The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-04-05

may be sure they was meant for old
maids. and faint no use to fuss about
it,"
"But don't want to be al old maid!'
pouted pretty Eustachia to herself, as
she baked aud secured, MIXED and
chrrned, and did the chores.
That was before Mrs. Snapwell had
hired man to do the outside work.
And now that Sy Hedges had come she
wanted still less to be an old maid; for,
somehow or other, in spite OF the widow 8
hawk eyed vigilance, there were plenty
of chances for conversation with him.
1t was astonishing how many errands
he made to the kitchen in the course of
the day, to fill the woodbox and chip
basket, or get a drink with the long
handled gourd, that hung just over the
cedar-wood bucket on the kitchen
table.
And, somehow or other, Eustachia S
cheeks had acquired chronic habit of
blushing on the most singular occasions.
The sound of quick footstep outside
the kitchen door, or gaily whistled tune
from the cornfeld or barnyard, would set
them to glowing under the dropping
lashes like whole garden-bed of carna-
ton pinks.
"Eustachia y
Mrs. Snapwell shook out the hounces
of her new dress, as she opened the door
of the kitchen, where her niece was
washing up the dinner dishes.
I'm a-going over to Mrs. Deacon
Marforam's," she continued, with u
sharp glance at Eustachia's suspiciously
rosy cheeks. "And if Mr.. Flowerdale
should come while I'm gone, show him
into the best room, and run over after
me immediate. Do you hear. And
don't be a-trying to set your cap at him,
fur he's well-to do map, and wouldn't
even look at poor girl like you. Your
cheeks hev got so blowsy of late, you
look like fright, anyhow
The tears sprang to Eustachias eyes,
but she turned to her work, while her
aunt founced out of the house ,snappish.
ly clicking the gate-latch as she passed
through.
But if the widow considered Eustachia
fright, Sy Hedges thought the rosy,
dimpled cheek and flsx-gold hair the
prettiest in the wide world.
=
Anu So NOuI pOo1QCA AaAA SOlhC
yet?' said Mrs Deacon Maform, as the
two ladies sat in the cosy parlor.
mo, but he's paid handsome fur his
room. and I'm e1pectin' of him all the
time" said the widow, biting off her
thread, so as it would so through the
needle.
"Oh, aunt" cried Eussachia, bursting
into the room, flushed and breathless.
''He-he's come p
Dear me. must go then" and with
hasty excuses the widow quickly donned
her wraps and hurried of. is he nice
looking?"
II think he is" said Eustachia, eager
~. He looks like Sy!"
Like Sy," shifted the widow, scorn-
fully. The idee of comparin' q rich
man like him to hired hand. yo1 go
into the kitchen and git supper as soon
as you KIM she ordered, as they reached
the house.
And changing her frovn for bland
smile, she entered her best room.
! A tall figure recliped in an easy chair,
with a book in his hand. The widow
stared, then frowned.
''Sy Hedges, what do you mean, by
a-settin' in here?" she demanded, wrath
fully. You'll git your walkin' papers
this very night, fur lazy scamp? And
where's Mr.. Flowerdale, / want TO
know
AT your service, madam" returned
Sy, politely rising. my name is Flower
dale"
But, but what" stammered the
widow.
Il had fancy to make the acquaint-
ance of my neighbors as poor man, !"
explained Sy, "and l am not sorry for
the experiment"
1t was a sore trial for Mrs. Snapwell
to see her cherished air castle tumble in
ruins at her feet, but she had to put up
with it.
And Eustachia found that Providence
had not intended her for an old maid
after all, for she was married to Mr..
Flowerdale before the month was out,
and went to live on the old Bnttonwood
place.
Joke on sam Cox.