The Osceola times., 1881-07-09

They were remarkably pretty girls,
with deem blue eyes, although Miss
Nances were decidedly the deeper blue
ana more bewitching; both had yellow
cold hair. Walter found himself admir-
ing the style Of Miss Nancc's oOitau
before he bad known ber an hour, and
when he went up to his room that night
he felt as if between the two, roguish
Mabel and sweet little Irene, he would
never come ont heavt-whole.
"For Mabel is a good little girl,' be
thought, "and ] will take Greatuncle
Abiah's advice aud fall in love with her,
and thereby secure a generous share OF
the Cresslneton estate. Egad, that's Il
happy thoughtp
But the handsome young gentleman
head and pair of hands, and blue-eyed
irspe shall not suffer"
Ii was not an hour lster that be met
her in the hall, carry ing great boughs
Of holly, Wits which TO festoon, down
The staircase.
"Give me your burden, Irene,' sail
he. "Why did you not tell me YOU were
oing to gather it, and le, me 20 with
your II is altogether too heavy .
buiden for yLur arms to bear
nv HldilslS'b W -Ni iilf ilidNs iIOlll ntI
trms; bat il required an immense
amount Of tardy effort on his part, and
,ly, sweet blushing on hers.
"No! mean # | don't take the holly
at once u
Walter put his arm around her waist
before she knew what he was doing.
'lrehe, look up. You shall not &c
until you let me see in your eyes If you
love me as well as ] love you Irene,
my dear little girl, do love you dearly
and truly p
She was silent for one second, and he
saw the quiver Of her red lips Then
she raised her head slowly, shyly.
"You love me? On, Walter, wha.
will they ali say? Don't you know 1t is
Mabel you should say that to? | am
nobody, and MABEL is an heircss."
Walter had both arms around her by
this time, and was looking ardently in
her glowing face.
II know Mabel is an heiress, and q
nice little girl, and also know J ou are
a darling, my darling-and the only girl
| ever a.ked to be my wife, or ever snail
ask e! Say yes, pet p
His tones were low and tender, but
triumphant.
"And you can deliberately give up SO
much for only just me p
only just you, my own darling
Why, you are more than all the world
to me. Come, we will go tell Uncle
Abiah at once. Just one kiss--you
must ?"
Aud he had more than one or two
before he led her, blushing, with tears
l,.g, Il 4 le
of Il golden thread, to Uncle Abiab, who
sat in his library with Mrs. Cornelia, in
dustriously looking over receipt book,
They looked up in surprise as Walter
marched in, Irene on his arm, picture
VI confusion.
"If YOU please, Uncle Abiah, want
Nour blessing aud cordial consent to re-
ceiye this little girl for your niece.
love her, and she loves me-"
Uncle Abiah looked shrewdly over his
glasses at Miss Cornella.
well, sister, what shall we say TO this
youths demand p
a broad smile OF perfect delight was
on her merry face.
Say? Why, tell them yes, and wei.
come; and let them know their Aunt
Cornelia isn't TOOL if their Uncle Abiah
is"
Walter looked on astonished and felt
lrene's hand tremble on his arm.
What Is it dear?"
She smiled through her tears as she
looked into his inquiring eyes.
oh, Walter, | am afraid you will
be angry. | am Mabel after all, and
and"
'And you have made love to your
cousin, the heress, in spite of yourself,
my boy. So Hillcrest is ioregone fate
after all, ELI ?"
Don't scold, please, Walter!" Mabel
pleaded in low voice, with her blue
eyes looking into his.
"As if / could scold, my love! Since
| have you, what need care ?"
And Mrs. Corneha turned over the
leaves of the receipt book until she
came to wedding cake" and AYERS that
she made the match herself.