Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1880-03-16

alive-isu't that what you say when you ara
tsue2 Well!''-the little tot gave long sigh
aud paused, Herbert not daring TO interrupt
her, lest sho should see his anxiety, and
miniature woman that she was, should refuse
to satisfy him.
"WeliE' she repeated, ''you see they does
seold mamma, so they does. To-day morn~
ing they make mamma cry tomorrow (she
would call yesterday tomorrow they scolded
her again because sho wouldn't sing, and
whats fordard2"
forward indeedr' eiaculated Herbert.
under his breath. eff it had been some 9th,
ers now. But Nellie, how about lean yenrS''
ooh, yes! l most fordot, didn't I! Well.
you see, mamma said but, oh, Uncle Her.
bert, l never showed you my two weenio
new little kittens. They's only little sings,
wivout eyes. Como out to tho pis1za and
I'll show you"
1t was no use to be Impatient The young
man knew the child too we'll for that, and 20
they went out and inspected tho kittens.
Then he tried to coax Nellie back to tho
subject.
''Oh, I fordot!" she said. "Ouly they
mado mamma say"
What did they say, darling? I'll give
you big doll"
'Yes, ycsI Real hair aud eyes, and-oh,
nothing. But did they say wanted to
marry"
They say mamma wasn't girl, and she
was old; and mamma said-oh, there's mans
ma. Mamma didn't you ask Unclo Herbert
to marry you? He wants to know.
had come in, looking for tho child, and
that was tho speech heard felt ready to
sink with modification.
Kate, darling, can't hope You'll let mo
ask! You must know that hoped, when
these (touchine my veil and black dress)
wcro put aside, that l conld ask you to lei
me care for you, and at once. Come, dar-
ling" as l hid my face in my hands you've
asked r1c to marry you; aud must namo tho
day; and [ say now, at once. Let's givo
them good thorough surprise. can guess
how they've troated you. Come, now, get
ready this fairy, this blessed little darling,
that has brought me my happiness, and we'll
go to your own minister.
l tried to refuse, but was go weary OF
living with mothcr-in- law, that at last we
three skipped Gus of the house; aud dear
DR.. s., who had baptized mo, married
me to Frank, aud knew Herbert we'll, mar
ricd Us.
We drove back and reached the from.
door as the family were turning Julia, who
"ouIU appropriate herbert, stepped forward.
Good evening Mr. HAlsteud So you met
Kate on the steps? Strange!'-with a glance
at mo, as if had planned to meet him.
'Not at all, Miss Julia said Herbert,
''my wife and just called in to receive your
congratulations and to leave little Midget
here for few days"
No tAbleau l have ever seen was half 40
comicaf as the Quo these three made really
felt for Julia, for knew she cared for Herr
bert. She gained self-possession quickly
and congratulated me, whispering, as she
kissed me, 80 you asked hiny1o
My husband heard and answered
''No Miss Julia, sho did not ask me.
Through other means, thank God, learned
the one l loved was unhappy; and, as L
hoped, for mere than a yenr past, to soon ask
her to be my wife. persuaded her to marry
me at once. Leap year privileges are still
open for those who choose to use them"
We are quito old married couple now;
for tIlrce years have passed, but Herbert and
still often laugh over NeIlio's leap year
proposal.