.
For some distance after a,iug Mr.. Grey's
their road wuund through cleared frl!~.
then entered a dark strip OF hcmI,ck wou.l~.
threaded here and there win a tinv, ice
bolnd brook.
There, girls said Charlie, as they
emerged from the woods, sis the residence
of the 'g'astIy, grim and ancient bachelor
whom you got Il deScril II of tits morning.
Nice place, isn't ?"
Every, replied Winnie, looking at tie
place as they approached.
"Oh, girs?'' exclaimed Fife suddenly.
$40 hold on II minute, c .arIit-I have an
idea. "Gon know" she added. Is he d!rw
rem, "thls Is tie second day of january, in
the year Of grace eighteen hundred and
sevemty-two, and therefore .cap-vear. Now,
| suggest that We wait on l. i'm in Il byd>,
ana ssyelully prolu~e u him. | can p,,
the q !cstion ~pen,!id.y. o., don't b. silly,
girls, is Il claniur OF opposition arose from
the company; "who cares, any way? lie
an antcdluyian fossil, wnom We never saw
before, aud never SHALL see again, and it
will he such fun! C'ar.is is acq lainird
viii him, and We Ii appoint him IA commit-
tee of the whole to 60 and inlrodace t..,
suhect, and bring him out. It's so snowy
we can't think Of going in Run along,
Charlie there's dear fellow" at whicn
endearing epithet Charlie laughed, as he
dropped the reilS and Sprang out
"l.et me propose fit. said Madyie,
laughingly, holding the b.iF,io-robc in such
Il position that she coull Suh~i,le behind il
at a moments notice; Il don't want to be
kelt in suspense. Tnere they come !" she
added, i'll a stage Voice, Us the door opened
and Charlie, with Il gentleman behind him
emerged from the house, w nat ,ciR We
do if he takes the affair in earAest, and sue
us for breach of promi-e?'
"Oh, goodness - exclaimed Elfe, in n
di>maycd whisper, aS the Old bachelor
stepped out beside C;arli., and she caayht
full view Of him. lie isn't Old at ali
he's young, and aW III handsone. What
shall do?'
She looked as though she metliated dive
under the baiialo-robe, but Will confiscated
that article, with the exutant remark that
she ''would have to take the responsible w.
He ,cas handsome, this tall, '.superannu-
ated' bachelor Of twenty-seyen, and there
was gIeam Of amusement in his eyes as he
stopped beside the sleigh, and gravely sur
veyed the disnayed faces before him.
Here he is, girls !" said Charlie. "Now
don't keep him in suspense. Miss Ellie
Russell. as director on this important oeca-
sion, it is only proper that you should have
the first hearing. Proceed"
There was trembe of merriment in
Charles voice, while Will and Hal We're
qnaking with suppressed laughter.
Poor Ellie An entire change had come
over tine snIit of her dr.o,,, ,,l H. -