The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-05-08

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dislike him. And so night came, the
mended coat hung in its place, and
under the fence the undiscouragcd Brah-
mas broodel above imaginary eggs.
Next morning they broodel there still,
and there, had they been his own, might
they have continued to brood, forgotten
by Mr.. Butterkin, who, as his late wife
often said, complainingly, never charged
his mind with hens; but these especial
Brahmas possessed peculiar interest as
giving him audience with the charming
widow. Accordingly, in the days that
followed, he lowered about the luckless
bipeds like bird Of prey. He bought
the latest treatise on hens, and patiently
tried in succession all the experiments
therein suggested for subduipg the wills
OF obdurate sitters, Mrs. Ebbeson as-
sisting, ns in common gratitude she
must. This without producing tho
least effect upon tho Brahmas. It was
the widow that grew restive, conscious
OF the absurdity OF Mr.. Butterkin's sud-
den md ostentatious regard for fowls.
Sho knew tho very moment when his
heart turned toward her, but whether
hers inclined similarly toward him
wasn't for her to say till he asked; yet,
coy little woman, she gave him no
chance to put the question.
Aud, such is human perversity, the
more sho seemed not to care for him, 80
much the more was Mr.. Butterkin rc-
solved that she should care for him.
Before July was ended he had fully
male up his mind to propose, inwardly
assured TINT his late wife would sane
ton the proceeding, not il she were re-
turned to flesh, OF course-in that case
he would not ask it-but rs shade sho
would not wish to stand between him
and her beloved Ruth. or Mr.. Ebbc-
sons shade he scarcely thought, doubt
ing, perhaps, whether man on earth
destitute OF moral substance could at
death attain the dignity OF heavenly
shadow. But there is vast difference
between purposing to propose and pro-
posing. Mr.. Butterkin learned this to
his chagriu after repealed abortive at
t. mpts at giving his frequent interviews
with Mrs. Ebbeson sentimental turn.
At each advance Of his she sped away rs
shyly as girl, and in the secure retreat
by her mothers couch was as unap-
proachable as il seated aloft in the chair
Of Cassiopca. In regard to a written
declaration OF love, Mr.. Butterkin would
sooner have attempted an essay on pro.
toplasm. August found him still wait.
ing for m opportunity. He, usually so
prompt and unhesitating-the first Sc.
iectman Of tho townl Tho better he
loved tue widow, tho more he 'despised
himself, till one soft twilight, when the
zephyrswere whispering tender Thoughts
to the leaves, he rosc with desperate re-
solve, and strobe boldly round to the
open door of the L. Mrs. Ebbeson sat
Just within the sitting.room, but ho WAS
too crafty TO enter.
"If you'll kindly step this way \ NO.
ment," he said, "I'vc another expert.
ment we might try on those hens"
But having lured her 10 him, his next
words were wide OF the mark
AZ came to ask-that is, wanted to
KNOWN fact, wanted to have n seri-
GUS talk with you"
She believed in free will, he in fore.
ordination; but his serious talk" would
not SAVIOR OF theology, she knew. She
nervously essayed to con6ne it to poul-
try.
"RealIy, Mr.. Butterkin, you take
too much trouble about those hens.
They ~
"Nothing do for you, Ruth s n
trouble"
They're fairly rheumatic from stand.
ing in that barrel OF water, and, for all
that, they're not cured Of setting"
GAS l was saying, Ruth -
Don't say my more abont 'em, Alr.
Bntterkin, l beg"
"I'm not speaking about hens, Ruth.
Hero Mr.. Butterkin wiped his brow with
his haudkerchief-a widower's grimy
kerchief. "I came to talk about yon
Don't go. Your mother didn't call. Why
won't you marry me, Ruth :"
She gave him dozeu reasons on the
spot; but the inllacy Of feminine logic
being proverbial, Mr. Butterlin was
not the man to heed them. At Least
this I know before tho snow came the
widow Ebbeson had become Mrs. But
terkin, and frosty evenings she and her
husband might have been seen carefully
sheltering two late broods of chickens,
for in the end the Brahmas had their
waY.-Ra.ar.