The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1877-07-14

HAiihie uttered little cry OF surprised
delight
"Oh, papa will be so glad! He speaks
of you SO eften''
And you, Minnie? Are you glad to
see me?'
:" OF course / am! +"
They 60 in, and up to the invalid Of
ficer's sitting-room, kept bright and
tasteful by Minnie's deft hands. And
the three have tea together; and the
master of Oaklands, hungry from his
long ride, eats the crisp cakes and brown
chicken of Minnie's cooking, and
watches her, as she futters about like a
graceful, busy little bird; and forthwith
falls in love with her.
She's worth hundred of those two
dressy, ill-tempered sisters at Oaklands,
and if she'll agree, Pll make her my
WIFE"
He thinks this on the second and last
night of his visit, sitting by the parlor
hearth after the colonel had gone to bed;
and putting his hand in his bosom he
draws forth the little slipper.
Minnie - he says, "Pve got Cinde-
rella's slipper here. Look at it."
Minnie looksup from her needle-work,
and cries out:
Why, dear mel My poor little slip
per, lost so long! How did you come by
it, Arthur? Did | throw it into the car
riage, that day the girls went to Oak
lands? 1t was kind of them to send it
back to me-"
"The girls didn't send it. | saw you
when you threw it, Minnie, and 1 picked
it up
" You?"
Yes. | was riding along the road,
| have kept it ever since. Let me have
it back, Minnie. | can't part with it."
Minnie lets him take it; gives him one
swift, startled glance; and then lets her
eyes drop, ard bushes rosy red.
Arthur takes the slipper, and the little
brown hand with it.
Minnie" he says, his voice tender
and tremulous, you remember the dear
old fairy tale? Well, this is my Cinder-
elias slipper. Only the woman who can
wear it shall be my wife. Minnie, | love
you can you learn to care for me? One
day, will you come and make my home
| bright"
Minnie looks up at him, wonder in her
wide brown eyes.
"Ohl Arthur! can you mean it? was
sure you would ask Dell or Jo"
The young man laughs as he draws her
close to his side.
Nay, little one. Neither Dell or 10
can wear the charmed slipper. | want
only YOU"
Minnie answers not word; but she
hides her face upon his shoulder and
sobs
Winter goes, and the SHOWS melt, and
the hills grow green. The great oaks
begin to bud in the ftful March sun
shine. Dell and 10 have had gay visit
at Oaklands. They have dressed, and
danced, and hirted; but neither one of
them has secured husband. Aunt
Vavasour, secretly disguised, sends them
both home
Back to the old life!" signs 10,
standing at the window, the next day
after their return. 81 declare, I'd as
soon go to my grave. | wish we had
never gone to Oaklands. | say, Dell,
what shall we do?'
Dell, lying on the lounge, with a novel
before her eyes, does not answer.
:" 1t was cruel of Aunt Vavasour to
send us home. Pm sure Arthur would
have spoken, if only we could have
stayed a little longer. He was fond of
me, | know. Surely he'll come-oh!
my goodness! Dell, here he is nown'
Dell is up and at the window in a trice.
Arthur Vavasour is fastening his horse
to the post in the yard below.
Help me with my hair, 10, for PHYS
sake. 1t is all in friZZle; and one of us
must go down at once. You know what
stupid Min is"
But 10 is arranging her own jetty
braids.
" Yes one of US must 90 down at once,
and that one will be me- You don't sup
plant me in that way, DELL"
Fairly white with anger, Dell makes
her toilette, lets down all her crinkling,
gold-red curls, and puts on her most be-
coming dress. 10 arrays herself quite as
speedily, and the two descend together.
The sittingroom door stands open, the
yellow March sunshine Pickering in
golden waves over the faded carpet, and
falling like a benediction on Minnie's
brown hair, as she stands by her lovers
side.
Dell and 10 pause at the foot of the
stairs, in amazement.
MINI" they both gasp out
Min bushes like rose. Arthur Va
vasour advances, with mischievous
twinkle in his eyes.
Glow dye do, girls? Surprised to
see me, no doubt? Well, we've kept
our secret well, haven't we, Minnie?
Ladies, allow me to present my be-
trothed bride, the future mistress of
Oaklands."
The two sisters stand dumb. Minnie
breaks away from Arthur, and catches
hand of each.
ooh. dear girls, don't be angryw she
implores. Pm not to blame; | could
not helm IT indeed IT oil cama of nv