The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-10-21

window, still hesitating. l had Just de-
cided that would not 90, when Ned walked
up the garden and stepped into the room.
well, old fellow, you'll be late," he
said, tapping my knees with his stick.
"Don't be so idle. Come along
81 am not going Ned"
Not going. Why not? Miss Leith is
sure to be there. Ah' see. You find it's
no good struggling against me. | respect
your sense of discrimination; but | can't
walk there without somebody. Just come
to keep me company"
So took his arm, and we strolled to-
gether into the Rose Gardens.
"There's that swell girl | met last
night, he said. Lucas will be at her
side in a minute if don't look out. Ia
ta."
Dropping my arm, he raised his hat to
the young lady, and then walked off by
her side just as Lucas came up.
81 don't think Miss Leith is here" said
Lucas to me; "but there's Letita Turner
at the other end, looking such an awful
fright"
Letitia, who was the wrong side of
thirty, honored ne, when we met, with
most gracious bow. She certainly did
look, as Lucas said, can awful fright
and while | was admiring the gorgeousness
of her "get-up," l awkwardy trod upon
the dress of lady who was sitting down.
81 beg your pardon" said, turning
round and raising my hat.
1t was Miss Leth; and l saw in mo-
ment, from the blush that colored her
cheeks that | was recognized. 1t was my
voice, knew that had betrayed me; but |
walked on till | came to the ratings that
bounded the gardens. There was no gate
at the side where l was or should have
gone out; and the nearest one was exactly
opposite the seat which the Leths occupied.
| waited for some minutes, looking over
the ratings, and then turned round
Standing directly in front of me was the
Major, entirely cutting of all means of
retreat.
"How do you, Mr.. Baker" he said,
with grin, while felt rather uncomfor-
table.
Then stammered out something, apol-
giving for the deceit | had practiced upon
him. 81 was going to tell you to-mor-
row." | said; "but hope, sir, that you
will not think the worse of me for it."
"By my faith, sir, that | won't. l
thought this morVng that you looked
devilish genteman-like boatman, and said
so to my daughter 1t is | who have to
apologize for calling to you yesterday as
did; but | had not time to look at you.
only saw man in boatman's clothes, and,
of course, took you for one. Give me your
hand he said, stretching out his own, and
then adding, with laugh, Though l sup
pose now you will not want me to put
roof over your head; yet shall always be
heartily glad to see you under mine. By
the-by, as you are no longer Baker, what
name do you mean to assume now:
"Astley.'
"Wel, then, Mr.. Ashley, hope this will
be the beginning of long friendship
81 am sure, sir, nothing will give me
greater pleasure"
cit was Bakers boat, though, you were
IMP" he said.
"Yes-The FaHhLess Maid"
"Then, as l live, Baker shall have the
wife and the cottage
81 won't answer for the wife," | said.
"Then he shall have the cottage without
her. He shall have something. will go
and find him now. You come with me
and I'll introduce YOU
"My daughter, Mr.-l beg your pardon,
have a shocking memory for Names"
"Astley," suggested.
"Mr. Ashley" he said, "the amateur
boatman.'
At this we all laughed, and Miss Leith
blushed. Then the Major, with good
hearty farewell, left US, and went on his
errand.
81 caught him." he said, when he re-
turned. :" He has consented, after slight
skirmish to live with me, and have place
to harbor his old hulk in. We must go
uUW, lleltu. L llNdlC tO-llOIloN dI eitNtll,
ELI, Mr.. Ashley? Well, | hope l shall see
you soon"
THANK you, Major. Good by, Miss
Leith."
Good by, Mr.. Ashley" she said, putting
out her hand.
Lucas and Ned, who were wandering
about, passed at that moment. They both
looked-the envious wretches- and actually
scowled at me as | took the little hand and
shook it.
So | won our bet.
Aud besides the bet | won also that
which had caused it, For soon afterward
Miss Leith gave me her hand "to shake"
as she herself said, " as often as ever l
| liked