The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1875-02-26
40, Jessie Hale ~ exclaimed inpatient

| u, UBSSlC DulleHl'
ly, "you will drive me crazy"
"a terrible misfortune, surely" she said
with laugh, throwing down her work, and
stepping through the low window upon
the lawn. "Now, viii; tell you what
will do if you will promise never to plague
me again about this.''
II will promise anything, if you will
Only give me all honest answer" / said
eagerly.
"Well, then, if you can catch me before
reach the elm tree, | will give you de-
cided answer"
thumped my head against the window
sash, and away 1 went racing over the green
| sward with ten times more eagerness than
| ever displayed in playing catch in my
boybood days. l caught her before she
was half way to the old elm.
"Now for the answer" said eagerly.
so, but can't you wait until get my
breath ~ drawing it in quick, spasmodic
jerks. "Let me see; what was it prom,
ed to tell your"
"Whether you love me or not, you pro.
voking little wretch !" said l. fairly out Of
! patience.
"Now look here, Mr.. VIII, if you don't
leave off calling me names, | won't answer
you, now see if 1 do" And sure enough
no answer could / get from her.
The next day | received q letter from
| my uncle, stating that his assistant had
| left him and asking me to take his place.
This was just the situation l had been
wanting for years, and hailed it with de-
| light now.
But Jessie, thought, could | leave
her
A moments reflection showed ME it was
just what was needed, for if she really car
ed for me my absence would make her will
ing to acknowledge it. 1t did not take
long to make my arrangements, and before
night they were all completed and the next
morning | started for the station, calling
at Mr.. Hales on my way to bid Jessie good
bye. l could see the little witch did
not believe Ole word of the story | told
her.
II hope, Mr.. Will, you won't break your
arm on the train; it would make it so bad
for you," she said, with u smile, as | con-
Guided.
"And you rot there to cure IT, retort-
ed. but seriously, Jessie; am in car
nest now. 1t is probable shall not see
you again for years; for if like the place
shall remain there"
She still believed it some trick, for her
eyes said plainly, "you can't cheat me
again" And she said good bye as coolly
as if it were only for day. went down
the walk; feeling much as ! think Adam
| must have felt when he left Paradise, eX-
| cept that he took his Eve with him. and |
left mine behind.
was pleased with the place, and was
not long in accepting my uncle's proposals
| wrote to this effect to q lawyer, desiring
him to dispose of my property at Oak
dale.
| knew that Jessie would hear Of it and it
would give her to understand that l had
no intention Of returning. In three days
followed the letter, determined that if |
did not succeed this time, I would give
her up forever, though my heart gave Il
quick throb ofpain at the thought.
1t was just at.twilight Of a pleasant Sep
TENDER day, when / reached Oakdale. Di-
rect to Mr.. Hale's took my way, saying
to myself as l went, snow or never!" l
entered the dusky parlor unannounced.
BY the dim light saw Jessie sitting on a
sofa, her head resting ON the soft pillow.
She was alone, and had not heard my step.
Was she asleep! A quick sob answered
me. That argued well for my success. In
Il moment was kneeling beside her, and
had raised the bowed head.
"Jessic dear little Jessie ~ said ten
derby, scarcely knowing how she would re-
ceive it. With quick start and q glad
cry of surprise, her head was pillowcd on
my bosom.
80, am SO glad to see you, viii. They
told me you would not return, and have
been so lonely without you"
"And l have been lonely, too, jessie" l
said. "My house anywhere would be lone
ly without you. VIII you not 20 and share
it with 2"
The answer was very low, hut knew it
was in the affirmative.
"Will you become my wife next week ~
| was determined TO make sure work of it
now.
There was some hesitation, few obec-
tions raised, but finally gained the same
answer to that.
Then hurried to the drawing-room to
see the old folks. There was considerable
pleasure expressed at my unexpected ar
rival, and great surprise when my elrand
was made known, and few tears from the
mother at parting with Jessie, and hearty
congratulations from the father concluded
the remark, THAT just as like as not she
would change her mind while changing her
dress"
Not so, however. In week got the
prettiest little wife in the country, and
what is better still, think so now, even
though she did say ten minutes after the
ceremony, 81 never told you loved you
after ell, Will"
Aud never has to this day.