The bee., 1877-09-27

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 Of course, when reached home, all my doubts and fears were contided to dear Grannys sympsthizing ears. She listened to my tale of love and woe {; thea said:
 " He must be cured of this folly be- fore you become his wife, my darling"
 A week after my return home came letter from Claude, telling me that he had received very lucrative Govern. ment appointment in London, and was now in position to ask granny's con sent to our early marriage
 He came, and made himself so agree able there were no ''letters of the al- phabet" to tease him-that Granny thought had exaggerated his weakness, but she was soon convinced of her error.
 One afternoon Claude came as usual {; business had gone wrong with him, and he WAS rather cross. Grandmother went up stairs for her afternoon nap, and Claude began to read aloud to me--a most unfortunate proceeding on his part for it happened that l was obliged to listen for the street! door bell, and wish ed to conceal the fact from my conpan- ion.
 1 never did care much for poetry, but that day l quite abhorred it. In the midst of sentimental piece which Claude was reading most beautifully, "ting, ting' went the bell i; up 1 jumped, and with muttered Excuse mel left the room.
 The same interruption happened again and third time. became % nervous that left the sitting-room door open, and this was the unlucky speech which met the ears of my offended companion :
 Don't, Charles dear Leave me alone, sir; will not allow you to kiss me, although am very fond of you"
 Here followed scuffle and some sup pressed laughter.
 When returned to the sitting-room, Claude stood looking the very picture of indignation.
 "Pray may l ask who Charlie dear is? Probably only boy,'" he said, satiricslly.
 "No. he is not . boy" I answered with careless lsugh-shis "only boy" was sneering allusion to g lad of six teen of whom Claude had once been jealous, and to whom had justly ap. piled the term.
 Then must insist upon knowing whss man dared to attempt to kiss you," exclaimed ClaudIs. 6ercely.
 "WOuid you m to see him ?" asked, tauntingly. And shn we had sharp quarrel, which sermin1asd in his, saying:
 .Eva Raynham, l give you twsnty- four hours to consider whether you will tell me the name of the Impertinent sas- cal whom you permitted to take such | liberty without properly resensing A. If tomorrow night you persist in obsti. nate refusal we must part then and fors ever.. lean pardon fritolity, but not deceit"
 I covered myIface with my hands,a said in low tone:
 II cannot"
 In moment he dashed out of the room, and left the house, banging the street door 90 violently that Granny ran down alarmed for the plate basket, and found me-lsughing immoderately.
 
 The next evening came, and with it Claude, looking so pale and wretched that quite pitied him. Immediately on his arrival Granny left us alone, and for a few minutes silence followed, which was broken by his saying in most ss- we're tone:
 "Have you made up your mind to tell the truth, Eva, or to make us both mis- erable for life ?"
 1T am not miserable; nor would you be if you were not such foolish dolt," I answered.
 "Heal tless coquette !" he began. when a ring at the bell caused me to leave the room hastily, for it was Charlie come again. Of course Iexpected Claude to follow me--but he was not mean, dear fellow l
 Very soon I returned, followed by Charlie, on al foars. Yes, the offender was only large fat terrier, blind of one eye, and old enough, even had he been a