The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1876-07-21

mouth than she does in the pan-when
heard Miss Swiffies conc into the parlor,
and about three minutes after Mr.. Dinkie
he came in.
I'd like to remark, just here, that far
from me being listening, I'm above it; but
| wasn't called upon to go away, and I
couldn't help hearing, and this is what /
did hear:
miss Swifiies," said Mr.. Dinkie "Im
rejoiced to find you alone"
"Ah l' said Miss Swiflles.
II have long wished for such an oppor-
tunity."
Indeed" said Miss Swiilles.
"You can guess why?" asked Mr.. Dim
kie.
mo, sir, 1 can't" answered Miss Swift
iles.
us this the coquetry of your sex 2" ask
ed MIR. Dinkie. Have you not seen that
l adore you3"
mo-" said Miss Swiffles.
81 have hidden my emotions better than
| supposed l could,' said Mr.. Dinkie.-
MY dear Miss Swifiles, here on my knees,
allow me to offer you my hand and heart
and beg you to accept them and the life
and devotion Of"
"Get up, Mr.. Dinkie," said Miss Swiffles.
Don't makea goose ofyourself l under
stand that you ask me to marry you2"
"Adorable creature" said Mr.. Dinkie,
"you put the question would have asked
in the most concise FORM"
"I'll put the answer into the same FORM"
said Miss Swiilles. "No."
"You cannot expect me to relinquish
my hopes at once" said Mr.. Dinkie. MAY
l ask why you are not disposed to consid-
or my proposition! Will you not consid-
er it, and answer it more at leisure 2"
81 have considered" said Miss Swift.
lies.
"But why 2" said Mr.. Dinkie.
well, If you want to know why" said
Miss Swiillcs, "because l like to be my
own mistress. l have plenty of money, as
you know, and three charming pets, who
are worth more than any six men | ever
met. | didn't marry when was good
looking girl, because even then couldn't
be sure any man wanted me and not my
property, and now am an ugly old wo-
man, l shan't thow myself into the arms of
the first fortune hunter who has calculated
that an old maid will marry any one who
asks her. You waited for dead mems
shoes twenty years, | understand Now,
probably, you wish to wait for mine
That's why say No. Mr.. Dinkie."
Next thing heard was the door slam.
MI Dlnkie was gone, and Miss Swiilles
was laughing to herself on the sofa. |
couldn't help it. just pceked into the
window and saysI:
"llurrah, Miss Swiillcs, three cheers 1t
was as good as play"
Ilsn't the first man I've served So"
SAID Miss Swiilles, rubbing her nose. 40,
they are mean set, these men," and away
she walked, with her diamonds glittcrng
we didn't see much of Mr. Dinkc for
some days, and then he told me he was GO
ing abroad with an invalid gentleman.
30, OF course, knew l was going to
lose n boarder. But was surprised when,
one afternoon, l received this note:
"My Dear Madam: Upon the eve of my de-
| arturo upon journey whence may never re-
urn, desire to feel myself in harmony with all
With whom have any slight difference. There
fore, will you permit me TO give little supper
| TO several members of your establishment? You
yourself, of course, Miss Swinlcs. Mr.. Rogers,
and friend Of my own who will join us. Time.
| tomorrow evening. An answer will Oblgc.
Truly yours,
BENJAMIN DINKIE."
OF course | agreed, and when / saw
Miss Swillles she said the man had bet
Ter temper than she thought. And so that
very evening we all walked into Mr.. Din
kie's room. He had had the bedstead put
away, and hired an extension table. And
there was Mr.. Dinkic, with II dark COM
plcxioned gentleman and two walters.
Mr.. Dinkie did the honors beautifully.
He made us little speech, and he said
sorts of fine things. And such a supper
all all hot, and very curious; pies with
queer crusts, all ornamented, and ragouts
and dear knows what, and wines and
things. We all ate heartily, and Miss
Swi1les heartiest of all. We enjoyed our
selves, tell you, and the dark gentleman,
Mr.. Mosler, sang us songs afterwards.
At twelve o'clock Mr.. Dinkie arose.
"Ladies and gentlemen" he said, the time
for parting has come must he on board
the steamer in two hours. Mosler, the
same obligation lies on you. Wepart per-
haps forever. Adieu."
lie shook hands all around. When he
came to Miss Swiffles he gave her little
note.
"Read it alone in your own apartment,
dear madam" he said. at may make you
alter your opinion of one who will ever re-
member you"
"Mr. Dinkie," said Miss Swiffles, "we
all do wrong sometimes. Probably was
mistaken in you. wish you a very pleas
ant journey"
Then he was off.
"He amt such bad fellow after ALL"
said Mr.. Rodgers.
mo, lie amt" said l.
Miss Switiles went up stairs very slowly.
| saw her wipe tear away rs she went,
and stopped to put out the hall lamp.
had done it and bolted the front door,
all of a sudden the house was filled with
shricks. 1t was Miss Swifes's voice, l
knew, and she was screaming for help.
"She's found a burglar in her room to
murder her for her diamonds at last"
said to myself, and away l rushed and up
came all the boarders, and we stood in the
room where she stood, holding letter in
her hand and shrieking like mad.
20 where is ?" asked. where's
the burglar ?"
"Go after him !" she cried. "Catch him
bring him back--Mr. Dinkic, Mr.. Din
kie, Mr.. Dinkiel"
He's told her he'd commit suicide on
her account" cried. 80, dear o, dearl
30 Pm so ill.," cried Miss Swiflles
$50 ill Open the window I'm poison.
|, ed o! All !"
"Poisoned !" says 80! o! Oh"
"Rcad that" says she, falling over upon
the sofa, very sick, indeed. "Read that p
, "Mr. Rogers" says l, 81 haven't got my
! specks."
Mr.. Rogers took the letter aud read il
aloud
s "You ridiculous old fury did you believe that
a man could forgive such insults as you heaped
upon him have had my revenge upon you
and upon that puppy, Rogers. am only sorry
| was obliged TO include that simple old soul