Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-04-18

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"Would I Ike co go? Oh, grand
pa, should! Will we go, do you
The little, wizened old man looked
fondly at her over his steel trimmed
glasses.
$50 you'd like to accept Mr.. May
berry's invitation to dinner, eh, Win
ME? You wouldn't be ashamed of your
oldfashioned grandfather, eh, among
the fine folk of the family? Remark
ably fine folk, hear, for all can re-
member when Joe was a boy together
with myself. Fine folk, Winnie, and
you think we'd better go?"
"I would like to go, grandpa. I
don't have many recreations-I don't
want many, for I think contented
honest labor is the grandest thing in
the world, and the best discipline
somehow, [ can't tell why, but do want
to go. I can wear my black cashmere.
and you'll be so proud of me-"
''Proud of you, indeed, my child, no
matter what you wear. Yes, We'll CO."
And thus it happened that among the
ten guests that sat down at Josiah May
berry's hospitable, overhowing board
that cold, blue skied day, Winnie
Wilmington and the little old man were
two and two to whom Ernest May
berry paid more devoted attention than
even his father had asked and expected.
OF course it was a grand successful
excepting the cold hauteur on Mrs.
Mayberry's aristocratic face, and that
was failure, because no one took the
least notice of it, so much more power
full were the influences of Mr.. May
berry's and Ernest's courteous gentle
manly attentions.
81 only hope you are satisfied" Mrs.
Josiah said, with what was meant to be
whitening sarcasm, after the last guest
had gone, and she stood moment be-
fore the fire; "J only hope you are
MISUNDERSTANDING with the attention
Ernest paid to that young woman
very unnecessary attention. indeed"
Mr.. Mayberry rubbed his hands to-
gether briskly.
"Satisfed? Yes, thankful to God, I
had it in my power to make them for
get their poverty, if for only one little
hour. Did you see little Jimmy Hurd s
eyes glisten when Earnest gave him the
second triangle of pie? Bless the
youngsters hearts, they won't want
anything to eat for week"
g I was speaking of the young woman
Who"
Mrs. Mayberry was Jelly severe, but
her husband cut it short.
$50 you were-pretty little thing as
ever saw. A ladylike, graceful little
girl, with beautiful eyes enough to ex-
cuse the boy for admiring her."
"The boy. You seem to have forgot
ten your son is twenty-three-old 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 a beggar, and she is
good, virtuous girl-why not %
A little gasp of horror and dismay
was the only answer of which Mrs.
Mayberry 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 an1 her lovely, droop-
ing face.
eyes, Winnie. You want to tell me
something2
She went up behind him, and leaned
her hot cheek caressingly against his,
her sweet, low voice whispering her
answer
Grandpa, I want to tell you some
thing. I-Mr. May-we-Ernest has
asked-he wants me to-oh, grandpa,
can't you tell what it is ?"
He felt her cheek grow hotter against
his.
He reached up his hand and car
ressed the other one.
eyes, can tell, dear. Ernest has
wanting you for wife. So that is
what comes of that dinner, eh, Win
ME? ?"
"And may tell him you are willing.
perfectly willing, grandpa? Because I
do love him, you know"
"And you are sure it isn't his money
you are after, Oh %
She did not take umbrage at the
sharp question.
81 am at least sure it is sot my mon
ey he is after, grandpa" she returned,
laughing and patting his cheek.
eyes, you are at least sure of that;
there, I hear the young man coming
himself. Shall I 60, Winnie?
1t was the "young man himself,
Ernest Mayberry, with a shadow of
deep trouble and distress on his face
as he came straight up to Winnie and
took her hand, then turned to the old
gentleman.
"Until an hour ago I thought this
would be the proudest, happiest hour
of my life, sir, for should have asked
you to give me Winnie for my wife.
Instead, must be content to only tell
you how dearly I love her, and how
patiently and hard I will work for her
to give her the home which she deserves
because, Mr.. Wilmington, this morn
ing the house of Mayberry & Thurston
failed, and both families are beggars.
His handsome face was pale, but his
eyes were bright with determination
and hraveness nothing could daunt.
Winnie smiled back upon him, her
own cheeks paling.