Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-07-17
CONTINUED from first Page. J

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looking. at, ] can promise you, Smith.
Come along"
But neither flowers nor pigs were des-
tined to receive Smiths admiration that
day; for, just as the three were passing
out. carriage drove up to the door with
Jefrey's lawful possessors, full of apollo
gies and explanations for having been late
in arriving at the station the previous
day.
Mr.. Warburton at once entered vehem-
ent protest against his departure. No
now we've got you and mean to keep you.
Mind, you came Of your own choice adj
ded the little old gentleman, chuckling.
he seemed to think there was an excellent
joke in this latter fact
To Jeffrey the fun of it was not so patent.
Even with the latter events he colored
somewhat at the recollection ofthe method
OF his arrival. .'Yes, have to thank you
tor your kindness and hospitality to a
mere intruder
mo, no, no dear me, dear me. How
little you know what day may bring
forth-thought your coming so odd it was
the finger ofProvidence that led you here -
Jeffrey did not exactly see the reason
ing, but he kept the sentiment within his
own breast; only maintaining that he
must fulfill his engagement with the Lor-
liners, and spend the next week at their
house.
So he departed. carrying with him the
open, loudly expressed regrets of his late
host, and faint glance Of wistful dsap-
pOintment from Miss Warburton, that was
instantly changed for smile and Jest
when she perceived his gaze bent upon
her. But the sequel proved that he might
az well have remained at Redbrook for
the next day and every day found him call
ing there.
Somehow ! feel an interest in these
people. Lettice Warburton is such nice
girl. he allowed. and deceived himself
by the candor Of the admission. Not The
sort Of woman to fall hopelessly. stupidity.
head-ove--ears in love with; no dazzling
beauty to rave about; but just good
honest English girl, taking kindly thought
for an old woman, rescging poor servant
from trouble, carrying life and sunshine
everywhere, who could help liking her ?''
1t was the final morning OF his stay in
the neighborhood, and he had ridden over
10 Redbrook early to make his adieus
The room into which he was shown was
'F'hPt} Wb'u it bul tllf UfNl mo-
ment Lettuce glided in, her cheeks and
eyes frightened by the fresh morning air,
her hands full of flowers. with which to
replensh the vases, a task she daily per-
formed herself
81 did not know you were here" she
cried upon seeing Jeffrey. II cannot give
You hand, because both are full. Have
YOU been waiting long,
mo, have hardly been here a mo-
ment. | called to say good bye, as | am
leaving tomorrow.
"Ah r'-Mss Warburton's hands were
disengaged now. for the flowers had drop
ped from them and were rolling in a Gilt
tering cataract down her white robe to the
ground. The brief sigh and exclamation
might have been given to the catastrophe,
or to the news just impaired by Mr.
Smith
The next moment she was speaking
lightly. GLOW stupid of me- Did YOU
say you were leaving? | thought YOU
were going to stay some time longer; my
iather is under the firm impression that
you would pay us a visit before deserving
the neighborhood altogether
Jeffrey made no answer. he was silently
gathering up the scattered blossoms and
replacing them in her lap. What a fool
he had been in talking about liking this
girl! 1t burst upon him. with the sudden
ness OF startling revelation, what blank
life would be without her.
''Will you give me one of those flow
ers ?" he asked. as. his work ended, he
stood waiting beside her.
Lettuce had in her fingers two or three
purple pansies; she stretched out her
hand and offered them to him without n
word
''lleartsease | shall need that when |
am gone"
A slight frown contracted Miss Warbur-
burton's smooth white brow; then she
looked up with gentle rcproach. II did
not think 1t was your habit to talk non
sense
1t is not nonsense" said Jeffrey. ca
gerly. Miss Warburton YOU are dearer
TO me than life. have been too stupid to
know it. but think have loved you from
the first moment saw You"
No reply from Miss Warburton. save
that her head dropped little lower over
the flowers.
Give me a word of hope. dearest
Don't let me go away miserable: speak
10 me-Lettlce.
What can say9 And you are so i'm
patient-Jetirev.
1t was enough for the waiting. anxious
lover.
.'Lettice. may 90 and speak to your
father now?" asked Jeffrey presently,
when his raptures had somewhat subsidized
You would not be anxious for it,"
answered she between smiles and tears.
iii You knew the treatment other suitors
have met with at his hands,
luwardly quaking. himself. at the or
deal. Jeffrey sought. out Mr. Warburton
and told his story plainly
Newer heard of anything so ridiculous
in my life!' burst out the little old gentle
man. You saved her life. and now. for
sooth feel obliged to marry her. OFF with
You. and leave me in peace. and never
mention anything SO absur! again But.
Smith ~ he called out later to the Young
man. who was turning away baked and
dispirited. "Recollect that any time
You feel disposed to to pay us visit. You'll
find hearty welcome here And per-
haps. perhaps-mind make no rash
promIises-but. perhaps. if You like to
come and talk to me about Lettuce in
twenty years time, when you have both
grown older and wiser. l may listen TO
you ~