Smyrna times., 1879-07-09

Sarah Blake was neither very young nor
very beautiful, but her father owned the
best and biggest farm in Horley, and being
an only child, she was accounted an eligible
match in thrifty circles
Dick Sanders and Ted Brant were rival
suitors for her hand. She lad but to say
the word which OF them she'd have; but it
was just that made her hesitate-there was
SO little choice between them.
Such delays are always dangerous. While
Sarah wavercd, uncertain which to hold
and which to let go, both at once her cap
tives slipped the lash.
They might have pleaded that they had
done no worse than others. For, when
Jenny Aliens father came with his beauti.
full daughter to dwell in IIorey, there was
general Aocking of the swains about the
shrine Of the new idol, and Ted and Dick
only followed the rest.
But Sarah Blake was not q woman to
view a lovers detection lightly. Nor did
it weaken her resentment to divide it
between two. She Lad quite enough for
! both; and it being uncertain which Of
! them she would have chosen, in meeting out
| her anger she gave each the disadvantages
of the doubt.
! Jenny Allen was civil and polite to all
without showing preference to any. Dicl;
! Sanders and Ted Rrant were foremost
among her admirers. Indeed, the other;
stood good deal in awe of them and hung
back, for they were & pair of churlish,
! brawny chaps, little inclined to brook
| competition, and whose i'll wiz few careG
to court. Between themselves the question
of which should yield was fast reaching d
point where its settlement by "wager of
battle" seemed inevitable, when things tool;
a turn which put new face on affairs.
Will Harvey came from town to spend
his summer vacation at an aunt's in llorley.
One day while sauntering, rod in hand,
along the charming little river that wound
through the valley, Will unexpectedly
came on something that drove fishing com
pletely out Of his head.
On a messy bank, shaded by oycrhanging
boughs, sat young girl deep in the pages
of book. Her profile, which was toward
him, presented a contour 50 perfect that
would have defied the sculptors art to re-
produce it. The shower OF glossy ringlets
which fell upon the matchless neck and
shoulders, stole a new tinge from every
i. shifting g!immer Of light sifted through
the undulating leaves. Her cheek would
pale and flush and her eyes fash and melt
by turns with the varied emotion called VI
by what she read.
Will Harvey would have gladly remained
a silent spectator of Il sight so lovely, but
he felt he had no right to do so.
T Advancing in a manner to attract the
girls attention, he raised bis hat ano
asked some commonplace questions about
certain localities in the neighborhood
These answered in voice so rich anc
musical that every tone made his hear
. flutter, he found more things to ask about
| tiIl kVy haupaas a nOOVapSatiOO M
which lasted till the young lady, suddenly
| remembering now long it had continued
with blush caught up her gypsy hat, bad
e him a pleasant good day, and tripped awa'
lightly.
Thus began the acquaintance Of Viii
Harvey and Jenny Allen. But it was no
2 likely to end there. For if Will Harvey
first stolen glimpse of Jenny settled he
title, in his eyes, to be called the lovples
creature in the world, it is quite as certain
that her first impressions of the handsom
stranger were hardly less exalted.
g A formal introduction followed, and il
2 little time viii and Jenny were so con
% stantly together that the rural gossips bega
5z7 to talk OF their engagement as thin
quite settled.
This was wormwood to Dick Sanders an
NJ Ted Brant. They began to look askanc
| AJ IldfVeYe anu were Ouiy ICSlIHluti lTOt
= picking an open quarrel with him by r'
iiecting that he was trim-built, wiry fello
}, who mightnt be so easily handled, to sa
nothing of the plucky look there was in b
keen, dark eyes.
One day Dick, at q turn Of the lane dow
cd which he was strolling, sulkng as usu
over his bad fortune, was met by Sara
ks Blake.
rst He was awkard and confused. Sarah ha
1y a valorous tongue, and he had no groun
- to expect mercy. To his surprise, howeve
she met his clumsy greeting graeiously, f
the time disposed, apparently, to forg
itv past grievances.
Ut give news" she said; "news you'd ii,
lee q deal to know"
asd ,ed "What is it, Sally?" he asked coaxingl
It's "Oh never mind"
'at Tsl "Come, Sally, for old acquaint0n
sake?i
Was tia smile or q scowl she gave hi
III thao Dick wasn't sura and was beOi