Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1883-08-02
. Exactly" nodded his delighted

1T is certainly my duty" said Mr..
Blossom.
''And somehow upon this very day
of all days, l feel moved to fulfill it. ;,
And he put on his best suit, and
went straightway to the Eagle Ho-
tel" kept by one Henry Dodd and
Elvira, his wife.
us Miss Minkley to be SEEM" he
asked politely of Mrs; Dodd, who
came out from the kitchen with car
mine cheeks, and wiping her hands
on snowy roller-towel.
"Oh, yes, l guess So" said Mrs.
Dodd, smiling and curtseYing to the
clergyman Squire Telwrlght has
Just been to see her but I'm pretty
sure that he has gone now. Mat,
Matty, where are you?
ooh, she's In the blue parlor.
= Please to walk in, Mr.. Blnssom.
And the clergyman walked solemn
ly into the pretty blue-carpeted room,
with its much-waXed mahogany chairs,
gaudy-rug, and stifiy-starched mus
lin curtains, where Martha Minkley
sat knitting.
Miss Minkley," said he, entering
without unnecessary prelude on the
subject which was at present absorb
ing his mind, I'VE have known each
other from childhood"
Yes, " said Martha.
And [ believe you to be a devout
/ Christian, a conscientious woman,
and a good housekeeper. "
Il hope [ am, said Miss Martha,
rather fattered by this unusual adj
/ dress
IN my home, said Mr.. Blossom
abruptly, II need all three.
And / believe Providence has put
it into my head and heart to appeal to
you at this critical opportunity"
Miss Minkley neither blushed, gig
gled, nor burst into tears.
She rocked back and forth, went
composedly on with the red worsted
sock that she was knitting, and lifted
her back eyebrows just the least little
trife.
I'm very sorry" she said.
Il only wish you had been a little
earlier; but I'm engaged already"
'Engaged?"
DIR. Blossoms lower jaw fell; he
stood blankly looking at her.
ITO Mr. Telwright," " explained
Miss Minkly.
But he's sixty" cried Blossom.
HE is not young" admitted Mar
tina
Surely, surely, Martha" argued
Paul, forgetting all formalities in his
eager interest. "you cannot care for
himl"
Mono. " said Martha, q can't say
that [ do. But he offers me a very
good home"
Us it possible, Martha said the
good clergyman reproachfully, THAT
you can allow yourself to be swayed
by considerations like this?"
Zone must do the best they can for
themselves, " said Miss Minkley.
'eWel, we'll, " sighed Mr.. Blossom,
ct would be downright sinful to
doubt that all is ordered for the best.
ut is the will of Heaven.
II always liked you, Martha, and
/ believe your life with me would have
been both useful and pleasant.
''At least, no effort of mine should
have been lacking to make it so. y
Il am very sorry" said Martha
demurely. But first come first serv
ed, you know"
Il should like occasionally to cal
and see you, said the clergyman.
You will still be i'll my parish, yor
Bnow?"
ooh, certainly" said Martha.
Il hope that we shall always be
the best of friends"
And Mr.. Blossom almost fancieC
that, for quarter of a second, the
tender grasp of his hand was in some
measure returned.
He walked dejectedly out.
| am too late, Mrs. DOdd," he said
meeting the CHEEKY landlady, who was
coming in with a pair of newly bright
ened brass candelsticks.
Dear, dear, sir!'' said Mrs. Dodd
'She has already promised her
self to Mr.. Telwrght Though how tC
be sure, she could ever have made
his acquaintance
She wasn't acquainted with him
sir, said Mrs. DOdd.
Not at all.
''At least, not until [ introduced
them, an hour ago"
The Reverend Paul looked Mortified
And yet, " he gasped, ''she is going
to marry him.
Mrs. Dodd, in her CONSERVATION
dropped one of the brass candldsticks
Bless your heart alive, sir.' she
cried out, "she amt agoin to do moth
ing of the kind.
S'She's only going to be housekeep
er for him at $3.50 a year, and two
servants kept. You wasn't a-mean
ing, sir, to"
Il was asking her to be my wife,
said Mr. Blossom solemnly; land
believed that she understood me tC
that effect"
Mrs. Dodd grasped eagerly at the
sleeve of his coat
''She couldn't, = she said.
Just wait bit, sir-wait bit.
Martha! Matty! come out here
this minute!
''You haven't understood a word
that the Reverend Mr.. Blossom has
said to you. He has asked you to
IN n p,,yv him ~