Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1884-08-10
A YOUNG SGHEMER.
story of n First and Last Attempt at Match
making.

Yes. am sure that would be the best
plan" unused Jean Scott aloud, clasPing
her hands around her knees, and looking up
through the trees at little patch Of clear
sky shining down between the leaves. Mr.
Stuart is rich and handsome. here she
sighed without any known reason. "PhGoe
ought to marry him-she must do it-and
let that stupid John Barnard GO l am
sure-positively sure-Victor Stuart would
suit her best, and will make the match.
It was Sunday afternoon, and Jean sat
out under a big oak tree in the front yard
A book lay on the grass beside her, and a
little crippled chicken, rescued from the
horse lot, nestled in fold of her buff linen
gown
She was a supple, slender girl, olive
skinned, gray-eyed and black-haired, and
Just bordering on Is.
With the calm confidence Of inexPeri-
ence and positive ignorance, she had made
up her mind to NEEDLE in very delicate
matter-namely, love affair.
The SCOTS were country people, owned a
good farm aud lived comfortably, and John
Barnard neighboring farmer, had long
loved Phoebe, the eldest daughter of the
house and very pretty girl Of 20.
The matter had not disturbed Jean until
two things occurred-her father suffered
some reverses of fortune, and Victor came
up from New Orleans.
She felt peculiarly grateful to him, for he
was not only young, handsome and rich,
but he had also saved her life on a certain
occasion, when she had been more reckless
than wise in running horse race with her
brother
Her pony took it into his head to run
away, and Miss Jeans white neck might
have been broken had it not been for the
timely appearance of Mr.. Stuart who threw
himself in front of the unruly horse and
checked him.
That encounter led to closer acquaint-
ance with the family, and the young man
had called several times.
He rode up to the gate and d'smounted,
while Jean sat on the grass and medltated
on her plan.
The color leaped to her cheeks at sight
of him. aud a thrill shot through her heart.
How happy any woman might be 10 win his
love-be looked so brave and handsome.
Now she had always been little shy De,
fore him; but today she rose to meet him
with smile. and slim hand extended.
The gentleman replied warmly to her
friendly greeting.
"Yo1 take compassion on all afflicted
ereaturesY he remarked. glancing down at
the little downy chick which rested on the
grass, with its broken leg bound up in a bit
Of linen.
Jean lifted it tenderly.
"Ah, yes. Poor little weakhng! Its life
il but frail thing, but precious to it, nc
doubt love not pain or suffering But
pardon me, will not keep you standing ou
here"
ut very pleasant, I
"But much pleasanter in the house. she
said hastily, confused By the way his eyes
dwelt upon her. Go in, Mr.. Stuart.
will you come slsoY
When have cared for this wounded
chick-yes, SIR, perhaps. Phoebe is in the
PsrlOr. q,
And when he had reluctantly departed
she sat down again and hid her face in heE
hands her heart beating quick and bud.
IT'S only his way-Only his way, and
Am foolish, weak-minded creature to allow
his pleasant words and kindly glances to
affect me"
She had not long to sigh over her folly OF
scold herself for it
Another young man had arrived on the
scene and she must prepare to meet him.
he Was Sn honest, good-loOklng young
farmer, and from her childhood Jean had
known and liked HIM; but to-day she must
crush any presumptuous hopes he NIGH
possibly entertain regarding Phoebe.
Good evening, Jean.
She had picked up her book again, snd
was apparently much interested in IT, for al
1t was wrong end up. ~
Good evening, John" in . calmly pat
rOnizing tone g
is Mss Phoebe at homsT
Yes; she is in the parlor, entertaining
company"
His face fell o.
Entertaining company za
"Yes-Mr. Stuart" -
"He here aVainT p said poor jobs Bar
nard, q faint spark of Jealousy in his heart
gathering heat and strength. ~
YES certainly; but 90 in. Pa and ma
are in the sitting room The boys are not
stheme, an sorry 70 say.
"0h, no; I'll Just GO on back home, l
suppose tAat fellow viii stay all the alter
Mr. Stuart2 Very probably he viii. "