Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-05-20

the house, and each one sought her with
the identical request:
Ii Mr.. Sykes, or anyone"-the any
one" to lull suspicion" calls for me,
tel them Ill be home by evening"
Alvlna assented; but when alone gave
her he ad contemptuous toss.
NM. Sykes visit won't be for you.
guess some one else is the attraction
hereT
Late that afternoon Alvina, from the
parlor window, saw jeremiah leave his
gate and actually enter hers! She gave
her hands one ecstafic clasp, and pres
emily, admitted by Sally, jeremiah once
more faced his destiny. but entirely be-
reft, during his short absence, of every
spark of courage or confidence.
GOOD afternoon, Mr.. Sykesp' smiled
Alvina; did you come to see mes"
Well, no-yes--I--" and Jere.
miah collapsed into chair, "I-think /
didp'
Don't be reserved, Mr.. Sykesr' en-
couraged Alvina; "tell me how ! can
serve your
"Are-you-sure," said jeremiah, with
a sickly smile, that you let me under
stand"
Understand what, Mr.. Sykess" quer-
led Alyina, blushing.
That you entertained willingness DO
become-become-
Gould refuse you, Jeremiahl" said
Miss Alvina, with ready comprehen-
sion.
swell, no." stammered our hero;
you're the idol of my heart, and -"
us, ehs And that you call honorable
conductp broke upon the lovers ears, as
Melinda and Jerusha, Unexpectedly re-
turned, burst into the room.
"'Love me better than anyone elser"
screamed Jerusha.
"' Never loved anybody SO beforer 7"
shrieked Melinda.
Don't say anything about itr-you
deceiving wretch" vociferated Jerusha.
"'Keep 1t secretp-you unfaithful
scoundrelw exploded Melinda.
Don't care for anyone else!" chimed
in Alvina, suddenly enlightened.
Northumberland" faltered Jere-
miah; what-have-l doneg"
You told me l was your only lover
exclaimed Jerusha.
"You asked me to become Mrs. Sykesm
added Melinda.
"You said / was the idol of your
IL think you must be mistaken, la
dies. ] only -"
"You only entered the house of three
unprotected females like sheep in the
night, or thief among wolvesp sput-
tered Jerusha.
"But, my dear Miss Simpson, wasn't
"Oh, of course, you wasn't" said
Melinda" you have excuses enough, no
doubtm
"But, ladies, if you'll only listen to
| me"
"We've listened quite long enough"
put in Alvina.
"For Heavens sake, ladies, tolaom have
made love tor" cried jeremiah, wildly.
To me! and l thought you meant it!'
said Jerusha
ITO me! and l believed your ex.
claimed Melinda.
ITO me! and engaged all the time to
the other two!" sobbed Alvina.
miss Simpson, crave" confront
ing Jerusha.
ats no use craving" snapped the
| irate damsel; "I've done with you"
Miss Simpson, ! implore you, have
| -" he turned to Melinda.
"Have Constable inl ! ought toll
| Your villainy is discovered sir"
"And you needn't speak to mel"
anticipated Alvina; it's too late nowP
" You deceived mel" cried jeremiah,
despairingly; "you kept the room SO
| dark K"
"You scandalous wretch" shrieked
| the chorus; you know well enoughp
"I1l spoil your nefarious games with
anyone else! I'll sue you for breach of
promiser' cried the sisters one after the
other.
jeremiah made three frantic dives--for
his hat, the door, and the street, bring
| ing up in heap in his armchair, with
his housekeeper nearly strangling him in
trying TO loosen his cravat, and asking
"if he had fit, or was crazy, or whatf"
What | guess" he responded, and
an hour later wrote TO inform Aunt Sally
of his misfortunes, and beg her TO come
and take care of him for awhile. She
came. bringing with her rosy-cheeked
niece, at sight of whom jeremiah fled
precipitately to his room. Two days
Aunt Sally spent in railing numerically
| at her unlucky nephew; and then, fairly
| starved out, he was obliged TO come
downstairs and meet his cousin. At
| first he was dreadfully shy; then Susie's
merry ways captivated him in spite OF
himself; and at last accounts he had
found "balm in Gilead," and the Misses
Simpson were not present at the wedding.
| --Hearh and Home.