Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1883-01-25
A BAG OF RAGS

- tAo ehASN II lllc SttSn anu lelllcu out,
a deep voice below coming from a
form almost hidden by the syringa
bushes, said, softly:
ais that you, 'Gatha?"
"1es," was the reply, given softly.
Cant you come down. said Dick
Reynolds, rather impatiently, looking
up at the smiling face.
'ln little while. Dick. Just rs soon
as Grannie is asleep. She has just
gone to her room. I.u must be pa
tient, Dick, dear" and the window
closed.
Dick, dear" was not very patient,
however, and paced the walk for ff-
teen minutes before Agatha's blue
dress appeared at the door,with Agatha
in it. After a very ardent greeting,
Dick said:
81 declare it's too bad | can't come
and see you likeothcr fellows come to
see their sweethearts. | wonder what
makes your grandmother dislike me
so. I've enever done her any harm, only
l want her one grandchild. / am not
bad character, have good position,
and why she will not let you marry
me, and yet is willing to give you to
that Dalford fellow. is mystery.
go, Grannie is getting old, you
know, Dick, and she fancies YOU are
exactly like your grandfather was,
who was her lover, and who almost
broke her out.
And she's afraid I'll break yours
darling? Well, well see" and then a
long and very interesting conversation
frllowed. At last Agatha declared she
must 90 in.
Don't fail, me 'Gatha," Dick said,
as he gave her his farewell kiss.
"Ncyer fear said 'Gatha. blushing
in the darkness, and she quickly dis
appeared in the house.
The next day Grannie seemed to
be particularly provoking, and tried
AgathaS patience sorely.
What makes you look so happy"
she asked sternly, as 'Gatha sang, and
blushed end smiled to herself as she
went about the big drawing-room.
busting and arranging the many
knick knacks.
Nothing" said Agatha.
81 know better" replied her grand
mother sharply. ITS that Dick Rcy-
nolds. Have you been writing to
him."
No"
Has he written to you?"
NO"
We'll, you've seen each other them"
'Gatha blushed guiltily. aud then
lost her temper. which was such an
= unusual thing for her to do, that her
grandmother was quite startled.
II should think, Grannie, you'd be
ashamed Of yourself. l love Dick
Reynolds, and | always shall. If you
could give me just reason why
should not marry him. ! would never
disobey you. But you cannot. You
say he will surely prove treachorous
like his grandfather. Am | like YOU
because l am your granddaughter?
No, Therefore | intend. as soon As
opportunity offers, to run off with
Dick, since there is no other way. |
tell you, frankly, l am sorry to be
rude. But do not see why shoul2
allow you to break my heart. and
Dicks too.'
'Gatha stopped. Two red spots
burned on her cheeks. her clear gray
eyes blazed with anger and love.
Grannie recovered herself.
80 this is the respect | get. after
twenty years. of toll for you. Go to
your room instantly. You shall never
marry Dick Reynolds. Do you hear,
neverr'
This did not not strike terror to the
girls heart, for she possessed much of
the obstinate will Of her grandmother.
and, as Betsy often said, when her
mind was sOt, It were sot, and 'twere
no use to ag'in her."l So when she was
ordered to her room she went quietly.
and already her pretty, curly head was
scheming for escape.
Agatha was not bad or a willful
girl. She possessed good, common
sense. As she said. If there were lust
cause why she would never have dis
.obeyed her grandmother. She had
met Dick at one of the few parties
given in the neighboring town. Their
acquaintance had ripened into love, and
Dick, after obtaining Avatha's consent