South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1882-06-23
The Wedding Present.
so, said Aunt Deborah. severed

ella ieuSAiuStsliH sfuiieu.
I'm going TO marry u young lady,
Aunt Debby,' said he, 'who has been
sensible enough occasionally, 10 exc
ont the insufficient means Of her fami-
ly by little honest and honorable
work.
Aunt Deborah shrugged her shout
ders. She was tall, high-featured
woman, with Scotch, red hair, promin.
ent cheek bones, and eyes that gilt,
tered like cells of ietty light in their
cavernous sockets. As she sat there
beside her big work-baslSet with n
piece OF uncompromising work in her
hand, Felix felt the old sensation
which mad 60 often come over him ms
4 child, of being summoned before
some stern judicial tribunal.
Aunt Deborah was the moneyed
member of the family II was Aunt
Deborah whose tastes were conrted !;
Aunt Deborah whose advice waa 80.
licited IN every important crisis in the
Rockingham family, and the old lady
could hardly believe her own senses
when she heard that her nephew, Fe-
Tx, had actually dared to select wife
according to his own taste and fancy.
'iumphP commented Aunt De.
horah. And | suppose you will ex-
poet nae TO give you a wedding pre-
seut?'
That is just as your own Judgment
and tlberality may dictate said Felix.
with a hidden sparkle of mischief un.
der his eyelashes.
'Humphr again uttered Aunt De.
Lorah. Bring her to see mo to-
night
Amy Falkland was half frightened
out OF hor pretty little wits when her
lover told her that Aunt Deborah had
desired her presence.
Oh, Felix, she said, coloring pink
and white, I'm. afraid
When the queen issues her COM
mands,' said Felix, laughing 'all the
liege subjects must obey, And Aunt
Debby isqueen in our family
Is she very teTrible?' said ANY.
AS hard as rock and as cold az
an icicie,' replied Felix, gravely.
Docs she hate me?'
by no means, laughed Felix. 'She
only calls you sewing girlr
'Well, but that is exactly what I
am said Amy, lifting herpretty eye
brows. III that is the worst she has
to say about me, / think 1 can en-
dure it
So the bride elect presented her.
self TO Aunt Deborah, blushing pref,
~, and confused, that selt-same eve
DiuG.
so you are going TO marry my ne.
phew?' said Aunt Deborah. almost in
the words wherewith she had catechis-
ed Felix in the morning.
yes, confessed the pretty little cul
prit, scarcely daring to lift her eyes
from the ground.
And suppose you expect to be
very happyS'
Yes.
w hat fools people are 2 said Aunt
Deborah, in general way. well,
my dear, I've 10 pearls and diamonds
to give away, aud III had you wouldn't
know what to DO with them. Here's
an old soalskin jacket that I've worn
few times. Take that. You're
handy with the needle and you can
easily fit it up 10 do great many
winters service.
Thank you, Aunt Deborah said
amy, with q pretty little courtesy.
'Ton may kiss me, my dear. said
the old lady, relenting a little under
the sunshine Of the soft blue eyes and
timid voice.
And Amy put up her cherry lirs to
the old sPinster's wrinkled, scanned
face.
I've given your brother ualbert's
bride elect just such another sacaue.'
said Miss Deborah to her nephew. 4
dare say she expects q set OF iewclry.
or thousand dollar necklace, or some
such piece Of friyolity and nonsense
but she'll find herself mistaken. I
intend 70 show no paftiality 70 my
nephews.'
Amy Falkland took nome the ven.
'i"OIo %" tut garment, winch gave
signs Of hard and long service, and
viewed it with earnest eyes.
1t 10 old said she, but there IS o
deal Of wear in it yet
y should say hazarded Felix, that
II was only ftfor the rag bag.
but you are not q Judge Of fur
snid Amy Now when have
ripped it mp, scwod it up again, and
refined IL, YOU shall sec what a pretty
and substantial winter garment / shall
have.
Felix looked ndmiringly at her.
. haven't the I0ast doubt. said he.
that Jon will look pretty in anything
you choose 90 wear.
Don't be q goose said Amy. And
she sat down at once, with her scis
sOrs and work basket for Mics FaIs-