Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-09-28

caution to lock the closet door from the
outside, SO there was no fear of detec-
ton. On high bench, as still as two
mice, we awaited results.
Cousin Mark Gas if arousing from a
protracted reverie). "Would you like
to have me read?'
Miss Kent. ''Oh, I'm not particu-
lar"
Cousin Mark. "Here is an excellent
article on elective afinities how would
you like that %
Jennie's elbow in my side almost
took my breath away.
Miss Kent. ''Who is it by?"
Jennie CLEAR into my ear ''That's
to gain time; see if it isn't.
Cousin Mark. ''It's by prominent
French writer, / believe
Miss Kent. 81 don't think I care for
translation tonight
Cousin Mark. s'Nor L; nor reading
of any kind. This is my last evening in
New Y DIRK, Miss Kent
Miss Kent. 81 hope you've en-
joyed your visit? %
Jennie onto a1ay oe1y head this tinne)
"She's as shy as a three-year- colt
Cousin Mark. 81 didn't think [
should feel so sorry about leaving"
Jennie. HE is the wreck, you re-
member"
A long pause.
Miss Kent. 81 think [ hear the
baby
Cousin Mark. ooh no. You are
fond of babies, aren't you, Miss
Kent ?"
No answer from Miss Kent.
Cousin Mark. 81 have been a very
lonely man, Miss Kent, but / never
realized how lonely the rest of my life
must be until [ came to this house."
Jennie. ooh, how lonelyp'
Cousin Mark. CHOW must return
to my business and my clearinghouse.
Think of that, Miss Kent-boarding
house clearinghouse, for man as
fond of domestic life as / am, Miss
Kent
Just then we very distinctly heard
little kind of a purr, which sounded
very like a note of intense sympathy
from Miss Kent.
Cousin Mark. 81 have friends in
San Francisco, of course, but no fire
side like this, nobody to care for me if
L am i'll, nobody to feel very badly if /
die
Jennie. "That' II fetch her.
Miss Kent (ooice q little qatiuering).
81 wish l lived in San Francisco.
You could always call upon me if you
needed anything"
(Jennie in convulsions.)
Cousin Mark (abautptzy). eff you
will go to California with me, Miss
Kent, I'll wait another week.
Miss Kent. "Why, Mr.. Lansing.
what do you mean? What. would
folks say ?''
Cousin Mark eve don't care for
folks, Miss Kent. If you'll go, we
Will have a house as pleasant as money
can make it. You shall have birds,
and flowers, and horses, and all the
scientific monthlies you want-deuced
if you sha' II t-and you shall never
sew stitch for anybody but me. Will
you be my wife?''
Just then Jennie and I stepped up
another peg, and there was that little
old maid, who wouldn't marry the best
man that ever lived, Rugged close to
the mans breast who wouldn't marry
the best woman that every lived, not
even to save her life. We came
away then, but it's my opinion that
they remained in just that position till
we rang the bell half an hour after.
Chow did you know?" [ asked of
Jennie.
"My dear" she answered, envy
Whole reliance was upon human ma
ture; and let me tell you, goosie,
whatever else may fail, that never
does"
"Why, Miss Kent, what makes your
face so red?' inquired Jennie, upon
entering; land, Cousin Mark, how
strangely you look! your hair is all
mussed up"
"And [ hope to have it unused
often,'' said Cousin Mark, boldly.
g Miss Kent and | are to be married
next week.
Jennie laughed till her face was pur-
pie, and when l went up stairs Miss
Kent was pounding her back.-Har-
per's BGzar.
Satisfied Curiosity.
4nn1- Of