Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1884-12-18

me, when yon do need me, and then if
there isn't anybody younger and gayer
and better looking, and less impudent
than you-why, I'll consider it,"
''Did you say that truly, Flighty2"
asked Ella, quite awe struck.
.sHow dared you, FAM" murmured
Martie, taking her hand protectingly.
ooh, Pm quite safe, thank you, !"
laughed the young girl.
''But not really engageda" added Net
tie.
'sThe bellp' came from all at this
juncture, and rising, they repaired to
their apartments.
But they never forgot that talk around
the fire. or Fightys peculiar engage
ment to her grave cousin, DR.. Ingraham.
DR.. Ingraham was present when the
girls graduated, and presented Miss
Decker with the greatest wish of her
heart, tiny gold watch, in honor of the
occasion; then he and his gentle mother
went abroad for the sake of that mothers
health. Two years passed before they
returned AUNT Evelyn completely re-
stored) and went back to their own ele-
CANT home on Clinton avenue.
The "Ffve-umvirate was quite dis
solved now. Clarissa was part teacher,
part missionary, in the far West; Nettie
had married and become leader of
fashion; Ella, whose mother was dead,
was now the stately, handsome mistress
Of her fathers mansion; Fanny had been
bridesmaid successively to her three eld-
est sisters, and was now, to use her own
expression, nursery-maid, governess
and elder sister all in one," to the re-
naming six children. But Martie, dear
little Martie, died. That was the sad
dest of all, and grief made woman of
Fanny At first she could not be com
forted, but time accomplished at last
what it always will, and the girl became
her own light hearted self, but W man.
1t was little Harry Andrews birthday,
and Ella, always thoughtful of the chill
dren, prepared an afternoon party for
him, asking only two grown people,
Fanny, who came to oversee her brothers
and sisters, and DR.. Ingraham, without
whom, to Harry's notion,a party was no
worth having.
| When the doctor came Ella and Fanny
were standing together just outside a
heavy crimson portiere, and as Ella ad-
vanced to meet him she discovered that
her friend was gone. After a moment
| she said:
Fanny has disappeared; she was
here moment since. Of course you
want to see her."
"Yes,n the doctor replied slowly, 81
have not seen Fancy since l returned, for
when arrived my cousin was visiting in
Boston, and, as you know, did not get
home until yesterday
But you corresponded, and hat is
almost the same" added Ella.
"Oh, no! Mother and Unsle Decker
corresponded; that is all"
Miss Andrews elevated her handsome
eyebrows in surprise.
''You look astonished," laughed DR.
Ingraham. Have you heard that story
of my being engaged to Fanny? But it
was only joke Come, Miss Ella, those
merry children are playing blind mans
buff, and as we are at the party we must
play too Perhaps Fanny will reap
pear"
Much you care for Fannyl' muttered
low voice behind the portiere as they
moved off. "Only joke. Parke Ingra-
ham, indeed Well seel'
The doctor was caught and blind
! folded, and as soon as that was accom-
plished Fanny walked serenely out and
stood by the mantel, one white hand
/ held out to the fire. Her eyes were cast
demurely down, and the next she knew
two strong hands caught and held her.
She struggled violently, and in the con-
! test her kerchief became loosened and
fell to the floor. And Dr. Ingraham
found himself with one arm half around
slight, girlish form, his hand upon q
mass of soft dark hair Such dainty
creature Her brown velyeteen dress
suited her small white face perfectly. A
huge bunch of crimson roses fastened in
her belt gave color TO her dress, and
matched in hue the curved mouth. Her
hair and eyebrows were very dark, but
the large eyes, fringed with curling dark
lashes, we're clearest gray.
II am to kiss you, am not2" he asked
laughing s'Is not that in the game?n
"You kiss me, if you dare, Noahr'
The small face took saucy look, the
gray eyes flashed fire, and in that aspect
he could not help recognizing her
"Flightym
She gave sudden twist, amidst the
laughter that followed, and walked de
liberately away.
The doctor kept as near as possible to
her all the afternoon; her pert ways were
too fascinating for him to resist. And
then, at dark, he escorted her and the
children home and spent the evening there
When he bade her goodnight he had
made up his mind to win her for his
wife.
One bright day only three days before
Christmas, the doctor, having spent
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