Osage Valley banner. (Tuscumbia, Miller County, Mo.) 1879-1881, 1879-03-27
From the Arosy.
EDGED TOOLS,
cnAPrER l.

Miss Tabitha Tunetsll was accustomed 10
say that she always had her own way. She
was also given to enunclSte the principle that
the enectual method OF getting your way
xss to take it--snd she took hers, she would
add. Not one of her trends but would have
subscribed TO the later clause of her state
men,; therefore was 1t likely that this sue
cesslul despot was going to be banked iu the
dearsst obi set OF her life, her fondest aim, by
a pair OF foolish young peopef Yet the fool.
ish Young people intsnded 80 dissppoint her.
Most hspless delusinn!
Miss Tabitha tunstall had arranged the
deatinlea, and, let Us in Justice add, when
need be, materially assisted 10 the settling 10
lie oi q large number OF youthful relatives;
but her supremacy 10 chief was reserved for
her nephew. Herbert Tunstall, who lived at
the Manor, farming little, and hui ting, Rsh.
ing, aud shooting great deal; Misc TabiGhs's s
design being that be should succeed her at
Staineley Manor when she should be laid to
rest Bier plans for him probably never
further than this uutil an unexpected event
sugResied a new and delightful combination.
This opporlune occurrence was the change
OF the daughter Of much loved triend Of her
sVoniff,e a widow, who had lststp died
Jamaica, commencing her helpless daughter
to Miss Tunstall's faithful affection. Miss
Tahiths went to S)utha nptou TO meet the
Yirl ildred Neil by name, took an immense
liking to her on the spot, a d iBstantan ously
cince we'd the scheme OF marrying ber to her
nephew. She brought her home, gave the
young people one week Ia which TO become
acquainted, and then fourthwitn announced
to each wins, she expected OF them.
Hernert Tuustsll sought an opportunity Of
speaking TO Mtss Neil upon the seif.ssme day,
and toward evening hr observed the young
ladv seated alone upon rustic seat In the
garden. BE at once crossed the lawn and
seated himself beslde her.
III imagine that my aunt has told you,
Miss Neil, of the hopes shs entertAins con-
eeruing you and mNself," be said, with slow
genteness and care; then calmly awaited a
reply.
Mildred Nell was handsome girl OF bru-
nette type; swift 10 feel, her face was mirror
Mr.. Tuustall now read his answer in the
sngry sparks that haw 20 her eve, 10 the
crimson Aush that shot Acroes her cheek be-
fore her tongue could utter word OF her
Indignation.
II sm sstonished at your speaking to me
on toe matter, Mr.. TubstalI; you must be
AWsre how worse than useless II is."
'.But it is n cessarY thai should speak to
you, Miss Nail,"
''Mr. Tunstsl, It is impossible that should
ever regard you in any other light than ss q
friend"
s'Mrss Neil, deep and sincere As my respect
for You must be, have not the slightest
Wish that you should regard me in any other
light; stlll-"
S'In plain worda cried the girl, interrupt.
ing him II do not want 70 marry you"
"lu plain worda," echoed he, with Q dIffsr,
ent infection. ii d. not want to marry you."
80 Nflaa Nail
looEgd 10 suspPlse; aud, their eyes meeting,
faey X, hurs a lsaghlng At ths absGrd
,.stss4 ~ ssianIsss
b A&tF sla tpnn B snbiact that
10 90 Vare--very alsagfAasblsfN
eMiss Neil, On hsve declared yCur indih
srence Iows,ds me, aud thereby OF oours-
lhruwn me into the depths oi despair and hu-
miliatioD; will you now go further, and In
strict conddeRce make aiull coniesson--d0
you love ANYBODY elsefn
Mildred Neil Thought for moment, won
dering ~belber 50 incipient fondness tor
certain You & curate, but concluded TO the
contrary. ''No,n she said 1T length.
"ThAt mo- came Too hesitatingly TO estab-
Iish perfect Innocence; am goiug TO set you
40 example OF candor by pleading guilty. j
am engaged to a young lady, clergym
dzugh,er 10 the neighborhood; and want
your help. Mlss Neil"
up and looking 81 him with attention, quite
ready for little romance, 20 shat she was
uOt expected to take the part Of heroice.
"MV aunt does not smile upon my choice"
.sShe 10 aware then OF your engagement"
Not exactly aware Of an engage ement ex'
isung, but she suspects the state OF things.
and tor The pre- cot, TO gain time for Aunt
TablthA's unreasonable prtjudce TO melt,
you VII not mind our appearing, you ana J.
70 tall into her sishe-."
Our appearing 70 fall into her wishes.
WHAT do you mean"
"Wbv, by each Of us protesting TO be dillS-
gently ouluvs ing regard for the other.'
''InlpO-slb," excl iimed the girl, "it would
not 20 right"
~ don't know about its being right, bat u
Il necessary. You haYe not the experience OF