The Press., 1883-07-26

leave the city, so he gave me five dollars, and told me to put Top in the baggage car. Poor old fellow he thought I was going, too. And bought what thought you would like, and the grocer lent me the baskets
 What 9 happy dinner that was, and how happy we were as we sat there long after everybody had finished. Mamma thank ed Bob for his sacrifice, and then drew his head down on her shoulder while she told him how fond we all were of Top, and what good dog he was
 By and by, when they were all gone up to papa again, and the dinner was cleared away, I don't think was at all surprised to see gentleman coming who asked to see MT. Bradford. Fred had been recom- mended to him, and he engaged him as assistant librarian in large free library that had just been opened. We were all delighted, for it was just the position he would have liked From that day, things slowly improved, and as the spring open ed we found ourselves almost comfortable again. Truly 1t had been 8 hard winter.
 Suddenly woke up to the fact that l was twenty two years old Where had the time gone? Bob was tall, manly looking fellow of nineteen wonderful to relate, studying medicine very hard, and in love with every pretty girl that he saw. He who used to despise girls was now most susceptible, and continually meeting 'the most beautiful young lady he had ever seen." I laughed at him and wondered sometimes If Fred had been like that when he was nineteen. Fred was very sober and sedate, as befitted the head of the family. Less than three years after our removal from the city, father died, and mother soon followed him. Will and Lisa came home while mother was i'll, and Ag- nes staid year then she was married and went to home of her own. Ned was in business with her husband.
 Fred had now full charge of the library. I often used to go there with him in the evening, for when Bob was away 1t was very lonesome at home, till one of the di- rectors fell in love with me. I'm sure l don't see how it happened, but he did so He asked Fred to introduce him, and then begged permission to call on me. He was very kind and entertaining, and told me quantities of stories. He was more than twice my age, and was greatly sur prised when he told me he loved me and wanted me for wife. I never had lov- CT, and it was very uncomfortable. l didn't know what to say if he would only ask a question so could answer, instead of saying what he would like. Then he said he would go away for little time, and might think it over. I was glad of that, for Fred would soon be here, and could answer for me. As soon as he came in l began to question him.
 "Fred, do you think you would like it if should get married and go and leave you ?"
 Fred laughed, and pinched my cheek.
 When MT. Benton came in I had to give him his answer myself. I told him that did not love him and so could not marry. Beside" added, 'I shall always stay with Fred. Bob is going away soon to attend lectures, and I think Fred needs me-
 "But, my dear young lady, you couldn't stay here then,' he said with 8 mortified air ''it would not be at all right P
 "Not stay with my own brother ?'
 ''Dont' you know? Haven't you evel been told that you are no relation ?'
 'It is quite true," he went on :; "Dor othy was adopted by MT. and Mrs. Brad ford when she was only few months old Her father was lost at sea, and her moth CT died of grief she was Mrs. Bradford's dearest friend, so she took the child ano raised it as her own.
 Then Fred said, eff this story is true will you marry me, Dolly?" And I saic "Yes." That is all the love-making we did.