Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1880-05-08

y
has some odd, formal little ways, and
only one eye; and the children make
fun of her, and the trustees say she
has no dignity"
every unfortunate" said Mr.. Rae
quet, bending transparent pearl pa
per-cutter back and forth, with the
sublime indifference which we are all
apt to display towards the tribula-
tions Of others. "If there was any
thing 1 could do"
ooh, but there is said Rosa.
"Eh ?" calculated Reverend Roder-
ic.
"She thinks and mamma thinks"
"Well2"
"That she might come here" said
Rosa, with her blue eyes fixed full on
the young elergymsn's face.
Click ! click and the two pieces Of
the severed paper cutter flew into op-
posite corners of the room.
"Here," cried Mr.. Racquet-"to
the parsonage"
eyes," innocently assented Rosa.
"She isn't pretty to look at, to be
sure, but as you yourself said, in
your address to the Sunday school
children, last week, beauty is mere
nothing; and you'd find her very
beautiful and accomplished"
Indeed !" said Mr.. Racquet, frig.
idly.
"She has been highly educated"
went on Rosa, gaining confidence es
she talked "but at the same time
she would not despise descending to
menial duties Tor the sake of one she
loves and knows as she does you.
And SO, Mr., Racquet, she wants to
know if you'll have her."
A cold perspiration broke out
around the Reverend Roderic 8 mouth.
He drew back his chair with an in
stinctive movement Of self-defence.
Leap year was upon him in very
truth and fact. Alton was right, and
he should be coerced into matrirao ony
before he knew it.
"I-I'd rather not |" said Mr.. Rae
quet, very decidedly.
Rosa looked at him, half amazed,
halt often led.
"Rather-nots" she repeated. II
don't think Lucia expected that de-
cision. Perhaps she'd better come
and see you herself about it."
mo, no she needn't do that,"
gaspsd Mr.. Racquet. "My decision
is irrevocable."
And hurriedly gathering his pa
pers, he caught his pen and feigned
great assiduity once moro.
II see you are busy" said Rosa,
softly. after an instant of hesitation.
EYES," said Mr.. Racquet, IL am
rather busy"
"Then perhaps had better bid you
good morning" said Rosa.
"Good morning, Miss Appleton" I"
said the clergyman with his eyes
glued to The paper.
"What |" he cried, after the fashion
of the soliloquizing heroes of the
stage, "marry that wrinkled, one eyed
bag against my will, just because she
wants some one to provide for her,
and it is leap year And worst and
cruelest of all, to think that Rosa
herself should come to propose it !"
Just then Rosas voice, soft and
plaintive, talking to the old house,
keeper in the kitchen below, chimed
upon his ear. Involuntarily he list
ened.
II know its very foolish in me to
cry, Mrs. Megson," faltered Rosa,
"but, indeed, l can't help it You
see, we heard you were going away
next week, and Lucilla was 80 anx-
ious to obtain the situation Of house.
keeper. She's so middle-aged and
steady going you know, that it would
be the very place for her.
Certainly, certainly Miss RosaI'
sail good-natured Mrs. Megson.
"And what objection did the master
possibly have to it2"
II don't know" said Rosa, "but he
was 80 cold and stern and short with
me. He didn't seem bit like him
self. And, oh ! Mrs. Megson, please
do give me glass Of water for I feel
all in futter. I didn't even have a
chance to tell bim that Lucilla was
willing to come without wages the
first month, for the sake of learning
the household ways, and
D,,t D1Ixr,o