Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1884-11-13

dreadfully. Won't you be good enough
to see which burner it is; I'm just to-
short to reach any of them, l am sorry
to saw"
The Major hasteped to the rescue. H.
heard Kissing noise, as of the escape o
too much gas; he could not be sure
which of the six burners was at fault, sc
he turned down one after another unit
the noise stopped and the parlor was al
most dark.
"You are very kind" murmured Miss
Nell as the Major resumed bis seat near
her. 1.-THE blowing of gas is dreadfully
annoying to the ear. By the way, you
were saying that"
The Major resisted temptation to say
ooh, nothing of any consequence" and
said:
81 have long been the most rever-
ent adorer of certain young lady
| who"
ooh, Major" exclaimed Miss Nell;
"the idea of your being i'll love. Did
you"
Excuse me, Miss Wallerson," said the
Major hastily, "but no one is competent
to pass an opinion on my condition of
mind but myself. fully know my own
feelings, and merely wish an opportunity
to explain them in such a manner as may
be most respectful"
az beg your pardon, Major" said Miss
Nell, now 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
ii have long been worshiping a lady
whom | would have been glad to make
my wife," continued the Major, eff l had
not feared that my love and what else
had to offer her would not seem compen-
sation for what she would be obliged to
give up"
"Your thoughtfulness 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 speak with more than
my customary freedom. Miss Wallerson,
was trained in my youthful days, to
such unquestioning reverence for woman
as woman that feel almost like thief
when | think of asking any woman for
her hand and heart"
Again, Major must say, that your
thoughtfulness and delicacy do you
honor" said Miss Nell, AS demurely as if
she had never teazed any one in her life.
Thank you-thank you," said the
Major again. 81 would like first to ex-
plain myself if may trouble you for
moment. am, | believe, an honorable
man; have a good business and a good
bank account. ] want to devote both,
and nv life beside, to the service of the
sweetest woman that ever lived. | cam
not expect her to love me as love her,
for she is an angel and am only-weli,
only man.,
"A true man." said Miss Nell, still as
demure as parson, sis as good as any
thing else in the world-even as good as
true woman"
"Do you really think SOP" asked the
Major. 81 must believe you against my
will, but entirely according to my inclin-
alton. Well, the woman whom love
you know very well; no one can know
her better; she Is pure, good, sweet, noble,
TENDER
Major Major" exclaimed Miss
Nell.
please don't contradict me on this
particular point" said the Major; II real
" think know am cure do"
"Then." said Miss Nell, "it would be
very impolite in me to contradict, but
really" "
Really" said the Major, 81 am weigh
ing my words most carefully and mean
all say. l want to offer all l am and
have, and under any conditions she may
impose. Don't imagine me impulsive or
rash in this matter" continued the Maj
or, extending both his hands in his ear
nestness. II mean"
What the Major meant was never eX-
planned, for Miss Nell entirely in accord
ance with her own idea of what the ex-
cited man was trying to say, murmured
Enough" fell upon the Majors breast
and threw her arms around the Majors
neck.
What could the astonished man do?
What could any gentleman do under
such circumstances? Miss Alice tripped
into the parlor, found it dark, turned
up the gas, saw the couple and exclaim-
ed:
"Oh, my"
Her sister looked up into the Majors
face for second, then dropped her brow
on his shoulder and said:
"Oh, myw
and the Major, looking down at the
face before him, now entirely empty of
roguishness and everything else but ten
derness, forgot all the past, placed his
arms about the graceful figure that rest
ed on him, and said: -
ooh, my"
And although he has been married
ten years, he never has bad reason to re-
greet his mistake.