The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-07-20

him to be.
But the Major did not know this
and after the business of the evening
ended he began to feel the old familiar
cold sweat that had been his torment
in the swamps of the Chicahominy
fifteen years before Conve' sation
had dropped to the dead level of the
national academy, the last new novel,
and Browns last volume of poems,
all of which were very bad. Miss
Nell looked interested, pretty and
sentimental until the Major half wish
ed she would be her natural self, for
he had at last reused himself to the
combative state, and he wanted TO
talk with her in the most serious man
ner about her sister. AT last he made
a desperate effort and said:
Miss Wallerson I called this even
ing only on business, but / have for
long time wanted to say something to
you about matter
"Excuse. me for just an instant,
Major, interrupted Miss Nell, 'the gas
is Kissing dreadully. Won't you be
good enough TO see which burner it is
| I'm lust too short to reach any OF
them, I'm sorry TO say.
The Major FASTENED to the rescue.
He heard a Kissing noise, as of the
escape of too much gas; he could not
be sure which of the six burners was
at fault, so he turned down one after
another until the noise stopped and
the parlor was almost dark.
"You are very kind" murmured
Miss Neil as the Major resumed his
seat near her; ''the blowing of gas is
drcadfuly annoying to the ear BY
the way, you were saying that
The Major resisted a temptation to
say, "Oh, nothing of any consequences,
and said:
81 have long been the most reverent
adorer of a certain young lady who
"Oh. Major" exclaimed Miss Nell,
.the idea of you being in love. Did
you- -,
"Excuse me, Miss Wallerson," said
the Major hastily, "but no one is com
petent to pass an opinion on my con
dition of mind but myself. l fully
know my own feelings, and merely
wish an opportunity to explain them
in such manner as may be most re-
spectful. =,
81 beg your pardon, Major said
Miss Nell, entirely on her guard.
please continue, and believe no one
here can doubt your sincerity.
The Majors heart gave mighty
bound; evidently this mischievous girl
suspected something and was willing
to suppress herself.
81 have long been worshippine :
lady whom would have been glad to
make my wife, continued the Major,
"If had not feared that my love and
what else | had to offer her would not
seem compensation for what she would
be obliged to give up"
"Your thouohtfulness does you
honor, Major, said Miss Nell, in the
kindest way in the world.
Thank you-thank ,,you,' said the
Major, hastily. "Perhaps, then, you
will understand why l speak with
more than my customary freedom
Miss Wallerson, I was trained in my
youthful days TO such unouestionine
reverence for woman as woman that
feel almost like a thief when | think Of
asking any woman for her hand anc
heart
"Again, Major, must say thai
your thoughtfulness and delicacy dc
YOU honor" said Miss Nell, as demure
ly as if she had never teased any ont
in her life.
"Thank you-thank you" said thu
Major again. u would like first t.
explain myself, if may trouble yo'
for n moment. am, believe, al
honorable man; have a good bust
ness and good bank account.
want to devote both, and my life be
side, to the service of the sweetes
woman that ever lived. cannot eX
pect her to love me ~ | love her, TO
., She is an angel and l am only-we
, only a man.
, "a true man. said Miss Nell, sti
Q as demure as parson, Sis as good a
5 anything else in the world-even a
@ good as true woman"
do you really think so," asked tn
Major. II must believe you agains
e my will, but entirely according to M
. inclination. Well, the woman whor
e / love you know very well no on
e can know her better; she is pur
e good. sweet. noble, tender
e "Major-Major!" exclaimed Mis-
o Nell,
"Please don't contradict me on tn
;. particular point said the Major;
p really think ! KNOW am sure l do
e "rhcn," said Miss Nell, ut won
be very impolite in me to contradlC
9 but really
a 'Really,' said the Major, 81 a
'e weighing my words most careful
:. and mean all | say, ! want to off
l. her all am and have, under any co
ditions she may impose. Don't ina
is inc me impulsive or rash in this ms
If ter continued the Major, eXtendil
y both his hands in his earuestness
o mean
2 What the Major meant was ney
ar explained, for Miss Nell, in accordan
al with her own ideas of what the excit
I'd man was trying to say, murmurt
ID Enough fell upon the Majo
IS breast and threw her arms around
to neck.
er What could the astonshed man d
tn What would any gentleman do
n such circumstances Miss Alice tr
IL ped into the parlor, found it da
,cl turned on the gas, saw the couple, a
in exclaimed
ke "Oh, N.Y.
ce Her sister then looked up into
TX Majors face for a second, then DIR
Int ped her brow on his shoulder, q
,al said;
ess sob, my"
les And the Major, looking down
the face before him, now entr
on empty of ROBUSTNESS and everyth
bv else but tenderness, forgot all the pi
ter placed his arms about the grac,
Isl figure that rested on him, and said ;