Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1879-05-20

desert. Just then came Uncle Ben. putting
aud blowing and utterly unconscious of tho
oaths of the impatient John.
..Good morning, Miss Sallie, said he, as
he carefully sealed himself beside her.
| "Good morning. Mr.. Popkins. Where arc
you going. and what furs"
ITO Harrow" said Popkins in his most
polite manner, answering the first question
aud ignoring the last.
sDo telil'' and the round face glowed with
placid surprise. "6oing to marry. Well. I
told Hester last night that was the best way
to settle the. suit after all. There sin't more
capable girl anywhere than Sallie. aud / am
glad you found it out, And Dir. Popkins is
wonderful clever" turning to Sallie, "and
instead of there being two farms aud law
suit. there need be only one. Law bless
mel" rubbing his hands with increased sstis-
faction, aif that amt tiptop arrangement"
Mr. Popkins clutehcd his throat As though
he was choking to death and made spasmodio
efforts to utter word of explanation. but his
tongue seemed palsied aud utterly failed him
in this emergency. Miss Sallie with face
of the deepest rose color, placed her hand 10
her mouth and shouting so as to startle tho
horses said
al am going to see Mr.. Stiles on busi-
ness"
Oh, day of bluuders Mr.. Stiles was her
lawyer, but the unfortunate girl was una
ware chat Presbyterian minister had the
Same delightful cognomen.
''Mr. Stiles, indeed. !" said our friend.
"weiI, I've heard him we'll spoken OF, but
never expected you. Sallie, u Baptist. to be
married by any one but a minister of your
own church; but suppose you gave way to
Mr.. Popkins, aud think it shows = down
right good disposition"
Miss Salie gave up in despair, and looked
f1edly out of the window, while Popkins'
| lips moved occasionally, as though he were
! saying, .'water, water" But the unconscious
cause of this turmoil sat serene aud happy.
indulging in an occasional chuckle and
knowing glance at Mr.. Popkins but this
moment he saw he had arrived at his destina-
ticn and wishing his two victims much hsppi-
ness left them.
The human heart is q strange affair to say
the least Of it. Had any one advised Mr..
Popkins to marry Sallie. he would have re-
jected the idea Immediately, and she herself
would have taken i. IS insult, but the to-
tally unexpected manner in which the mat.
ter had been brought up made altogether .
different affair OF il. He stole glance at
Miss Sallie. Her face was still. turned away
aud she was apparently studying nature. sho
was pretty. Mr.. Popkins could not deny that.
What if-if-and his heart gave tremen-
dous bound. What fool ho had been all
this time! He must try at any rate and risk n
repulse. So without any more hesitation, for
our hero was brave, he took Uncle Ben's scat
and he said quietly:
s.sliss Sallic."
Tho face- turned an eiehteenth part Of an
| inch toward him. Not much encouragement,
certsinly. but little.
"Miss Sallie. he repeated. 1--WE been .
fool and brute"
Oh, wise air Popkins lie had started on
the direct way to woman's heart. Either
from contrariness or u sense Of justice they
always take the opposite side. Miss SaIlie
made up her mind from this moment that no
was gentleman and a second Solomon, and
she turned her face completely around.
''Do you think" continued he, "that We
can settle this law suit in the sensible man.
ucr suggested by Uncle Ben believe I've
loved you all the time and never knew il
until to-day"
Miss Ssllie was completely vapquisbed.
but the answer. although whispered, was
heard above the noise OF the wheels and the
crack of the drivers whip.
Tho suit of Popkins VS.. Hopkins was dis
cusscd that day. Tho Baptist minister got
Zee, aud the people are firmly convinced
that Mr. and MrssPopkins are the best hands
in fha world IN keen m sacret