Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1881-08-17

"She isn't pretty to look at, to be
sure, but as you yourself said in your
address to the Sunday school last week,
beauty is only mere nothing; and you
will find her very intelligent"
Indeed !" said Mr.. Racquet, frig-
idly.
"She has been highly educated, 3"
went on Rosa, gaining confidence ''but
at the same time she would not despise
descending to menial duties for the sake
of one she loves and knows as well 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 Racquet's mouth. He
drew back in his chair with an instinc-
tive movement of self defense. Leap
year was upon him in very truth and
fact. Alton was right, and he should be
coerced into matrimony before he knew
it,
CID rather not - said Mr.. Rae
guet. decidedly.
Rosa looked at him, half amazed, halt
offended.
Rather-not ?" she repeated. 81
don't think Lucilla expected that de-
cision. Perhaps she'd better come and
see you herself"
"No, mol She needn't do that, "
gasped Mr.. Racquet. "My decision is
irrevocable."
And hurriedly gathering his paper, he
hurriedly caught his pen and feigned
great assiduity.
81 see you are busy" said Rosa, soft
". after an instant of hesitation.
"Yes," said Mr.. Racquet, 81 am
rather busy"
"Then perhaps l had better hid You
good morning." said Rosa.
Good morning, Miss Appleton,
said the clergyman, with his eyes glued
to the paper.
"What r. he cried, after the fashion
of the soliloquising heroes of the stage
Marry that wrinkled, one-eyed hag,
lust because she wants some one to pro.
vide for her. and il is leap year And,
worst and cruelest Of all, 10 think that
Rosa herself shonld come 10 propose
it,
just then Rosa's voice, soft and plain
tive, talking to the old housckccpcr in
the kitchen, chimcd upon his ear. In
voluntarily he listened.
II know il IL very foolish in mc Il
cry, Mrs. Megson." ialtcrcd Rosa, "hu'
indeed, | cant help II, You see. WI
heard you were going away, and Lucilli
was so anxious to obtain the situation oI
housekeepcr. She's so middle-aged and
steady going, You know, that II would
be the best place for her"
Certainly, certainly, Miss Rosa !
said good natured Mrs. Megson, "And
what objection did the master possibly
have to itf"
~ don't know" said Rosa, "but Ia,
was so stern and short with me, ii,
didn't seem hit like himself. And oh
Mrs. Megson, please to give me a glass
of water, for | feel all in iiutter,
didn't even -Ehve chance to tell hin
that Lucilla was willing to come without
wages for the first month, for the sak'
of learning the ways, and"
But Roderick Racquet heard no more
Scattering the sermon sheets right anC
left he seized his hat and rushed down
the back garden to certain walk, b.
which Rosa Appleton must return to he
own home and when the light figure
came, moving softly along like shadow
he stepped out and stood directly ii
front of her. She started like fright
ened fawn.
Rosa" he said, "do not be afraid
do not think we quite understand ont
another. Your sister wanted to taxi
the position which old Megson is abou
to vacate of housekeeper.
Eyes, sir" said Rosa, with downcas
eyes
"But should prefer another house
keeper, Rosa" boldly spoke out tn
parson. Il should prefe: you as m.
wife, darling-my own lIfe-treasure !"
81 never thought of such a thing,
said Rosa, beginning to color and trem
BILE.
Think of it now," went on Mr.. Rae
quet "Lucilla and your mother ca
live with us, If you like, but you mus
, be the little housekeeper, my Rosa.
And after singularly short period @
deliberation, Rosa Appleton decided t
! accept the situation.
When Mr.. Alton came in from hi
meditations among the pine groves
Roderick met him with radiant cour
! tenance.
"Old fellow" said he, I'm safe
No more of your leap year intimidatio
for me. I'm engagedw
''She has asked you, eh?" grOane
: Mr.. Alton.
"No," said the parsOn. Il aske
: