Fayette County herald. [volume] (Washington [Washington Court House], Fayette County, O. [Ohio]) 1860-1???, 1879-11-13

tain tragic quality in her manner as
she stood looking on at the demolish-
ment which would have struck an un-
interested spectator as Infinitely comic
As the last crumb vanished, however
the last twirl of the "P''--a different
mood asserted itself. She put her head
in childish fashion against the door,
and, with the empty pie-plate in her
hand, began to cry-a silent, miserable
crying, with little dumb moan run
ming through it like a child's.
1t was Just then that somebody pass
ing up the walk came upon her-sOme-
body who, in his haste, had come
"cross corners" and leaped the gar
den fence in his way. A tall, brown
haired fellow, with merry, kind eyes, in
which wonderment shone as he took in
this astonishing spectacle.
Halloop he began; "why it's
bless my soul! Polly! Why, Poly
what is the matter, dear?"
At the sound of the voice Polly
started, as if stung. She gave little
scream, then, recollecting herself,
would have dashed past him into the
house, but a strong hand held her back
"What IS the meaning of thisP" said
Phil. You here, and crying, on
Thanksgiving night-the night when
we were going to be SO happy! Tell
me what it is, Polly darlingP Can't l
help youP Aren't you glad to see me?"
" Philip Ralstonr' said Polly, too
furious to weigh her words, you ought
to be ashamed of yourself.n ... 80
"WhyP" aa-- -
"WhyP You ask me thatP Be-
cause "-suddenly remembering what
she implied" because-you have NO
right to speak to me-to anybody-in
that way any more, now that you are
married."
"Eh!" calculated Philip; and who
says am marriedP9 ..r aHs
Polly, with dilating eyes, perused his
face. She could not speak. . ...
"Tm not married." went on Phil,
"whoever says so. And l can't i'm
agine how such a thing got about. And
that you should" He stopped.
The lady in churchP' gasped Polly.
"Well! what about herP" said Phil,
sharply. "That was Wills wife-my
brother Will, you know, or, rather, you
don't know, for you were little girl
when he went to South America. 1t
seems that he ran away with a beauty
and heiress. and the letter he wrote
never reached US; and the first thing l
knew they were in New York, and poor
Will miserably knocked up by the voy-
age and pistol-ball one of her rela-
tions sent after him. So / didn't let
father know, for fear of worrying him;
and when Will got better we all came
up together. That's the story, Polly;
but did think you trusted me little.n
so, I did, do" sobbing; land l
was miserable, Phil"
$50 this was the cause of Polly's
tears" went on teasing Phil, availing
himself, man-ike, of the opportunity;
"and that was the reason she turned
her back this morning. Then Polly
does care for me little-a very little~
GA very little" responded Polly,
with a faint CLEAN of mischief from
under her wet lashes.
Enough to put some confidence in
my word when | assure her that | shall
never marry-never-unless somebody
know, somebody who has proved very
faithless, and hurt me not a little to-
day, should learn to believe me, and
like me well enough''-squeezing lit
tie brown hand as he spoke" to take
me for husband herselfP What do
you say, dearP" for the pretty rosy
face had vanished into the sleeve of his
coat, and for all questioning no answer
ceuld be won but a little, sweet, half
gurgJing, half sobbing, "Forgive me,
Phil"
Phil did not prove obdurate. Before
long the face came out of its hiding
place, and, leaning on his arm, Polly
stood a happy moment to look at the
rising moon, and taste the conscious
ness of bliss. Jowler stretched him
self luxuriously, yawned, then leaping
up, his paws on Polly's shoulder, he
gave vent to one loud, solitary bark of
benediction, perhaps, or, maybe, self
congratulation that this consummation
dev0utly to be wished did not happen
sooner, to the detriment of his dinner.
A moment, then Phil drew Polly into
the shelter of the warmed and lighted
hall, and the door was shut.
There is another "young Mrs. Raj
ston" now, whose pastry is said by the
GOOD housewives in the neighborhoOd
to "beat all, and whose dainty ways
are very like our Polly's; but she al
ways assures her husband (whOse name
is Phil) that, if she should live half a
century, she shall never, never make,
or he ever taste. pie one-half so per-
feet as that which he forfeited by COM
ing ten minutes late one Thanksgiving
evening. And he says But no mat
ter what he says.