Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1882-09-22

"How old are your" questioned Mr.
Palmleaf.
II am eighteen" said Dolly, in some
confusion.
Have you any followers2''
"Sir.'' flattered Dolly.
''Beaux, I mean," deliberately explained
the clergyman.
"Of course. havn IT," said Dolly, hall
inclined to laugh, half to be angry.
"Then think you'll suit me-" said Mr..
Palmleaf; ''or rather my sister. Our fam.
lily is not large, the wash is light and Pau
your bundls.''
"My WHAT" said Dolly. in bewilder.
ment.
| Your clothes. am to take you back
with me Immediately, said Mr.. Palmleaf.
"Paulina expects company. It is essen
tial that we obtain help at oncs.'
| Dolly barrow looked up with cheeks GRIM
soned like any rose, eyes full of deep. brown
sparkles, and around which danced per-
feet galaxy of dimples.
w all minute. - SalQ SI0.
"Certainly." said Mr.. Palmleaf.
And he sat down on wooden stool in
the corner, and fell to meditating on the
thirdly of his uncompleted sermon,
while Dolly sped up stairs, three steps at a
time.
Father" cried she, flying into the pres
ence of her parents, ''the minister has mis-
taken me for Bridget" t
''Eh?" said Mr.. Darrow.
"You don't tell" said Mrs. Darrow.
"And he wants to hire me, said Dolly,
with eyes cleaning with fun. "And Pm
! going! Quick-where g my hat, and my
shawls, and mufflers?"
Mrs. barrow rose up in all the majesty
of black silk gown and a gold watch chain.
"Dorothy Darrow," said she, ''you' re
never going to hire out as a servant"
eyes. am" said Dolly. "It's better
than private theatrlcals. He's so nice and
absent minded, and Miss Paulina is jew
ell! Oh, do make haste, or he'll be tired
OF waiting"
And Dolly succeeded in carrying her
point. Fifteen minutes later she got into
the sleigh with big bundle; which Mr..
Palmleaf slowed snugly under the seat,
and the minister drove home with secret
exultation.
Miss Paulina was in the kitchen, frying
sausages for dinner, when Dorothy OAR
row walked in, with checks like carnation.
hair brown over her face, and the bundle
under her arm.
"Here am, Miss Palmleaf." said she.
1.-THE hired help. at your SERVICE"
Miss Paulina stared.
why, it's Dorothy said she; land I
sent Peter after Bridget"
eyes, I know" said Dolly brightly
but Bridget has gone, and he has mis-
taken me for her, and he has engaged me
to work here. And, oh, Miss Paulina,
please don't undeceive him, because am a
smart little housekeeper, and I can help
you just as much as any Irish girl could
Just give me trial, that's ALL"
Miss Paulina had shrewd appreciation
of a joke; her hard feateres relaxed with q
smile, as she stood looking down at the ra-
diant little brunette.
WELL" said she, II don't mind if I
do"
For one month Dorothy barrow officia-
ted as hired girl at the parsonage. Then
she came to the clergyman one day:
"Mr. Pamleaf," said she, II am going
to leave the place."
Mr.. Palmleaf looked up amazement and
dismay.
81 hope Dolly" said he, THAT neither
nor my sister have unwittingly offended
your" {
NO." said Dolly, patting her lite foot
on the staring green leaves in the study
carpet; ''but, oh, Mr.. Palmleaf, 1 have
done so wrong, and l do earnestly beg
your PARDON
"Dollyl'' cried out the reverend Peter
in surprise.
because you are so good and true,"
sobbed the girl; land I'm not hired girl,
and ony came here for joke, and I
can't bear to think Pm de-deceiving you"
And Dolly began to cry piteously behind
the corner of her apron.
"You came here for joke, eh?" said
the minister.
"Y-yes," confessed Dolly, behind her
apron.
"Well. them" said the minister, gently
drawing her toward him, suppose you
stay in earnest" 46.f
''Sirl" faltered Dolly. y t,
my DEAR" said Mr.. Palmlsaf, 81 have
got used to having you around, and 1
should miss you terribly if you should
leave us. Do you think 1 am too old to
think of blooming young wife like your"
Mot bit!" cried Dolly. Indignantly.
g. N-you!''
~ W like me little bit?''
"a great DEAL" said Dolly, laughing
and blushing.
''Then you will stay with me always?"
And Dolly promised that she would.
Everybody wonders how so bashful
man as Rev. Mr.. Palmleaf ever mustered
couragsd for proposal; but nobody knew
that the engagement began for joke
and turned out in sober earnest.
The more yirtuous man is the more
virtue does he see in others. n
REPORT is quick traveller, but not 3
cate guide.