Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1884-10-19
WHICH SHALL 1T Be?

somewhat smart Us sue aA"olo was Viva 80
attempt at gertiGty that made me smile as
I noticed the long, cotton gloves, the lace
Rchu, the would.5e fashionable poke bon
net tia, looked so out Of harmony with her
surrounding: There was strange smile,
half deprecating, halt defiant, on her hand
some, gyPsy-hke face as l approached her
which, combined with her immobihty made
me think that something unusual must have
occurred.
For Kate Goldie and l were great friends
in spite of the difference in our positions;
she being Farmer GOldie's only daughter
and l the only child Of the rector Of the
same little seabOunded village. We had
grown up from babyhOOd, knit together BY
the similarity Of our circumstances-bOth
the same age, both motherless, both only
daughters of doting fathers, to whom we were
equally devoted. But here the similarity
ceased. Our characters were as different
as were our positions. Kate was all life,
fire, energy; capital manager. better
farmer than her father; tull Of health
spirits, and with a very fast idea Of her
own talents; while |, small, delicate, dreamy
and romantic, and addicted to quiet employ
ments. let her take the lead in everything
we did in common.
On any other day she would have run to
meet me, and it was her unusual tranquil
i,y that surprised ME. knew she had
been out of spirits for many months back,
and no wonder. Times were hard for the
farmers, and it seemed to me that every
month Mr.. Code had to draw in his horns
more and more. Had anything fresh Oc-
CURED, any new misfortune that could cause
her to stand looking at ne in that curious
fashion?
What is the natter cried, as l ap-
preached her.
Nothing is the matter; was but think
ing. and | want your advice, Miss Flor
ence."
1T must be something very important" /
said that causes you to stand still foT full
five minutes
1T is important; come, we will walk to-
gether, and will tell you all about il"
Gladly assented for was burning with
curiosity. She put her arm within mine
and proceeded, with her usual straightfor-
warduess, and at times Jared bluntness, TO
lay the case before me.
You see, Miss Florence" she began
they both want" -
Want" corrected.
WELL" impstiently, "dldn't Isay wants, ?
to marry me, and don't know which to
take. / was thinking about it when you
came up
"But who are they? | asked, ar
they Jim Taylor and Walter Butler, for il
So
mo" sadly, mot Walter Butler; it ,
Jim Taylor and David WardOur.
But, Kate, YOU puzzle me thought,
in low voice Il always fancied that it iwaS
Walter
Il was hot speaking of myself, but Of
them Jim Taylor and David Nardour
which shall it be-"
II withdrew my arm from her 5 in trans
port Of righteous indignation.
II don't understand YOU" | cried; VII,
should Il be either, when you care for
WalterT'
twas her turn to be indignant now
she turned round on me dercely.
Walter, Walter she said; why do you
keep on talking Of him. All with some
thing that almost sounded ike sob, how
stupid you are!
Then you had better not ask my advice,
answered, highly offended, but she did not
heed me-
Miss Florence" she continued, what
wants to know is this; which is the riches;
Of the two and which is the kindest-hesrted
Mr.. BOwles has known them both ever So
loAg; have you heard him say?
But | was too indignant to answer her
question.
Nate. said loftily. al am ashamed o.
you. never thought you would look or
natgimony in this spirit; it's quite shocking.
Which the richest indeed Oh, it is horri-
ole; il ought to be no question Of money
only Of which you-you-love the best. !
never thought you would be so worldly"
~Miss Florence you are a goose, was
Kate 5 unmsnnerly rejoiner. as she walked
aWay fromJ@me towards her own home
leaving me still with an expression of con
scious virtue depicted on my countenance
During the DAYS that ensaed saw moth
ing OF Kate and be degrees it dawned on me-
that we two old friends were indulgiug in
the folly Of a quarrel was, however,
sincerely disgusted with her. and my dis
gust was increased when, few days after
met her in the corn6eld, my father an
nOunced to me that he had heard in the
village that she was engaged to be married
to Jim Taylor
You must 90 this afternoon and con,
graduate her, Flo," he concluded, quite IN
aware that Kate and were not on speaking
terms. But this state of things could not
continue. so | took his advice and went
down to Hawthorn Farm in the afternoon
to offer my congratulations and tacitly cry
Pax
found Nate looking i'll, with dark rings
round her eyes, and BY no means the bride,
elect. She received nv congratulations
very calmly.
He is here" she said, Il will call him.
jim, come here and speak to Miss Florence
He is Smelling peas for me, she continued
Il always make him useful can't abide
idle fellows"
began to feel rather sorry for jim.
He came in, however. anything but sorry
for himself, radiant and blushing as any
girl; but as he was eminently uncomtort-
able in my presence, Kate soon dismissed
him to the peas again, and resumed her
conversation. She was far more laxative
than usual, being as a rule rather silent
Yes she continued I'VE shall marry
very soon, so as to be well settled down be
fore harvest time; for you know, Mis-
Florence we are going to live here AMI
manage the farm. Father is getting old.
and he worries himself to death sbou,
things, so now Jim and l will do it all,
and-Jim has plenty Of capital -defantly
"0h, yes, it is all very nice" Lanswered
somewhat ssreastically. and lam sure JiG
is a good fellow" added more warmly;
he looks it.
sob ha "a yarv wall" than r,oraL IL