Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-12-20
fCoptipued from fr,t pagc.J

WHAT L nave maze knbWn III Nou, WI.
Penniworth. in behalf OF the people of
Woodville.
Most certainly; and will endeavor
to please them upon Christmas eve to the
best of my ability"
And the caller LEFT Simon alone again in
bis study.
As the reader has already learned,
Simon Penniworth had been endowed with
the faculty of penning his productions
with rapidity; so that, Notwithstanding
there was only week before Christmas
arrived, he did not at once commence up
on the labor assigned to him. IL will
hardly need more than a day" he said !;
land, before begin my work. | must see
her," The 'her" referred to the Maid of
Woodvile.' whose real name. it may be
we'll to state here, was Mary Lyle.
So the next day after Simon received his
visit from William Dent. he lett his house
early in The afternoon To callupOn the one
who occupied so prominent place in his
heats affection. 1t was u stormy day.
and the snow was falling when he started ;
but he did not mind this, for he felt that he
must see her. and inform her of the new
honor that had been conferred upon him.
1t was not long way to the home OF
Mary Lyle. and Simon quickly walked the
distance; holding up his head as be went
through the streets with the proud con-
seriousness that many eyes were behold
ing him, and many minds thinking of
his power. Indeed. as he passed a
certain place, he heard one bystander OBJ
serve to another: There goes Simon
Penniworth. who is to give the Christmas
poem at Washington Hall" How his
heart fiuttered at this But scarcely more
than it did when he had arrived at the
home of the one he loved, and rang the
bell.
Mary LYLE herself came to the door.
why, Mr.. Penniworth, is it you P | am
happy to see you, though hardly expect
ed you to-day"
but had something that l wished to
tell you, and | could not wait .aid
Simon, as he removed his hat and over
coat in the hall. Then he was conducted
into the elegant parlor (for Mary's father
WAS wealthy, where bright fire was
burning.
"You know / am always glad to see you
Mr.. Penniworth." she said. as she drew
her chair quite near to Simon's.
II trust so; and hope that am worthy
of your esteem"
He meant TO have said love instead of
esteem when he CONNIE need the sentence.
but it was difficult for him to speak that
word of four letters in Mary Lyle's pres
ence. Then it might not have been prop
er to have spoken it at that time he after
wards thought.
"And you say you have something TO
tell me-will it interest me much ?"
stIt 10 anita inn, ri MT 10 apd | hnna
you will he pleased to learn of my good
fortune. Mary. the people of Woodville
have appointed me their Christmas poet"
"Ah, but this is no news to me-" said
the handsome Mary, with a laugh that
Simon thought bewitcbing; II was pres
ent at the time the people chose you, and
threw my vote for you with the rest.
And | felt proud of you, too, Mr.. Penni-
worth.
Ibid you really. Mary?" and, from
gratitude, Simon's voice was so choked
with emotion that he could say no more.
Yes; and ] was happy at your good
fortune. But, do you think"-she spoke
hesitatingly-''do you think they offer
you quite enough for your labor, Mr..
Penniworth p'
Enough. and more than enough"
said Simon. and his tones expressed firm
ness-''more than ! shall take, for | labor
with my pen merely to please the peo-
pie, which is the substance of what | re-
marked to a gentleman but yesterday.
You could not have thought that would
accept money, Mary ?"
81 didn't know but what you might
sometimes"
~ hope l shall never come to that
Taking pay for pleasure is not right. Blu.
there Was another thing for which |
wished to see you to-day. Mary-a very
serious thing"
Simon paused here. and looked at
Mary, who suppressed a smile ut the men
ton OF the "serious thing" tor she im-
agned what was coming.
And, reader, it will do no good to con
ceal The fact that Simon Penniworth now
felt the time to have arrived when he
should ask for the hand of Mary L, lie.
Now if ever" he said to himself.
"Sbe regards me with favor as one whom
all Woodvllle appreciates, and no Oppor-
tuniiy can ever he better than this"
Simon's look was so full OF meaning
that Mary said:
"And what Can it possibly be of Sc
rious nature that you have 10 tell me. Mr..
Penniworth? ?"
at is concerning matter that has
long been uppermost in my heart, Mary
an affair IN which YOU play "a prominent
part"
II play prominent PATTI" and she
spoke the words tn feigned surprise
Yes; and. delicate as the matter is,
so d, licste that could not bring myself
10 speak of it in the past. must disclose
it now. VIII you"
Simon had knelt at Mary's feet, and ar
rived as lar AS stated above in his speech,
when he thought he heard laughter in an
adjoining room, Ohe door being aiar)
and his words, aHame with love, vanished
from his lips; but after an awkward
pause he added:
-'go with me TO Washington Hall
Christmas eve. when read my produc-
ton Pr
As Simon arose very quickly from his
kneeling posture, the lair maid who had
come SO near receiving her first pro.
posar' could not suppress a slight laugh.
which she tried to conceal from her AID.
mirer's notice.
but you need not have knelt to have
asked me that, Mr. Penniwor,h; for
shall be most happy TO go with you Christ.