The Van Buren press., 1878-04-16

Mrttie appeared to be taken quite by
surprise by this declaration.
"But l couldn't help in; indeed
couldn't She is
"She is ayoung lady whose name is
Kate, and her eyes ere the blacklist,
her cheeks the ruddiest, and she sings
Under the Stars witt guitar accom-
paniment," ratified Mattie all in a
breath.
1t was now Toms turn to stare
"Where did you find all that out ?" he
asked
MY dear, little bird whispered it.
think I'll go and write to my future
cousin : and off she RIA glad to escape
from the questions whs,h she feared be
might PROFOUND.
But you haven't told me" he call
ed after her.
'And never shall," she returned, whisk-
ing into her own room.
In less than half an hour she had recon.
cilea her mother to Fate's DEGREES, had
written to Miss Kate Spencer, had pursua-
ded Tom to write also, and had done much
toward informing the whole village OF her
altered prospects.
In due time Tom was married, Matty
officiating as first bridesmaid.
Matty, after the excitement of Toms
wedding, bethought herself what she
should do. There where her summer
dresses to be made up and the flowers
to attend 10, but these occupied neither
all her time nor Thoughts There ought
to have been DR.. Gibson, too, she could
not help thinking, but that gentleman,
instead of falling at her feet as soon as
he heard she was free. paid her no more
attention than before She waited for
him in growing wonder and worry, an
eternity, two weeks-and then took meas
ures to bring him to his senses. She en-
ployed only recognized and lady like
means, however. She. began by flirting
little with different q htlemen.
There was Will Ellis. This young
gentleman had offered himself to our
heroine, or the average, four times
year, ever since she was Is.
She had invariably refused him, de-
cdedly and emphatically; but they
were the best friends in the world. She
now told him in so many words. that
she would accept all the attention he
would offer her during the next week.
taking care to remember that this sim
gular declaration proceeded not from
any specific regard for him, but was
made in pursuance Of some occult de-
sign on her part
Forthwith, the pas embarked upon
what seemed the atormiest Irritation
Mdrnngs hey afavs 81 walked out H to
gether they dined at Mrs Kelicotts,
and Immediately sailed forth of some
other excursion. Both were excellent
equestrians, and Matty gloried in gal
Looping "over hill and over dale" on one
of Wills handsome horses. (Will, by
the by, was son offs rich man:) Then
they drank tea on the lawn and spent the
evening at the piano or in reading. At
the hour of 10 Matty always sent Will
home without particle Of ceremony or
regret at his departure. In short. what
appeared to Skinnersvile serious court
ship, was, in reality, purely business
matter, and so understood between the
two parties to it.
This state of affairs continued for
week or so, During which time the Doc
tor ignored Matty's existence, except as
she was the daughter of his dear friend
Mrs. Kelicott. And all the while the
girl was raging inwardly at her former
suffer.
"Why doesn't he ask me once again,
she queried mentally. II an sure
he loves me, as any one might see
that l love him; but he won't speak,
and | can't. suppose shall be an old
maid"
But the Doctor was not to blame A
man of the world would have seen
through Matty's strataqem, but he did
not. He imagined she was either trying
to drown her disappointment at losing
Tom, or Ind really decided to marry the
enamored Will
The truth occurred to Mattv, at last
She could hardly believe such stupidity
existed ia the mind Of man but she de-
termined to try what a modest and re-
firing behavior would effect SO abe
dismissed Will, and became. to all out
ward resemblance, little nun. Still,
no advances on the Doctors part He
came and went constantly to the house,
however, Matty gave up all hope
finally, of ever coming to a better un
Outstanding with him, when something
happened.
DR. Gibson dropped in" one morning
when Mrs. Kellicott sat sewing on
the lawn. in the cool, and. refreshing
breeze.
"Yon mustn't come here" she called,
as he lighted from the gig. my work
requires my undivided attention You
may go and help Matty, If you like
That young lady was making tartlets
in the kitchen. She saw the Doctor com.
ing round the corner of the house, gave a
hurried glance at the bright bottom of Il
tin.pan she was holding, found herself
and greeted him composedly
She was very glad to see him she said.
Wouldn't he come in
No, he Wouldn't come in, the day was
so beautiful. He would just stand on
the little brick pavement nder the win
dow, and lean over the sill So there
he stood, under the grape vine trellis,
with little lleeks of golden sunshine fall
ing on his hair and shoulders. Matty
observed that he looked thoroughly un-
lover like, and concluded that he didn't
intend to propose.