The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1879-01-09
.IfI FL ought no one else would zee me,

I'IfI thought no one else would see me,
said the widow
"Ah, who'll see your" exclaimed Biddy.
Come along, the drive. will do you good.
The widow agreed; but when Biddy
asked for horse to put to the car her
brother refused, for the only horse not in use
| he was going to yoke to cart that moment
to send lamb to town. Bidds vowed she
would have a horse. and the brother swore
the lamb should be served first, till Biddy
made a compromise, and agreed to take
| the lamb under the seat of the car, and so
please all parties.
Matters being thus accommodated, Oft
the ladies set, the lamb tied neck and
the curtains of the car ready to be drawn
at moments notice. in case they should
meet any one on the road; for why should
not the poor widow enjoy the air a. they
drove along?' About half way to town.
however. the widow suddenly exclaimed:
.Biddy. drop the curtains
What's the matter?' says Biddy.
81 see him coming after US round turn
Mortified, and plucked at the curtains so
furiously, that Biddy. who was supersti-
tious, thought that nothing but Flana-
gan 8 ghost could have produced such an
effect, and began to scream and utter holy
ejaeulations until the sight Of Tom Durfy
riding after them showed her the cause Of
her sisters alarm.
If that divil Tom Durfy sees me he II
tell it all over the country, he's such a
quiz: shove yourself before the door there,
Biddy, that he can't peep into the car.
Oh, why did come out this day? wish
your tongue was cut out, Biddy, that ask
ed mel
In the meantime Tom Durfy closed on
them fast, and began telegraphing Biddy.
who, according TO the widows desire, had
showed herself well before the door,
Pull up Tim, pull up! said the widow,
from the inside Of the car, to the driver,
whom she thumped on the back at the
same time, to impress upon him her mean
ing; turn about and pretend to drive
back. Well let that fellow ride on, said
she, quietly, to Biddy.
Just as this maneuyre was executed up
came Tom Durfy.
How are you. Miss Riley! said he as
he drew rein.
Pretty well, thank you, said Biddy,
putting her head and shoulders through
the window, while the widow shrunk back
into corner of the car.
How very sudden poor Mr.. Flanagan .
death was! was quite surprised
Yes, indeed, says Biddy. 4 was Just
taking a little drive. Goodbye
4 was very much shocked to hear of { :,
said Tom.
Twas dreadful said Biddy.
How is poor Mrs. Flanagan said
Tom.
AS well as can be expected, poor thing!
Goodbye said Biddy, manifes.ly anxious
to cut short the conference.
This anxiety was so obvious to Tom,
who, tor the sake of fun, loved cross pur-
poses dearly, that he determined to push
his conversation further, Just because he
was unwelcOme.
TO be sure, continued he, lat this time
of life
Very true said Biddy Good morn
ing"
And the season has been very unheal-
thy
Doctor Growing told me so Yesterday, :
said Biddy. i wonder you re not afraid
of stopping in this east wind; colds are
WY
Just now the Genius of Farce. who pre-
sides SO particularly over all Irish affairs,
put it into the lambs head to bleat. The
sound at first did not strike Tom Durfy as
singular. they being near high hedge.
within which it was likely lamb might
bleat; but Biddy, shocked at the thought
of being discovered in the fact of making
her jaunting car a market cart, REDEEMED
up to the eyes, while the widow squeezed
herself closer into the corner.
Tom, seeing the increasing embarrass-
ment Of Biddy, and her desire to be off,
still would talk to her for the love of mis-
chief
Il beg your pardon, he continued, lust
one moment more-I want to ask, was it
not apoplexy. for heard an odd report
about the death?'
oh, yes says Biddy; 'apoplexy. Good
bye.
Did ne speak at al? asked Tom.
.Baa.' says the lamb.
Tom cooked his ears, Biddy grew red
der, and the widow crammed her hand
kerchief into her mouth to endeavor to
smother her laughter.
i hope Mrs. Flanagan bears it WELL
says Tom.
Poor thing! says Biddy, she's uncon-
solable.'
'Baa-a!' says the lamb
Biddy spoke louder and faster. the wild
ow kicked with laughter, and Tom then
suspected whence the sound proceeded
she does nothing but cry all day. SAYS
Biddy.
'Ba-a-a" says the lamb.
The widow, could ef,pI =, ~. ln,cr.r s,l
a peal of laughter followed the lambs
bleat.
What is all thiss' said Tom, laying
and, in spite Of Biddy's screams. rudely
the sanctuary of sorrowing Wild
owhood. On. what a sight for the rising
Il beg their pardon, the sinklng-gener-
Grafton Of old gentlemen who take young
wives did Tom behold. There was the
widow lying back in the corner-she who
was represented as unconsolable and cay
ing all day-shaking with laughter, the
tears, not Of sorrow but irrepressible
ninth, rolling down cheek rosy enough
Tor bride.
Biddy. of course, joined the shout, Tom
roared in an agony of delight. The very
irIvers visibility rebelled against the hab- |
Is Of respects, and strengthened the
,horus: while the lamb. as if conscious of
he authorship of the joke, put in longer
md louder 'Baa-a-a-a,'
Tom. with all his devilment, had good
aste enough to feel it Was not scene TO 4
niger on. so merely giving a merry nod
o each of the ladies he turned about his I.
horse as fast as he could. and rode away in I
oars of laughter.
When. IN due course of time, the widow .
,gain appeared in company. she and Tom
)urfy could never meet without smiling
II each other. What apleas4nt influence .
les in mutual smiles, We love the lips
Which welcome Us without words. Which 4
influence il was that led the
widow and Tom 70 get better and better