The daily gazette., 1877-05-14

tice of 1t, so much more powerful were
the influences of Mr.. Mayberry's and Err
nests courteous, gentlemanly attentions.
81 only hope you are satisfied" Mrs.
Josiah said, with what was meant to be
withering sarcasm, after the last guest
had gone, and she stood moment be-
fore the fire; 81 only hope you are salts
fied-particularl with the attention Err
net paid to that young woman-very un-
necessary attention indeed"
Mr.. Mayberry rubbed his hands togeth-
er briskly.
"Satisfied? Yes, thankful to God had
it in my power to make them forget their
poverty, if for only one little hour. Did
you see little Jimmy Hurd's eyes glisten
when Ernest gave him the second TRAN
gle of pie? Bless the youngsters hearts,
they won't want anything to eat for
| week."
was speaking of the young woman
who"-Mrs. Mayberry was iclly severe,
but her husband cut it shoft. so
$50 you were-pretty little thing as ev-
er 1 saw. A ladylike, graceful little girl,
with beautiful eyes enough to excuse the
boy for admiring her."
"The boy. You seem to have forgot
ten your son istwenty-three-ol enough
to- fall in love with and marry-even
poor, unknown girl you were quixotic
enough to invite to your table. "
"Twenty-three? So he is. And if he
wants to marry beggar, and she is a
good virtuous girl-why not?" .
A little gasp of horror and dismay was
the only answer of which Mrs. Maybe
was capable.
"Grandpa." ..+ ..
Winnie's voice was so low that Mr..
Wilmington only just heard it., and
when he looked up he saw the girls
crimson cheeks and her lovely droop.
ing face. W.T., w..
something?"
She went up behind him, and leaned
her hot cheek caresslngly against his,
her sweet, low voice whispering her
answer; "GraHdpa, / want to tell you
something. I-Mr. May-we-Ernest
has asked-he wants me to-oh, grand
pa, can't you tell what it is?"
He felther cheek grow hotter against
his. i fsH.4 rY4.. . aGt ....r.
He reached up his hand and caress-
ed the other ono.
Eyes, can tell, dear. Ernest has
shown his uncommon good sense by
wanting you for his wife. SO that is
what comes of that dinner, eh, Win
nie?"
"And may Itell him you are willing
perfectly willing grandpa? Because l
do love him, after, eh?" 4.
Il a la q
sharp question. -d'
lam at least sure it isn't my money
The is after, grandpa" she returned,
laughing and patting his cheek.
"Yes, you are at least sure of that;
there, hear the you0g man coming
himself. Shall l go, Wianie!"
1t was the ''young man himself, :"
Ernest Mayberry, with shadow of
deep trouble and distress on his face
as he came straight up to Winnie and
look her hand then turned. to the old
gentleman.
Until an hour ago l thought this
would be the proudest, happlest hour
of my life sir, for | should have asked
you TO give me Winnie for my wife.
Instead, l must content to only tell
you how dearly love her, and how
patiently and hard l will work for her
to give her the home which she de-
serves-because, Mr.. Wilmington, this
morning the house of Mayberry G.
Thurston failed, and both families
are Deggars."
His handsome face was pale, but his
eyes were bright with determination
and braveness nothing could daunt.
Winnie smiled back upon him, her
own cheeks paling.
Never miHd, Ernest, on my account
| can wait, too" -...
Old Mr.. Wilmington's eyes were al
most shut beneath the heavy frowning
forehead and quizzical look was on
his shrewd old face as he listened.
"Gone up Ell? Well, that's too bad.
You stay here and tell Winnie am
just as willing she shall be your wife
when you want her, as if nothing had
happened because l believe you can
earn bread and butter for both of you,
and my Winnie is contented little
girl. I'll hobble up to the office and
see your father; he and l were boys
together; a word of sympathy won't
come amiss from me-" ~ sa t.a.
And off he strobe, leaving the lovers
alone, getting over the distance in a
remarkable time, and presenting his
wrinkled. weather-beaten old face IN
Mayberry & Thurston's private office,
where Mr.. Mayberry sat alone, with
rigid face and keen, troubled eyes that
nevertheless, lighted at the sight of
his old friend.
"Im glad to see you, Wilmington
Sit down. The sight of the man who
has not come to reproach me is COM
fort"
But Mr.. Wilmington did not sit
down.
He crossed the room to the table at
which Mr.. H4yberry sat am ong hope
less array of papers.
There is no use wasting words,May
berry, at time like this. Did you
know your son has asked my Winnie
| to marry bimr"
Mr. Mayberry's face lighted a second
then the gloom returned.
"If my son had fortune at his COM
mand, as thought he had yesterday
at this time, would say: God speed
you in your wooing of Winnie VII