Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1880-06-01

was passing outside of his business. bok
plodded steadily onward. Now, when he
went out to DR.. Maynard's, he had the little
Lillian to caress and talk to, as we'll Us her
proud and happy mamma, and he went oft.
ener than before the baby came. One day
while baby sat on her uncle's knee, Mrs.
Maynard said:
"My old friend Helen Arnold is coming
to stay awhile with us, John, and / want
You to run out as often as you can, for she is
so very quiet aud reserved that-I want TO
stir her mp little. You need not be afraid
OF her talking too much. She never does
that
John tossed the baby, and the baby's
mother was so pleased to see the little ones
delight. that she forgot her brother did NOT
reply. However, it was several weeks before
he ventured to visit DR.. Maynard's again.
Then il was only after an urgent entreaty
from Lillian.
"We are so lonely" she wrote: "The
Doctor is away, and though Helen is the best
friend in the world, and baby loves her so
dearly; want you to como out miss nv
dear old brother John. Do come By the mex,
train. will send to meet YOU.
L1L1AN."
Helen Arnold sat Mt the piano. singing
softly, and touching the keys lightly. and
Lillian played with the baby, and laughed a,
her cunning ways one minute-the next
looked out of the window and fretted a,
Johns delay.
"Dear me, don't see why he does NO,
come!" aud she went to the window for the
httieth time and had almost began to imae.
ine something dreadful had happened. when
she suddenly whirled round with cry Of
delight.
81 was looking at beautiful picture"
said John, in the doorway, and rs she spranp
forward he caught her in his arms and gave
return for the caresses she showered upon
him. Before she had time to think o. Helen
baby set up cry of delight, too, of course.
She was such q knowing child. aud har
frightened mamma took her up, and talking
sweet baby talk to her, carried her up to the
nursery. After she was quieted and petted
little. she was left with Susan, and Lillian
ran down TO the drawing>room to sec ..desr
old John, wondering all the timc If he
would be polite to Helen.
Good graciousl" This was all she said.
rs she opened the door sghast. What do Won
suppose she saw? There was John. brown.
handsome John, sitting on the sofa, smiling,
and apparently very happy, aud Helen Ar
mold, with crimson face, sat quietly in tho
shelter Of his arms.
"Comc in, Lillian darling. want to toll
SOu aoou' ~. nave proposed, said ohm.
''Proposed2" said his sister.
YES" said John. "This is the third
time"
Lillian laughed, and as she came mp to
her brother he drew her down beside them.
Then he told her all about it, aud added:
This time sho has not said no, aud ve
will have happy home. too, will wo not.
dear Helen?"
And he turned his beaming faoo from hi,
sister to look at the lovely one upon his
shoulder, grown thinner and paler than whom
he saw her last, but now most sweet aud
womanly as he drew the encirclipg arm
closer about her.
He did not seem to think there was sny
danger of "No." nor did she, judging by
tho confding look she gavo him, at tho same
time saying, softly:
II always thought you would ask mo
again, so l waited"
Johns face was but tho reflection of tho
happiness within, as he answered:
at seems foolish thing to do, but yet
am not sorry proposed three times"
Lillian laughed, and ran upstairs to see tho
baby.