The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1879-05-08
JOnN AND l.

"Comc, John,' said I, cheerfully, ''it
really is time TO 60 if you stay any long
er shall be afraid to come down and
lock the door after you.'
My visitor rosa proceeding that al
ways reminded me of the genie emerg-
ing from the copper vessel, rs he measur
ed 6 feet 3-and stood looking reproach-
fully down upon me.
"You are in great hurry to get rid OF
me-" he said
Now didn't agree with him, for he
had made his usual call Of two hours and
a half; having, in country phrase, taken
to "sitting up" with Inc SO literally that
l was frequently at my wits end to sup
press the yawn that knew would bring
a troop rushing after it.
He was & fine manly looking fellow,
this John Crawford, old for his age
which was the rather boyish period of 10
and every way worthy Of being loved
his senior: and when, instead Of letting
the worm of conceament prey on his
damask cheek, he ventured to tell his love
for my mature self, remorselessi selzed
an English prayer book and pointed
s-ernly TO the clause, "a man may not
marry his grandmother" That was three
years ago; and added cncouragingly,
"besides, Jo1D, you are a child, and don't
know your own mind ;"
If man Of l9 don't know his own
mind,' demonstrated my lover,' would
like TO know who should. But will
wait for YOU seven years, if you say So
fourtecn--as jacob did tor Rachel"
"You forgot,' l replied, laughing at his
does not. like wine, improve with age.
Bat seriously, John, this is absurd You
arc nice boy, and l like you-but my
feelings toward you are more those of
mother than wife,
The boys eyes flashed indignantly;
and before I could divine his intention
he had lifted me from the spot where I
stood. and carried me, infant fashion, to
the sJta at the other end of the room.
81 could almost find it in my heart to
shake youv' he muttered as he sat me
down with emphasis
Tois was rather like the courtship OF
William OF Normandy,und matters prom
ised to be quite exciting.
Don't do that again." said I, with
dignity, when had recovered my brt ath,
"Will you marry me?" asked John,
some what threateningly.
Not Jus: at present." I replied. A
sort Of family shipwreck had waited
John to my threshold. Our own house
bold was sadly broken up, and l found
myself com parativcly young in years,
with half invalid father, large house
and very little money. What more
natural than to take boardersa And
among the first were Mr.. Crawford and
his son and sister, who had just been
wrecked themselves by the death Of the
wife and mother in a foreign land.
Mr.. Crawford was one OF my admir-.
ers from the first. Tall, pale, with
dark hair and eyes, he reminded me of
Dante only that he was handsomer, and
he had such a general air Of knowing
everything worth knowing without the
least pedantrv, however). that was quite
afraid Of him. He was evidently wrap.
ped up in John, and patient with his
sister---which was asking quite enough
of Christian charity snder the sun, for
Mrs. ShcllgrDvc was an unmtigated
nuisance
They stayed with us three years, and
during that time was fairly prosecuted
about John They seemed to have their
hearts set upon me as person peculiarly
fitted to train John in the way he should
60. Everything, was told, depended
on his getting the right kind Of a wife.
A special interview with Mr.. Crawford
at his particular request, touched me con
siderablv.
Il hope:' said he, "that you will not
refuse my boy, Miss Ina. He has set
his heart SO fully upon you, and you are
every thing that l could desire in a
daughter. want some one to pet. II
feel sadly lonely at times, and am sure
that You would just fill the vacantlnicl,e.'
drew my hand away from his caress
and almost felt ike hating John Gran
ford. Life with him would be one of
ease and luxury: but :. decided that l
had rather keep boarlers.
Not long after this the Crantords con
cluded to go to Eiouse keeping, ana Mrs.
Shellgrove was i'll her glory. She always
came to luncheon now in her bonnet,
and gave us minute details all that had
been done and talked Of ABOUT the house
in the last twenty-four hours.
ut is really magnificent said she,
lengthening out each syllable. "Brother
has such perfect taste; and he is actually
furnishing the library, Miss Edna, after
your suggestion. Yoy see we look upon
you quits as QUO Of the family"
"Tnat il very good of you,H replied,