The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1874-12-18


voice was tremulous and husky, and her
ewes fell TO the floor in beautiful con-
fusion.
"Afattie," and the young man ap-
preached her reverently, as though in
the presence of superior being, "T can
not endure this suspense. Just tell me
that you will not marry that gawky
simpleton whocs never appreciate you.
1 can wait for the rest"
"You have no right, sir, TO ask me if
/ love YOU. You have not assured me
vet that such a sentiment would be re-
ciprocated. Indeed, sir, / don't forget
that YOU once said to me that If / were
possessed of such and such womauly
graces, which / never can possess, be-
cause 1 detest them, that you might
then be induced TO fancy me for wife.
Now, doctor, don't imagine that will
ever plight my troth TO any man who
isn't satisfied with me as am, but who
hopes that may be tanned and broken
In, some day. My own mother lies in
her grave, q victim of the breaking-in
theory and practice, and my step-mother
is as yet living example OF persistent
pursuit of the same line of policy. What
business did you say you had with ME
sir ?"
"a business which you are determined
to spoil. l had hoped that you might
sometime be induced to love me, Mat
tie,n and the strong man trembled like
an aspen.
Matte turned and looked steadily out
Of the window into the muddy dooryard
below. She was striving to conquer
herself, and was seeking time to secure
the mastery.
"Amos Harding" said she desper-
ately, "do you mistake me for fool
Do you think 1 would consent to become
your wife to be patronized by YOU
mother, snubbed by your sister, admon'
ished by you, and ridiculed by your as
soeiates Don't talk TO me of love
sir. Love is for those who have time t.
cultivate and opportunity to appreciate
it. And now, IL you are ready, we will
end this interview"
'May / not sometime have oppor
tunity and your permission TO renew
this theme ?"
az do not know. II is very painful Il
me at present"
"WOn't you grant me just one littl
token, Matte :" bending as if to kis
her.
"Do you want to kiss Ziek Wood
worth's bride ?" and Matte shuddere
as If the very thought were pestilential
"Oh, Matte? You can't mean it !
you love that fellow haven't word I
say. If you don't, beg you not to pligh
your troth TO him."
"How can 1 when he hasn't aske
ME 81 queried Matte with smile.
Amt Huldah Harding was very in
patient over the prolonged interview
and when il was ended, was evidentl
much relieved She assisted Matte !
packing the trunks of the departin
ones, and in various other ways a
tempted to make herself useful, only
delay the preparations by hinderin
others.
On their homeward way the mOth'
and son held long and warm dissu
sion.
'T'd give my head for the girl, mothe
! only she has too much good sense
marry me-"
"You don't mean to say she has r
l pulsed you, Amos?"
81 do mean to say that same"
> The fond mothers indignation kne
> no bounds. How much she was ofiend'
let other mothers testify coneerniI
similar episodes.
'T'll warrant we'll have her at yol
feet yet, my son. Be OF good cheer
was the matronly counsel.
. az think she discouraged my advanc
chiefly, because of your opposition,"
l. said soto Uocc.
u Mattie's splendid acting was over
soon as the guests had departed. IT
Z hurry and worry of preparation for 4
Il departure of her step-mother continu
: until the next day, when the travelil
J party, accompanied by Isaac Armstron
'e proceeded to the Metropolis, where tn
l. took the outgoing steamer for at
States"
81 won't look much like the you
VI girl you took away from her moth
es when I get back home again, will /, n
l. Armstrong;" said the young, wan-fac
wife, as she bade him kindly good-by
ITO be contlnued.1