The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1875-05-20

I
'I'm sure I came here" he mused !;
land that-she-she- yes Any
how, I'll ask her again to make sure. l
amt a bit afraid now"
| Meanwhile the second sister, having
come home earlier than usual, was
seated deep in meditation and embroid-
cry in the parlor. The slip-shod Abigail,
on duty as usual, answered his modest
knock
els Miss Simpson in?" jeremiah asked
in low tone.
The girl treated him to stupid stare,
and then her usual plunge:
Zone on 'em is"
waiting for me, of course; I'm right"
murmured our hero.
"She's in the parlor," pursued Betsy,
with a dive Of her hand in that direction.
"All right" and jeremiah slipped
five-ccnt piece into her willing hand;
"go on with your work, know the
way"
The slight noise had not disturbed Me-
linda, and for a moment jeremiah con-
templated his inamorata. Yes, "she
was shs," at least as far as his short sight
and the dark room revealed; and, steal
ing up behind her, he bent down and
treated himself and herself-in such
cases it's generally mutual treat, is it
not, reader?-to hearty smack. Me-
linda turned with. shrill scream.
| ooh, oh, MIR. Sykes !" she faltered, hid
ing her face.
| Jeremiah's arm went speedily around
her waist, his courage arising immedi-
ately.
you amt mad, are you? Don't you
really love me, Miss Simpson,"
| "Loue you?" echoed Melinda; ooh,
jeremiah love you now, and I'll love
you forever! You may claim my-my
hand whenever you pleased"
| II declare never loved anybody so
before" protested the happy swain;
give me kiss, my angel, to make GER
tain"
His fancee obeyed with alacrity, and
Jeremiah at last arose to go.
When will you come again, jerry"
his lady-love asked.
81 shall be away to town few days
after ring and things. And don't tell
anybody we're engaged yet WHILE"
with slight lingering trepidation.
| 81 hear and obeyl' was the meek re-
spouse, "and you won't-won't" twist
ing one of his coat buttons-"let any of
your city friends win"
No one shall win me from you'll" ex-
claimed Jeremiah, $50 make haste for
the wedding!"
~ kneao l attracted himw Melinda ex-
claimed as the door closed behind him.
Wont the girls be mad, though, when
they know ltn'
Jeremiah walked home, feeling toler-
ably comfortable.
Its sure, now! But if l didn't forget
her name again. must get her to open
the shutters so can see better"
Atevening the other sisters got home,
and Jerusha summoned her Abigail.
"Was Mr.. Sykes here to-day, Betsy?"
The usual plunge forward served as
answer.
did lie come in?"
Another plunge.
"Did he stay long,"
Little while"
| "Hoping against hope, no Doubt"
| murmured Jerusha, and Betsy departed,
not feeling called upon to volunteer any
information.
For several days Alvina noticed an anx-
iety on the part of her sisters which they
vainly strove to hide. Jerusha, especial
ly, grew alarmed at her lovers absence,
and doubts of his constancy and visions
of " breach Of promise" suits haunted
her disturbed fancies, while Melinda for
a while bore her lovers absence with
great equanimity, but as it grew pro-
longed became nervous in Ter turn.
Finally, the two sisters had another call
from home, leaving Alvina in charge of
the house, and each one sought her with
the identical request:
" If Mr.. Sykes, or anyone"-the "any-
one" to lull suspicion-"c calls for me,
tell them I'll be home by evening""
! Alvlna assented; but when alone gave
her he ad contemptuous toss.
"Mr. Sykes visit won't be for you.
guess some one else is the attraction
here!"
Late that afternoon Alvina, from the
parlor window, saw jeremiah leave his
gate and actually enter hers! She gave
her hands one ecstatic clasp, and pres
emily, admitted by Sally, jeremiah once
more faced his destiny, but entirely be.
reft, during his short absence, of eve1y
spark of courage or confidence.
"Good afternoon, Mr.. Sykesw smiled
Alvina; did you come to see me?"
Well, no--yes-1-." and Jere.
miah collapsed into a chair, "I-think I
did,"
"Dont be reserved, Mr.. Sykes" en-
| serve your"
"Are-you-sure, said jeremiah, with
a sickly smile, " that you let me under
stand"
Understand what, Mr.. Sykes ?" quer-
led Alvina, blushing.
"That you entertained willingness to
become-become-
"Could refuse you, Jeremiah!" said
Miss Alvina, with ready comprehen-
sion.
"Well, no" stammered our hero;
"you're the idol of my heart. and -"
lis, Ell? And that you call honorable
conduct" broke upon the lovers ears, as
Melinda and Jerusha, Unexpectedly re-
turned, burst into the room
"Love me better than anyone elsep"
screamed Jerusha.
"Never loved anybody SO before p"
shrieked Melinda.
"Don't say anything about itp-you
deceiving wretch!" vociferated Jerusha.
"Keep 1t secretv-you unfaithful
scoundrelp exploded Melinda. Al
"Don't care for anyone else!" chimed
III Alvina, suddenly enlightened.
observation-disclosures faltered Jere-
miah; what-have-I done?"
"You told me l was your only lover
exclaimed Jerusha.
"You asked me to become Mrs. Sykes!'
added Melinda. I'll
II ssYou said I was the idol of your
Hearth" affirmed Alvina. @.S
"1-I think you must be mistaken, Ia
dies. only ~
"You only entered the house of three
II unprotected females like sheep in the
FNieht1or thief among wolvss!'' sput.
= ttered Jerusha. A "a
"But, my dear Miss Simpson, I WASH,
II "Oh, Of. course, you WASN'T" said
]! Melinda" you have excuses enough, nc
Doubt. ,-..fs-, "a =. b.
aBut, ladies, ii y,ou1l only listen t.
Q me-"