The banner-enterprise., 1883-11-24
leaving vacancy there. Mr.. Wiggin had
nourned faithfully for Olive . year and

leaving vacancy there. Mr.. WlgRin nad
mourned faithfully for Olive . year and q
day. 1St .l- ~
Miss Dolly was out in the garden
gathering catnip. She had built chip
fre under the tea kettle and then whisked
off to pick an apronful Of the pungent
leaves while the water was boiling. There
she WINS stosping beneath the caves of a
log >cabin sun bonnet, hpmming lively
tune when Mr.. Wiggin drove up.
N Come, my beloved, haste away.
dipped Miss Dolly Scheerily, snspplng away
fbriskly at the stalks. bum ts'
s,S ETS' ',ts si9,; ysssis IL SSa5' sfy'1r delay
Fly like q youthful struck in
wheezy bass. ati ID. ~. s..i.,.1
The sun.bonnst tipped back like cart
body.
Abe words Of the hymn, as Mr. Wikgin
Strobe toward her on his slightly rheu-
matte legs,
I didn't mean to put you out. he
laughed; but 1t seemed kind o material
to take part with you in Invitation.
You always had way of falling in at
the most unheard of time, remember,
retorted Miss Dolly. saucily, recovering
herself and going on gathering catnip.
You used to say kept good time, only
too much of it, pursued Mr.. Wiggin,
with a sudden inspiration; but | tell you
what Dolly time never did drag with me
more than it does these days
1T is dull season. said MISS Dolly
with exasperating simplicity. i suppose
the grasshoppers have eaten most Of your
wheat-haven't they-so it'll hardly pay
for reaping?'
"Just so, assented Mr.. Wiggin dis
com6ted.
He had not travelled five miles in the
heat to discuss the state Of the crops
Walk in and sit down, won't your
said Dolly, with reluctant hospitality.
Her apron was crammed to its utmost
capacity. She devoutly wished it had
been larger.
We'll, yes, | don't care if l do an
swered Mr.. Wiggin after hypocritical
show Of hesitancy. L had littlel busi-
ness further on at the blacksmith's. No
hurry, though, as | know, and he turned
to let down the bars for Miss Dolly who
meanwhile slipped through the fence.
catnip and all. Bless my heart don t
see but you are as smart as you ever was,
said he, as he putfed along in her wake.
Still you must be getting into years, Dolly,
as we'll as mo offence, | hope--ahd |
was wondering whether or no it WASH t
lonesome for you living here woman so?
oh, | never was one Of the lonesome
kind, responded Miss Dolly. briskly,
seating her guest 10 the patchwork cush-
ioned rocking. char, "and for that mat
ter hardly a day passes without some Of
James folks running H.
Yes, know; but If you was to change
your situation, wouldn't you enjoy life
better. think2'
Miss Dolly fidgeted at the green paper
curtains and intimated that her happiness
would be complete If the grasshoppers
would stop feeding on her garden sauce.
That's Just It, continued Mr.. Wiggin,
eagerly; you do seem to need Q man 10
look out for your farming interests now
don't you, Dolly? a man that will be
ready and willing to do for you, and make
you comfortable2'
i don't know, said Miss Dolly, dryly.
The year father died did have Silas
Potter, and he is the most faithful crea.
ture living; but what with the extra
cooking and washing had to do for him,
my work was about double, but when
mud. time came, was glad to send him
and hire by the day. | made up my
mind that men folks around the house
cost more than they come to.
i guess we don't understand one an
other, said Mr.. Wigein slightly discon-
certed at this unhattering view Of his sex.
Il wasn't speaking Of hiring help. Dolly.
Naturally you would get tired of that. lts
worrying to woman. But il you was tc
have coT paniOn, nOw-One that could
give you good home, with wood and wa
ter under cover
'Shoo! shool' cried Miss Dolly. flying
out after an inauiring chicken on the door
step.
Mr.. Wiggin drew his red handkerchie
from his hat to wipe his glowing face
Certainly he had not felt the heat SO bad
through haying.
'How's your health, now-a.daysP' asked
Miss Dolly, frisking back with look o.
resOlute unc0nsclousness.
Very good; remarkable good | dom
know where you will find o man with I
tougher constitution than | have got.
Ali and Dolly blushed like a suma'
in October.
Yes. I'm well. pursued Mr.. Wiggin
perseveringly, and I'm tolerably well TO
do, with moth ing to hinder my marrying
again, providing | can see woman 10 ml
mind.
There's the deacon widow, suggested
Dolly, oficiously; she's piOus, econom
ical-'
She's left with means enough to carr!
her through handsomely interrupte,
Mr.. Wiggln, quickly. Now I'd rathe
have wife to provide for--one that heed
cd q home. ln fact, Dolly, I have M
eye on . little woman that want thi
very minute.
He had both eyes on her for that mat
ter, and Miss Dolly was forced 10 recog.
nise the situation, whether she accepte'
it or not;
I've managed to sweeten my tea 8
far. David. without calling on my neigh
bors,' chinuped she, STOPPING to Ia.
straight the braided mat. and | might q
well keep on. | don't feel it Q tax .
some folks would, But there's Marth
Dunnng she's having hard time to ge
along. Why don't you take her, David
Shed apprepreciate such nice home q