Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-04-04

way
''But then l ought to feel 80 thankful that
this opening has been made for me- told
them that l knew something would come it
has always done 80 l have always been so
lucky"
'Its your happy disposition makes you say
30, my dear Miss Bright; cheerful spirit
shortens the longest day l wish l could
follow your example. ! often feel condemned
at my want Of contentment-of gratitude,
ought to say"
But that Miss Bright would not allow. She
reminded Mr. Binney of the many kind ac-
tions he had done, and in her own quiet way
thanked him for the thoughtful present be
had sent to her.
No, no, no, now you must not speak OF
that, Mr.. Binney hastily interrupted her
and to give a turn to the conversation, be
said she must have some tea, and, ringing
to order it, he hoped she could stay.
Well, yes. she thought she could spare time
for that-indeed, to be plain, she was not in
such very great hurry. The fact had been
that Joe had had an unexpected holiday and
she saw that, only for her being there he
had come out to go somewhere with Sally.
$50 hope that little fb told you will be
forgiven me, for when l said was wanted at
home, although it was quite true perhaps, l
need not but for that have left quite so early.
l1ut IL WIS 30 nice OF Joe 10 come. 10 love
TO see husbands and wives companions to
each other"
"Ah, indeed, yes; that is the object of
matrimony too often, fear, lost sight Of in
our day, by the young and the old, too"
But Miss Bright did not agree. "No, sho
knew so many united couples. There were
the Brendons now" but at this moment the
tea was brought in, and Miss Bright asked
should she pour it out Her offer was ac-
cepted. "Only," said Mr.. Binney "you
must take of your cloak, or you won't feel
the good of it when you go and your bon
net, too, wouldn't you be more comfortable
without that ?"
Miss Bright said mo, she would not take
her bonnet off.
Haven't cap with you, l suppose p said
the old gentleman silly"
'Yes, indeed have-a present from Sally
and very becoming one, too"
Put it on then, and let me pass my opin-
ion"
Miss Bright hastened to obey, and when
she came back for his inspection the smile on
her face and the soft pink in her check made
her look ten years younger
"Well, she said, now what do you think
of it,"
~ think if you take my advice you will
never wear any other"
Really" and she laughed softly "but it
is for high days and holidays, you know !"
and she tiptoed TO look in the chimney. glass,
saying that it certainly was very pretty cap,
and then she sat down to pour out the tea.
THE best tea things Z" she said admiringly
Il am so fond Of pretty china" And then,
searching in the sugar basin, she added II
have not forgotten that you like two Jumps Of
sugar, you see.'
Mr.. Binuey smiled complacently a feeling
of well-being and comfort took possession of
him.
OF certainty 1t was very pleasant to have
a congenial somebody to bear one company
one who could talk we'll listen well and
hold her tongue WELL if necessary. Expert
ence had assured him of that. Miss Bright
possessed each Of those good qualities. When
she had stayed there when Mrs. Binney was
first ILL., their evenings had passed very pleas
antly, and recalling the things they had done,
he asked
DO you often play chess now?"
mo, never"
"Cribbage, backgammon 2"
i've no one TO play with. That is one
thing in my going away" and the swallowed
a Sigh-"my evenings will be less lonely"
"Ah yes; l find the time very long after
dinner, don't like to go to bed before half
past ten, although l often feel inclined to-"
And the days draw in so quickly now
kt
reminds me that it is getting time for me to
Co. for it takes me quite an hour to get to
the station
Not in a cab Z"
mo, but am going to walk it is quite
fine and dry, and if | feel tired at the Con-
way road l shall wait at the corner for the
omnibus passing.
Miss Bright began to put on her bonnet.
Mr. Binney walked to the window for a
minute he looked out, then he rang tue bell
II shall go as far as the Conway road with
you"
"Oh, Mr.. Binney No, pray don't think
of such thing 1t might give you a cold,
and there isn't the slightest occasion-I am
20 accustomed to 60 about alone"
But Mr.. Binney remained firm his hat
and coat were brought to him. and away the
two set of together. They chatted pleasant
ly as they walked along. Il shall hope to
come and see them all sometimes" Miss
Bright said. II know as long as the Bren.
dons have home they will take me in
And remember that 80 long as / have a
house there will be room for you in it,"
THAT il very kind of you, Mr.. Binney,"
she said softly. II am sure 1 do not know
why people are so good to me-"
Mr.. Binney apparently was no better able
to inform her, and they walked on silently
until the Conway road was reached.
Now, then, said Miss Bright, "here we
say farewell" and she held cat her hand, but
Mr. Binney did not take it; lie was engaged
in hailng a cab he saw then he drew out
his purse and Miss Bright knew that he in
tended settling with the man for the fare.
She shook her head at him reprovingly.
Mr.. Binney gave the directions to the driv-
er and then he held out his hand, hesitated,
opened the door and said, II don't see why
should not go with you as far as the station"
At the railway station they had but a very
short time of waiting Miss Bright stood
near the carriage which she had chosen;
nothing remained but to say good bye and
enter.
''And you will let us hear how you get on p
for she had not said she was coming up again.
"Oh, / shall often write to the Brendons
and Sally. You will hear Of me through
them"
"And hope very much that you will be
comfortable and happy"
Miss Bright tried to smile, but her eyes
filled rapidly, and to hide the tears she half
turned away.
81 wish that you were not obliged to go
away. Couldn't anything bo managed for
your
She shook her head sadly. NO" she
said 81 tried everything 1 oould"-and here
a sob would come-''but nobody seemed to
want me.
IL want you :" Mr.. Binney was stam-
mering out his words excitedly. "Miss
Bright, can you-will you stay for me ?
Could you consent to become Mrs Binney ?"
Mrs Binney !-P'-everything seemed
to swim around her-"but, Mr.. Binney, such
an idea never occurred to me-"
81 am very sure of that, my dear" +" he said
earnestly, land it has taken some time tn
come to me, or I should have made the offer
long ago however, better late than nevor--
that is if you will accept me-"
"Oh, but think it is 80 good OF you-and
you feel sure that l can mako You happy.
What will the Brendons and Sally say ?"
''Say that am more lucky than deserve
to be for not asking you before. Now un.
derstand why l wouldn't consent to your be-
coming my housekoeperi was wanting you
for my wife, you know"
Miss Bright held up her hands in dismay.
"Oh, my!" she cried, ''there's the train
off-gone, declare!"
"What of that, if it is? Another will soon
follow, and while We are waiting for it We
can arrange our plans and fix the day"
And il any one wishes to know how il all
ended, can satisfy their curiosity by tell
ing them that a more happy, CHEEKY couple
never were seen than the present Mr.. and
ninnay Tom 31Ia