The Plymouth Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1878-1901, 1879-03-06

blaze is large rourd table Of black
walnut, waxed until its glossy sur
face might we'll serve the need OF
mirrors. Upon this is placed two tall
brass candlesticks. by whose light
Van Tassel is still poring over the
weekly paper. On the opposite side
sits Lena, her finger busiiy plying the
knitting needles, their cheerful click,
click, forming a pleasing accompani-
ment to the cracking OF the fire,
while, ensconced in one corner, per-
fectly at his ease, which, interpreted,
means that his elbows are resting on
his knees, his hands supporting bis
chin, and his eyes on Lena, is Icha-
bod; and am glad for my own part
she returns his would be tender
glances with so much GOODNESS.
At length the old gentleman throws
down the paper-rubs his hands
briskly together-then giving the
blazing logs a punch. which sends a
stream OF sparks like miniature rock
cts flying up the chimney, he casts a
roguish glance at Lena, and then at
his son, and, addressing the fol-
says:
well, Lena, you rogue, it is the
first OF November, you know!"
The slightest possible shade Of vex-
alton rested on her sunny blow, but
Lena made no answer.
LENA. Lena, did you hear?" quoth
Ichabod.
Il did" was the rather tart reply.
"Hei hei hel Well, Lena"
"Yes, my DEAR" interrupted the
father, "the first of November is here
and on New Year, you know, you are
ITO become"
"Hel hei hel Mrs. Ichabod Van
Tasseli" added Ichabod.
BE quietl" said the affectionate
Van Tassel senior. Then turning tC
his niece, he contradiction are g
good girl, Lena, very good little
girl, and ever since your poor father
and mother died, when you wero nc
higher than this table, you have al
ways been dutiful and affectionate
yes, you have-and YOU deserve The
happiness In store for you, you do
yes. you shall be mistress of this fine
farm, a better than which the Who'll,
State cannot show, and OF this good
substantial old homestead aud all i
contains, ar q the COWS, and the sheep
and the geese, turkeys and chickens
yes, Lena, and you shall be m,
own dear daughter"
"And Mrs. Ichabod Van Tassel!
.egnin quoth the son.
y Lena arose and threw her arm
around her uncle's neck:
"You have always been father t.
me, dear uncle-I am happy enough
now, indeed AMI do not wish t
be mistress here-O, no! Then le
me still take care Of you. and le
cousin Ichabod find some other wife.
"Har what what, Lensl No, nc
you alone shall reign here. Hal Ich
abod, would you choose anothe
wife? said her uncle.
Ichabod unfulded himself, and look
ing very sentimental, rose from hi
seat, and striding round after tn
, fashion children sometimes set a pal
l OF tongs walking, stopped over Len
and giving her hearty smack. cried
mo. no, cousin Lena, no wife bu
you.'
Lena was about to answer, whe
there came knocking at the QUITE
door, aud before any one could ga
: come in," tall, handsome yout
! had entered. Doffing his seal-ski
cap, displaying a tbicket OF luxuriar
. black curls, a high. open forehea'
= and eyes black and sparkling wit
= fun, he exclaimed
well, good evening to you, goo
d folks-passing by on my way to Ii
u village thought would give you
% call"
: "And you are heartily welcom
% Paul Britton," cried the old gentl,
b man. "Come. draw up a chair, man
b why, Lena, haven't you word to SO
1. to an old friend?"
1t But the eyes OF both parties, ha'
ing a language OF their own, had a
r ready said a great deal, and. as it d
1t not seem necessary for tho lips
ID trouble themselves, Lena only bowe
10 well, Paul." said Van Tassel, sla
u ping him on the knee, I'VE were ju
u, having little family chat; and as
VI know, from your long acquaintan
10 with US, that you must feel an inte
H. est in all that concerns our lit
g. Lena" (here a bright blush settled (
er neck, cheek and brow OF Lena, whi
10 a meaning smile curled the sau
e mouth OF Paul., you will be happy
q hear that the wedding-day is fix
d. between her and Ichabod-yes, VIII
e. do you think OF New Year. Paul?"
"a ~The old Harry!" thought Paul, al
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