The Hickman courier., 1877-06-08

began to scale the heights of the oed
and goes to the window. The moon
shines brightly. she isn't bit afraid
In two minutes she has scrambled Over
the roof of the shed, seized bough o.
the old apple-tree, let herself quietly
down to the ground, and is on her way
to the minister's house.
The Rev. David Thornton, sitting
gloomily in his study on the ground-hooi
of his house, and fighting manully with
the heartache caused by girls careless
words, is suddenly startled by t77o Thite
legs tearing their way through the vines
that grow in front Of his window, and
small body turning a somersault into the
middle of his room.
caught my toe and tumbled," ex'
plains Tots, assuming an upright position,
and caressing the injured foot.
What are you doing here at this
time of night9 " asks the clergyman, he-
ginning to smile.
q want to get married .
To whOm?"
You "
This time the grave man laughs, and,
seating himself in his ann chair, take the
child on his knees.
What Eor?"
t'Cause Aunt Sue spanks me and Aunt
Flo boxes rty ears; and I've been hearing
about David CopPerfield and Dora, and
[ want to be married and be n child-Hifs
like Dora, aud have dog named Jip,
and I'd like you" Tot accompanies this
statement with a kiss.
Thank you"
And I'll call you Dodo, and hold
your pens. They are all so cross at home,
ana there is nothing to do, so thought
I'd come and ask you 10 marry me. /
wish l had thought of it before got un-
dressed and Tot surveys her toilet,
realizing for the first time that she has
committed breach of the proprieties by
appearing in public in psntalOons.
What did Aunt Flo box your ears
for
"After YOU sent a%ay this afternoon
she began to cry 50 that l thought you
had been pinching her 1t hurts so, you
know, when you take a little nip. But
then l heard her say she had been 80
wicked, and done something to you that
you never would forgive, and that you
would never come back again; 50 then /
thought it must have been she that
pinched you. so she cried for an hour
awful hard. Then I took her some jam.
when l cry, and they give me jam, al
ways stop. But she boxed my ears and
sent me away. Don't skeese me so; it
hunts"
Tots" said the minister, you are
the dearest child in the world, and I am
going to take you home"
l won't so. want to stay with you;
only I must have some Clothes
" Wen go for the clothes'
Aunt Flo is sitting in the parlor wip-
ing very red pair of eyes when the
Rev. David appears with Tots on his
shoulder.
" Florence, says the clergyman, may
forget all the harsh words spoken this
afternoon ?"
Can you forgive them ?''
Were all the tears Tots tells about
shed for me: I have just had visit
from the little lady" The clergyman
looks tenderly down at the red eyes, and
Flo's hand feels its way into his.
Poor Tots! here are two more people
who won't pay her any attention.
q" You are going to marry me, you
know" tugging at the Reverend David's
disengaged hand.
No, Tots, not you-Aunt Florry."
Tots begins to cry.
Never mind, pet" and Aunt Flo
takes the child in her arms. You shall
have your reward. Blessed are the
peace Makers Tots, and I'll give you a
big cake in the morning. Now Aunt
Sue will put you to bed"
q don't know what peace-makers'
are, and 1 don't want a cake. WV
want ito gg-get married"
Tots is borne screaming away.