Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-08-23
Concluded ron nrst pags.)

tators was suppressed by Mrs. Wilour's
stern. upliited forefnger.
lone, two. three Mr.. Leslie counted
of according to rule. and swaying little.
stood still directly in front of Mr.. Talbot.
90 near that his folded arms ii outstretched
would have encountered the latter's shout
ders, and another inch would have brought
his toe into contact with the others care.
fully Withdrawn boot.
There seemed no breath 10 the room but
Leslie's. as gathering his forces, he stoop
ed over his flaming antagonist.
In the opposite corner Nettie and Will
were standing together, she trembling in
spite OF her efforts at self-control, tor now
that the moment had come it was Nettie
who covered.
"Ah poutr' blew Mr.. Leslie. Justify
and the wind pulled over Mr.. Talbot's left
cheek.
''Ah! pouf y again, and it waved the
hair on the top of his lead.
Out yete" queried the lamp-blower in
tones of satisfied unconsciouspess.
Zone more trial. suggested Mrs. VII.
bur, after a scrutinizing glance at the re-
cipient OF three putfs.
At this time Mr.. Leslie bent over. actu-
ated by vigorous determination to ac-
complish his purpose At the same mo-
ment he raised his bandage, and found
himself blowing with all his might square
ly into Mr., Talbot's eyes, not more than a
foot off.
His face of intense establishment and
modification was too much for the latter.
already shaking 10 every limb, with sup.
pressed laughter. He burst into an ire
pressible shout of merrimeDt. 1t was in
stantly caught up by the others.
Mr.. Lesiie's brows began to lower omi-
nously The wounds of vanity may be
only skin deep, but what is 20 sensitive as
the skiup
Were all of US laughing at your sue
cess, Mr.. Leslie. do you see p said Mrs.
Wilbur. quickly approaching and looking
into his gloomy eyes with a cordial smile
that IL was impossible to resist.
You have made the hit of the even
have really blown out fame much hard
err to exlinguish than poor little candies.
Isn't 1t 30, Mr.. TalhotP''
Upon my word. yes" cried the latter.
springing up with one Of the sudden i'm
pulses so characteristic of him, and hold
ing out his hand frankly to his foe.
'Let bygoDes be bygones, sir, and your
hand upon it."
How could Leslie refusep Indeed, in
the applause that followed, he felt quite
content not to do so.
This was made for US, Neitie," whis-
pered Will In the still unnoticed corner.
Tonight bold stroke may do 1t. but il
we don't clinch that bargain. ten to one
tomorrow they will be at logger-heads
again"
But how ?" asked the girl, turning red
and then pale.
In answer the young man whispered q
few hasty words into her ear. Nettie
drew back, hesitated then said Eyes de-
terminedy. and took step forward.
Then Will, holding her hand firmly on
his arm. advanced quickly with her, and
joined the central group.
"A treaty, you see, must be ratified
always" he sand, speaking rapidly and a
little anervously at first, but gathering
courage as he went on; "ratify your
treaty Of peace, then, by our peace and
union."
Mr. Talbot was the first to break the
hush of amazement, and. in some minds,
of CONSERVATION, that followed this bold
stroke.
what does this mean p' he cried :;
"Nettie, is this so ?"
Yes, sir" returned the girl, with her
eyes upon the floor.
Leslie saw his opp ,rtunity. He would
assume to himself the magnanimily of
the initiative. Talbot having become civil
again, he was free TO confess that there
was not better match In the village, or
a more charming girl than Nettie.
Urbanely, therefore, he expressed his
own sanction, subject to Mr.. Talbot's ap-
proval.
Now, the latter had no personal objec-
ton to the young man, he knew him to
be honest and enterprisng. Moreover.
there was enough romance left under his
gray hairs to admire the pluck of the
present act.
But tor a moment he did not answer,
busy with his own thoughts. Suddenly
his eyes began to twinkle. ''Ah Nettie,
Nettls." he said. lin afraid after all
you do know merely the top OF 3 round
black hat through the blackberry bushes
in the road"
well. father, -only--sometimes," an
swered the girl. smllIngly, for she knew
the case was won.