The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-09-01

She has been highly educated" 1"
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 we'll 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. Ho
drew back in his chair with all instinc-
tive movement Of self defense. Leap
year was upon him in very truth and
fact. Alton was right, and he should be
coercod into matrimony before he knew
it.
"I--Id rather not /" said Mr.. Rae
quet, decidedly.
Rosa looked at him, half amazed, half
offended.
Rather-not ?" she repeated. CT
don't think Lucilla expected that de-
cision. Perhaps she'd better come and
SEQ you herself"
"No, no! She needn't do that"
gasped MIR. Racquet. "Nly decision is
irrevocable"
And hurriedly gathering his paper, he
hurriedly caught his pen and feigned
great assiduity.
Il see you are busy" said Rosa, soft
ly, after an instant of hesitation.
eyes," said Mr.. Racquet, 81 am
rather busy"
"Then perhaps had better bid you
good morning." said Rosa.
"Good morning, Miss Appleton"
said the clergyman, with his eyes glued
to the paper.
"What !" he cried, after the fashion
of the soliloquising heroes Of the stage !;
"Marry that wrinllled, one-eyed hag,
just because she wants some one to pro-
vide for her, and it is leap year And,
worst and cruelest of all, to think that
Rosa herself shonld come to propose
it!"
Just then Rosa's voice, soft and plain
tive, talking to the old housekeeper in
tho kitchen, chimed upon his ear. In
voluntarily he listened.
"I know it is very foolish in me to
cry, Mrs. Megson," faltered Rosa, "but
indeed, I can't help it. You see, wo
heard you were going away, and Lucilla
was so anxious to obtain the situation of
housekoeper. She's so middle-aged and
steady-going, you know, that it would
be the best place for her."
"Certainly, certainly, Miss Rosa p
said good natured Mrs. Megson. "And
what objection did the master possibly
have to it?"
~ don't know" said Rosa, "but he
was so stern and short with me. He
didn't seem bit like himself. And oh 1!
Mrs. Megson, please to give mo glass
of water, for 7 feel all in futter, T
didn't even have n chance to tell him
that Lucilla was willing to come without
wages for the first month, for the sake
of learning the ways, and"
But Roderick Racquet heard no more.
Scattering the sermon sheets right and
left he seized his hat and rushed down
the back garden to certain walk, by
which Rosa Appleton must return to her
own home !; and whom the light figure
came, moving softly along like shadow,
he stepped out and stood directly in
front Of her. She started like fright
ened fawn.
"Rosa," he said, "do not be afraid.
do not think we quite understand one
another. Your sister wanted to take
the position which old Megson Is about
to vacate of housekeeper.
eyes, sir" said Rosa, with downcast
eyes
"But I should prefer another house
keeper, Rosa," boldly spoke out the
parson. "I should prefer you as my
wife, darlino--my own life-treasure p
"I mover thought of such thing"
snid Rosa, beginning to color and trcm-
bio.
"Think Of it now" went on Mr.. Rae
quot. "Lucilla and your mother can
live with us, if you like, but you must
be the little housekeepor, my Rosa"
And after singularly short period Of
delibcration, Rosa Appleton decided to
accept the situation.
| When Mr.. Alton came in from his
,ncditations among the pine groves,
Roderick met him with radiant coun-
tenamce.
cola fellow" said he, "I'm safe
No mo,e Of your leap year intimidation
for mo. "I'm engaged !"
"Sho has asked you, eh?" groancd
Mr.. Alton.
"No," said the parson. "I asked
her" ,...,.,.,,,,...,,,...,.....