The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1876-01-28

doubts about it. However, he commits
stoned his sister to intercede for him, and
that lady was so astutely handled by Mary
that she did not succeed in even mention
ing the subject to her.
Then John Reese bethought him of Her
bert Dudley. young man, and more likely
to impress the female heart than even John
Reese. The agent might succeed where
the principal failed, and Herbert was
chosen as agent. There was no question
about the agents loyalty, for John Reese
had once by some chance, done a great
favor to the elder Dudley, and the senti-
ment of gratitude was an absolute super
stition with the son. Herbert was also
spending the summer in this village resort,
and had not been unmindful of the devo.
ton of John Reese for the village belle.
John sought Herbert and claimed his
services as agent in the matter "The girl
is in love with me, can see that" he said,
"but she is shy, and somehow l haven't
the right kind of tact TO make her say that
she loves me. Now you have different
4 way with you, and then, too, you won't be
embarrassed by your interest in the case
So want you to see the girl, talk with
her, put the case before her and get her
promise to marry me, and Herbert, I'll
l'll-may be- can make it an object to
you too, my sister, she will do anything to
please me. You do this for me, and I'll
use my influence in the right direction
You understand 2"
Herbert thought the matter over. John
Reese was in love with Mary Graham, and
believed that Mary Graham was in love
with him. His services were desired as q
friendly ambassador, to bring about the
proper understanding. His gratitude led
him to serve this man, is possible. AS to
the prospect held out himself
"lll call on Miss Graham and talk with
her about the matter. Whatever I can do
will do, faithfully and conscientiously."
That was the result of his consideration.
He had kept his promise. He had plead
the case of John Reese even urgently, with
the result already indicated; and now he
was on his way to report that result.
He went straight to John Reese.
"Well, | have seen Miss Graham" he
said.
And what did you make out 2" asked
John, rather nervously.
81 courted for you vigorously and con-
scientiously, as promised to do and"
"Well, well! What did the girl say
When am to call on her again 2"
you may call whenever you choose,
of course, but wouldn't choose at all if |
were you"
"Why-why-what do you mean 2"
miss Graham declines the honor per-
emptorily."
There was period of amazed contem-
pation on the part John Reese, and then
he spoke again.
"She wants to be coaxed, that's all. You
must call again."
"Whatever coaxing is to be done you
must do yourself, Mr.. Reese, l have done
all that promised to do, or propose to in
the matter. couldn't do anything further
for you, and keep my self-respect or the
respect of the lady"
but see here If you don't do this for
me, Ill"
"Mr. Reese, your proposition regarding
your sister was-your proposition, and
am very glad to feel sure that it was made
without her knowledge or sanction. What
have done was in spite of that PROPOSE
ton, and because of it, have not the least
desire to marry Miss Reese, and am GER
tain that she has still less 'esre to mar
ry me-"
but Herbert, you must help me out"
you are out, my dear sir. | dill what
did out of gratitude, and the debt is paid
now.'
"But say"
"Good afternoon, Mr.. Reese" and Her
bert went out. He went directly to find
Miss Reese. He found her and was re-
ceived with an affability that rather hast
ened what he had to say.
Miss Reese"-this was what he had to
say--"I am not quite certain bow far your
brother may have expressed himself to you
concerning-thati s-in regard to myself
From some remarks of his, however, fear
he may have spoken to you in a distaste-
full manner. feel very certain, need not
say, that am not honored with your
special regard, and any request from him
that you cultivate such u regard for me
must he painful and irksome to you. You
will pardon me, then, if it seems necessary
to assure you that whatever he may have
said in this direction was without inspi-
ration from me-"
at is best that we have plain under
standing of the matter" the lady said
with the least little shiver of GOODNESS in
her tones.
THAT is always best" SAID Herbert ut
saves you from what must have been n
painful embarrassment, and enables us to
remain cordial friends, as of old"
So ended Herberts first coultship. He
seemed to have plenty of business on hand
for this afternoon, however, for on taking
leave of Miss Reese he went away with a
very rapid and business-like pace, and
strangely enough, he went as directly as
In 70 fha H., L., 1.
parted from Mary Graham.
That young lady received him with
manifest perplexity. "Is it peace or war
this time 7" she asked him with look that
was half smile, half frown.
THAT will depend" said HERBERT
peace, hope"
Have you come for more love- making
For ii you have, that means war;"
| have come for more love-making,
Mary, and l hope it means peace" He
spoke very differently from his previous
mode of speech. Mary recognized the
difference, and half trembled as she heard
him.
Mr. Dudley, how dare you come to me
again after what said to you only little
while ago about this 2" There were tears
in her eyes, and quiverings in her voice us
| she spoke.
but you said nothing at all to meabout
this. Oh, Mary Don't you see This is
another case, can't plead this half as well
us did that, know. That was case of
what thought was duty, and can't speak
as well for myself as for another. 1t is my
love bring you, Mary Will you fake it2''
why didn't you say that before 2"
queried she with kind of shy audacity.
II have said it now, and tell me quick
ly, is to be peace or WARP
ut can't he war;" she answered "ior
the other was war, and this-this is so to-
tally different!'