The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1878-06-27

manufacturing firm in New York
with whom he had been IN treaty
pending this result, wrote to offer a
handsome sum for the control of it.
But what were air brakes, royalties,
and ten per cents to him just then,
with Hilda evidently avoiding him
She had not once come to that side OF
the garden during the day. He felt
melancholy in spite OF the realization
of his hopes. and in melancholy mood
strolied out to his customary walk
alongside the boundary fence, though
with little hopes of seeing Hiida, for
twilight had fallen, and she was rare
ly in the garden at 80 late an hour
Perplexed and unhappy, he linger-
ed, and leaned, and presently, to bis
surprise little sound, half sigh, hall
sob struck his ear. He bent over: q
dim crouching figure met his eyes. 1,
was Hiida. crying quietly, while pre-
tending to stake down Struggling
yerbena in the flower bed below.
miss Hilda!' exclaimed Erasmus,
in amaze. This is too good fortune
| have SO much to tell your
'Oh, you mustn't,-I mustn't--we
mustn't talk any more,' replied Hilda,
lifting tear-stained face. 1T isn't
right. 1t will never do
Who says SO ? with surprise.
SISTER. She says people will call
me Observation-Disclosures aud
father will be angry-and-oh, indeed,
1 mustn't
sLight-mindedi Improper! just let
me catch themp thnndered Era SINUS
80 far as one can be said to thunder
with voice lowered almost to a whis-
per Now listen to me, dear-1eares,
Hilda. have great news to tell. Ny
patent is granted, my fortune IS as
good as made. Day after tomorrow
I must 60 away
A sob from below.
Are you sorry to have me go I
Dearest Hilda, are you sorry? If you
are, even the least tiny bit, let me haye
the comfort of hearing you say SO.
Don't you know that love you, my
darling. loyed you from the first
moment, think-from the very day
that you all came to this old house.
Could you care for me, dearest? Will
you be my wife P
Perhaps-I could care,' faltered
Hilda. 'But-my father doesn't
Now why should we talk of your
father? 2 broke in the impetuous lover
from overhead. sIf 1 love you, and
you--like me, all the fathers in the
world sha'nt stand between us. My
| way is all clear now, dear Hilda
l can make you comfortable, and oh
won't try to make you happy2 just
say YES and the rest is easy. Only
one word, dear lovel'
1T might be easy to say 'yes,' per
haps,' began Hilda. But an austere
voice interrupted her:
MY daughter, what are you doing
here at this hour, and with whom are
| you conversing p asked Pastor Lubke
There he stood behind her, din
and appalling shape. Hilda shivere6
her voice failed. Erasmus. hi
courage rising with the occasion, ans.
wered in her stead
She was speaking to me, sir--ol
rather it was l who was speaking te
her. l was telling Mics Hilda what
should have come this evening to tel
you, sir, if this opportunity had no
arisen-that I have news W hich makel
it needful for me to go away, and that
I cannot go without saying that ]
love her, and want her to be my wife
if she will His voice faltered and
broke.
And pray, sir, who are you 2 asked
the pastor, grimly.
sMy name is Erasmus Stockton. NJ
father was Judge Stockton, of Dan
burry--all my connections are res
pectable,' replied Erasmus, succintly
1 can refer you to people whom yot
know for my character and prospects
1 have little money now, and Smitl
& Petrie, OF New York, have Offered
$1,000 for an air brake of my inven
ton. which is just patented. car
afford to keep wife, Mr.. Lubke.'
sAnd pray where have your learned
to take SO great an interest in m.
daughter Hilda?'
'Over the fence, answered Erasmus
stoutly. Pastor Lubke, gave grin
little laugh.
/ sSuch things are not to be settled il
a minute, my young friend,' he said
youth is always in hurry. Hilda
you had better go in. Ii you viii
followed to my study, Mr.-ahem-
Stockton, we will talk farther of tn
natter
Follow by way of the gate, wa
what the good pastor meant; and h.
was by no means prepared for wha
happened, namely, his young friend
vaulting the fence like an acrobat, ant
gaining the garden at single bound
tHurrah, darling! he whispered Il
Hilda as the pastor led the wa.
through the garden. The fence
climbed. 1 always vowed that
would get over some day or other
and haye.'
Aud SO it proved. There was som
bitches. some delays. Erasmus wa
not allowed to marry Hllda mex
week, rs was his first wild PROPOSE
ton, or even next month. Sisters
wheel buzzed like great humble. be
all summer long, aud busy finger
toiled oyer the wedding outfit throug
winter days and spring days, befor
Hilda was pronounced by her fathe