The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1881-08-03

strip of hemlock woods threaded
here and there with a tiny ice-bound
brook.
"There, girls" said Charlie as
they emerged from the woods, 'is
the residence of the 'ghastly, grim
and ancient bachelor whom you got
a description OF this morning. Nice
place, isn't it?"
Very replied Winnie, looking
at ihe place as they approached.
''Oh. girls" exclaimed Ellie sud-
denly. do hold on a minute,
Charlie-I have an idea. You
know" she added, as be drew rein,
this is the second of January, in
the second day of January, in the
wear of grace eighteen hundred and
sercnty~two, and therefore leap
wear. Now, | suggest that we wait
on him in body, and severally
propose to him. | can pop the
question splendidly. On, don't be
silly. girls as a clamor OF opposi-
ton arose from the company "who
cares. anywav2 He's an antedilu-
Wan fossil, whom we nerer saw be-
fore. and never shall see again, and
it viii be such fun. Charlie is ac-
quainted with him, and we'll APP
point him committee OF the whole
to 90 and introduce the subject and
bring him out. It's so snowy we
can't think of going in Run along
Charlie, there's dear fellow" at
which endearing cpithet Charlie
laughed, as he dropped the reins
and sprang out.
LET me propose first" said Mad
gle, laughingly, holding the buffalo
robe in such a position that she
could subside behind it at a mo-
ment's notice; Il don't want to be
kept in suspense. There they
comel" she added, in a stage voice.
as the door opened, and Charlie
with gentleman behind him, emer-
ged from the house, "What will we
do if he takes the affair in earnest,
and sues us for breach Of promise"
"Oh. goodness p exslaimed Ellie,
in a dismayed whisper, as the old
bachelor stepped ont beside Charlie,
and she caught a full view of him.
"He isn't old at all-he's young and
awful handsome. y at shall l
DO ?"
She looked as though she medita-
ted a dive under the buffalo robe,
out VIII confiscated that article,
with the exultant remark that she
would have to take the response
bility."
He was handsome, this tall, "su-
perannuated" bachelor of twenty
seven. and there was gleam of
amusement in his eyes as he step
ped beside the sleigh, and gravely
surveyed the dismayed faces before
him.
Here he is, girls y said Charlie.
"Now don't keep in suspense. Miss.
Ellie Russell, as director on this inn
portant question, it is only proper
that you should have the first hear
ing. Proceed !" There was trem-
bic of merriment in Charles voice,
while VIII and Hal were quaking
with suppressed laughter.
Poor Elfie? An entire change
had come over the spirit of her
dream, and she sat speechless.
The stranger glanced in amuse-
ment from one to the other of the
girlish faces.
Ladies'" he said, in a rich musi-
cal voice that was full of merriment,
your intention is TO do me honor,
bat | fear, from your hesitation,
that you have not been in the habit
of exerting your leap year privilege.
Since you are at loss for words,
permit me to speak"
He stepped up to Winnie Stuart,
who at the first sound of his voice
had started and flushed painfully,
and bending down looked into her
eyes.
winnie" he said, and his voice
was full of unutterable tenderness,
''time has not changed me. l love
you to-day as when we parted two
years ago. Shall we not let the past
go; and once more be all in all to
each other as we were in those old
days?'
'Oh, Philip!n
1t was all she said, but Philip
Leslie read Alright the language of
her eyes. and clasped her to his
breast with a murmuring thanks
giving. And, close in the shelter of
his arms, Winnie knew that at last
the shadow had lifted and the sun
shine appeared.
"Hurrah." shouted Charlie tax
ing in the aspect of affairs at a
glance. Here's romance in real
life,and the happy sequel brought
about by q leap-year frolic. Here
after shall believe in mischief"
"Elfie," whispered VIII, as, half
an hour afterward, with Philip Les
lie added to the party, they were
again speeding away toward Ridg-
wood, you made an entire failure
in popping the question spiendidly,'
and | suggest you try it on me.
We're acquainted, you know, and it
will be easier" and for once in her
life saucy Ellie was at loss for
reply.
VIII took advantage of her SUBJ
dued mood to press his suit, and
with such good success that, when
Winnie Stuart became Mrs. Leslie,