The Worthington advance., 1879-02-13

it: Polly always told me it would get me
into trouble. Oh, dear, dear, what must
he think9 how can ever look him in the
facet" And with this doleful resume,
Lisbeth buried her hot face in the pillows
aud cried harder than ever. -
It seemed an age to her, but it was in
reality little more than half an hour be-
fore Polly came fluttering up the stairs,
like a sweet-browed guardian angel.
"Lisbeth," said she, "darling, don't fret
you meant no harm. Get up and braid
your hair, and come down stairs. Din
ner will be on the table directly, and
papa is asking for yon.'
Lisbeth sat up and pushed the damp
fringe Of yellow hair out of her eyes. II
shall not come down, Polly"
"But you must, dear: papa would be
very much vexed."
"Neverl' cried Lisbeth, with fresh
burst of tears "never!"
"But the country parson himself pres
entity came to the rescue, with mild eyes
aud q firm, gentle voice.
mo member of my family must be
lacking in courtesy to guest" said he,
taking Lisbeth gently by the hand; and
the poor child was led shamefacedly into
the kitchen, where the table was spread
and Polly stood smiling at its head.
"Mr. Vincent" said the parson to the
tall stranger, this is my youngest child
II am the black sheep of the family
said Lisbeth, hanging her head, land I'm
very sorry sir, and beg your PARDON:
"Pray don't mention it," said Mr.. Vim
cent, in genuine distress at the sight Of
the modification of this yellow haired
lassie with the deep hazel eyes and the
red, sensitive mouth.
And when dinner was overland here
let US mention that Mr.. Vincent ate and
drank with an excellent appetite, as if no
lurking shadow of the threatened dyspep-
sia disturbed his digestion-and the coun-
try parson had taken his guest into the
study, Polly put her ann around Lisbeth' 3
waist, and drew her out under the morn
ing glory vines, where, by this time, the
blue and rose tinted cups had all folded
themselves into tight little parasolettes,
and hidden behind the leaves.
"Lisbeth," said she, I've got good news
for YOU"
'Nothing can be good news any more,' y
said Lisbeth. with fresh burst of tears.
"Oh, but listen," soothed Polly.
"Do you know who this Mr.. Vincent
isl"
"A-mi,sionary, suppose" And poor
Llsbeth spoke the word as it it was dose
Of qulnine.
mo, dear, he's the bishops secretary
And he has heard of papa's learning and
zeal and talent, and he has come to Offer
him parish near New York, with twelve
hundred dollars-only think of it. Lis
bcthl-twclve hundred dollars ycal
and an assistant. We shall he rich, darl.
ing, and dear, dear, papa will have lit.
tie rest and ease in his old age"
at can't be true" said Lisbeth
vaguely.
"Bat it is," said Polly; and then the
two sisters began to CRY and sob, with
happy incoherence, in each others arms
'Is it possible" cried Polly Fem
"That it is whole year since we came
20 Moreham rectory2'
1t was year. Once more the wild
grapes were scouting all the woods; once
more the golden-rod held up its torches
of flame along the course of babbline
brooks, and Polly shaded her eyes with
one band, as she sto<'d in the doorway
and watched Lisbeth come lightly alons
the garden path, with the yellow sun
slime tangled in her hair, and an I'M
wonted moisture in her deep eyes.
"What have you done with Mr.. Vim
cent? asked Polly, demurely.
'He is walking down by the falls will
papa" said Lisbeth, coming up to he
sisters side and slipping one arm through
Polly's. "And, Polly
"Well. dearest2"
81 have something to tell you"
"Couldn't guess it, said Polly, laugh
ing. "No. Lisbeth, dom: turn your fac
away-I know it all, darling. He love
you, and you have promised to be hi
wife,
polly" said Lisbeth. II think 20,
must be fcrtune-tellcr. But, obi I an
so happyl and I can hardly believe tha
it isn't all dream"
"But, Lisbeth"-
"Weil2"
II thought you were never, never, go
ing to marry a.
But Lisbeth's soft little hand presse,
over her sisters mouth, and her pleading
ly uttered, "Plcase, Polly, don't,' stopped
. the sentence ere it was finished.
And Polly was mercifui, and didn't.