The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1875-05-07

20 The purpose of his heart, it had
become his mental meat and drink.
the inspiration of his life. No more
of shouldering his "Turk." Even
his nature bowed to the sway Of love,
and in the presence Of Lu only was
he happy or contented.
Naturally enough the belief soon
gained ground that Ned did not
speak unadvisedly, and that some
arrangements had been made by
which Lu was actually to become his
wife. Naturally enough, the girls
uncle and aunt came in for more Of
blame than they deserved
'It's just like them" said one
boarder to another, standing at q
little distance and looking upon Lu,
busy behind the counter, while Ned,
near by, was feasting his weird eyes
upon her; LUIS indispensable tothem,
and Ned is treasure, in his way.
Get the two married and they are
bound to stay as long as they can
render any service"
81 hope you are wrong" the other
returned, afor / don't like to think
anybody can be .hat mean. 1t would
be d downright shame to marry such
a GOOD, faithful, kind-hearted thing
as Lu TO that born idiotl I'd kick
the man who would do such thing,
| if there were no other way to punish
him
IT was Homer Hardness who said
this, and shortly afterward he passed
through the salesroom, which was
deserted save by Ned. Harkness
was young business man Of the
city, very comfortably situated in
life, and having for several years
taken his meals there, he was on
quite friendly terms with the feeble
minded youth.
Ned, be asked, bending over thC
counter, half confdentially, you art
going to invite me to the wedding,
suppose p
what, me and Lu?'
Yes.
Yes, going to invite all the board
ers, the fool said, in very business
like manner.
when will it probably take place
Ned?'
.Darned ii know-Lu won't say
| Say, Lu'--the door had opened tC
admit her at that moment-'Wher
we going 10 get married? This gen
tleman wants tn knowY
Lu looked up at Mr.. Hardness
for it was getting dusk in the sales
room, and the gas had not been
lighted. A moment her lip quiyered
and then tears sprang to her eyes.
go down stairs, Ned she replied
turning away; Mr.. Towner want
NO, he don't either. You've go
to tell me, now, and the poor youtl
sprang forward with a sort Of frenzy
: but al that moment the sharp tone
/, Of his master sounded his name s
: emphatically that he at once turneI
I and went laundering away dow
stairs.
Lu was 60 evidoantly panied y
| the occurrence that the Young mar
self-accused, went near to her an
stammered out an apology.
Indeed, you are not to blame
she said, quickly. smiling throug
her tears. 4 am foolish to have hi
/ talk annoy me; but II cant hel
' il. don't blame the poor fellol
3 much, but / can't stand Il. at least
. feel as though / couldn't. though
4 don't know how l can help myself.
e i can tell you how you can pat
b stop to bis nonsense.
i viii you2 Then tell me
e Marry mel
1 LUIS lips trembled MS She cast
d furtire glance up into the youn
: mans face, and her whole sos
j thrilled as she caught the magnet
7 loye-beam Of his eyes.
What do you mean 2 she deman,
i ed.
4 Just what say. In. admin
!. YOU; love you. ! have long wante
Z 10 tell YOU 50, and TO ask you thi
z Now what say YOU, viii you be niue