Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1877-01-11

He came and went constantly to the
house, however. Matty gave up all
hope, finally, Of ever coming to better
understanding with him, when something
happened.
Dr.. Gibson dropped in" one morn
ling, when Mrs. Keuicott sat sewing on
the pleasant veranda in the cool, refresh
ing breeze.
ssY gu mustn't come here" she called,
as he tied his horse to the hitching-post.
ssMy work requires my undivided
attention besides, you'll step on the
rufles. You may go and help Matty,
if you like"
That young woman was making pies
in the kitchen. She saw the doctor
coming round the corner of the house,
gave hurried glance at the bottom OF a
tin pan she was holding, found herself
presentable, and greeted him composed
| W. She was very glad to see him, she
said. Wouldn't be come in? -
wouldn't come in, the day
was Z aGsassisal: he would igst etand
window, and lean over tie sill.
So there be stood under the grape
vine trellis, with little golden sunshine
falling over his hair and shoulders.
Matty observed that he looked thorough
ly uniover-like, and concluded that he
didn't intend to propose. She also
noticed 4 rip in his coat, and wondered
who would mend it for him.
someway the talk veered round from
the weather to woman's rights.
Matty, on this, spoke up.
She didn't at all believe in the second
hand influence which reached the ballot
box through the agency Of husband and
brother. when vote" she said, u
want to march to the polls and put in
my own vote my own self"
"What pretty spectacle you'd make,
MattY, with that rolling pin in your
hand, and"
Pm not at all sure that I want to
vote" she interrupted. But 1 would
lust Ike to make some laws, that's all. "
"WeN, you might petition the legis-
lature," suggested the doctor grayely,
"0h, they're not legal laws; only
social customs and usages. "I'll tell you
lust what Imean." She laid the rolling
pin aside. with an emphatic bang,
placed her houuy arms akimbo, looked
very earnest and determined, and quite
regardless Of the fact that she and Dr..
Gibson were in love with each other.
Now. at party. when lady sits alone
in stuffed chair all the evening. not
dancing, simply because she hasn't any
partner, and can't ask any enc. oh. YOU
know. DR.. Gibson, you know"
How it is myself" interpolatei he.
Now it was at Mrs. Canlpbell's the
other night. If I had been Anna
Radcliffe, or Dora CoHqFd, I'd have
asked some Of you men to dance with
me-"
Then you think women should have
the privilege Of asking for whatever
they want ?" he retorted, with half a
smile.
Size answered that she thought Just
that.
well, Matty, quite agree with you.
not only think they should have this
right in such case as you mention, but
alse in more serious affairs. For instance,
women might, with perfect propriety,
make proposals Of marriage.
Now. such an idea had never entered
Matty's foolish little head, and she
seized the sugar-box with great
embarrassment. The doctor went on,
with much gravity:
u am aware that It would be very
unconventional proceeding, anQ am
afraid that no woman will ever be wise
enough to take the initiative and yet
am persuaded that in many instances it
would be the most natural and beautiful
thing she could do"
He was looking unconsciously up at
the blue sky shining through the fiagree
work Of vine leaves above him. 1t was
evident he was thinking in the abstract
only, but ALTERING little DR.. Gibson
recalled him to the concrete. And
there stood Matty, smiling, busting,
dimpling, ready TO extinguish herself in
her brown gingham apron.
'.Dr. Gibson. like you ever sc
much " she faltered, bravely, but breath.
lessly.
The doctor jumped through an open
window, and made his proposal over
again.
4 1t was midnight. The young man
I had farewelled himself out. Of the house