Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1876-12-02

Besides, twenty-five is old to me.
am only nineteen. Now, you come
and hear my story and tell me what
to do. I came over here on purpose
to see you"
John followed her obediently
through the garden, and down to a
bench under the beech grove on the
lawn, and when she took her seat
there he leaned against the trunk OF
a tree and waited, looking down on
her.
You see, john" she begun" I've
had IN offer"
John Holt was tanned that Summer,
but through the brownness one might
have seen a faint blush run over his
face. Nellie didn't see it, for she
was looking down and rolling her
apron tassels, very bright color in
her own face.
There was moments silence after
this announcement, and seeing that he
was expected to say something, John
presently said " Yes
Nellie gave her shoulders an impa-
tient shrug, and looked up. cts a
very good offer," she went on. "I
suppose you will guess from whom.
1t is James Lee. I told him I would
think about it, and tell him my de-
cision tomorrow. Now, he's very
well off, you know, and when his
father dies he will be rich. But then,
of course, there's no hurry about
that. But the trouble is this, James
will live all his days in Riceville, I am
positive; and that is dreadful. You
know want to live in a city, and
want my husband to make q figure
in the world. And James is almost
as much of q deacon as you are."
",You are complimentary" observed
John Holt with a certain quiet dignity.
The blush had quite gone from his
face, and some of the brownness
seemed to have gone, too; for he
looked slightly pale.
"Oh, I don't mean any harm, you
cross fellow" Nellie said, hastily.
"You know I think you are splendid"
ST am much obliged to you," he
said, with q stiffness which was quite
new to his manner.
sob, if you don't want to advise
me I won'ttrouble you" the girl flung
out, raising in pet.
Come back, Nellie" he said,
kindly. &C am not cross. Only tell
me what you want"
She seated herself again with little
quiver in her lip.
want you to tell me what you
think Of James Lee. Tell me If you
think I'd better marry him. Tell me
if you think he cares enough for me
to 60 just where I say, and live whore
I say, and live whore wish"
The color waved again in John
Hollis face, and he drew quick
breath. Some impulse to- speak
seemed 10 come upon him, glancing
up for his answer, Nellie saw the
change, and added . word: You sec,
John, I like Albert Leighton better
than I do James,"
The color and light dropped out
OF his face again, and a rim Of
even white teeth pressed for an instant
his under lip.
"Then why don't you marry Albert
Leighton? he asked, looking up into
the tree that spread over his head,
and reaching 10 break q slender twig.
"He never asked me TO-" she an
swered demurely.
suppose he means to, doesn't
her" asked John, looking at her with
. glance that might be called almost
naughty.
How can .tellY' Nellie pouted.
"Men are so queer. The most Of
them would rather wait to be asked,
I think"
eff you want my advice, I will give
it," John said, twisting and Ainging
away the little twig in his hand.
eff you like Albert, don't keep
James in suspense. You have no
right to do it. You can't seriously
think Of marrying one man when you
prefer another. If Albert likes you,
as believe he does, take him. Hes q
good fellow"
"You think so P' the girl said,
looking up suddenly.
Think so." he repeated, turning
away. "Now let's go upto the house.
She rose and walked quietly BY his
side. her fair, girlish face q little pale,
her eyes downcast. At the gate she
stopped.
Il will not 60 in now," she said,
in . low tone. 'sI ] will &c. home"
He merely bowed, and looking
back after few steps, she saw that
he had not entered the house, bat
was stealing of to the barn.
The next week James Lee COM
menced . violent Irritation with Bessie
Holt, Johns sister, and in q month
the two we're engaged. Nellie laugh
cd, and turned the light Of her smiles
upon Albert Leighton, handsome,
dashy fellow, who had been crazy
about Lee for the last nix months.
John Holt said nothing, but was
rather cool about his sisters engage
ment.
"You see suspense would have
killed him." Nellie whispered mis-
cheiyously.
hope he isn't marrying my sie-
Ter out Of pique toward you, " John
said, cold1y. II I didn't think
Bessie loved him too wen 70 give him
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