Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-12-12

Really" she Simpered, "you are posi-
lively dreadful. wouldn't have believed
it of you"'
She paused to give him an opportunity
Of adding something more, but Mr.. Sharp
erson had already exceeded the ordinary
limits of his habitual reticence, and 10y Il
not unnatural recoil was now more silent
than ever.
Il shall SOON begin TO look out for for
tune hunters" remarked Mrs, Widgin,
archly. q hope you'll protect me from
them when they come"
Mr.. Sharperson's looks expressed such
entire willingness TO undertake the de-
fcnse of his fair client that he evidently
did not feel it necessary to put i! into
words.
81 don't know" pursued the widow,
gazing abstractcdly into the fire, "but
shall have TO look about for somebody TO
take care of me. What do you say, Nr.
Sharperson?"
"IY"
"Certainly; you. You know my busi-
ness affairs perfectly, and can advise ME
better than anybody | can think of. Now,
to be perfectly frank, what say you to my
being married again."
"NOthing."
ooh, you think | ought not to talk so
plainly about il. Well, very likely not,
but you'll ut least allow that there might
be circumstances which would make II
best for me TO marry again:"
"Ycs."
"I've been widow five years, and if
the right man turned UP"
She paused with the secret desire TO
shake the gentleman opposite, TO see if by
that operation his taciturn tongue might
not be loosencd.
off" echoed lie significantly, as she
paused,
"Why, of course" she retortcd, "you
will allow that there must be right man
somewhere, If one could find hiiu."
eyes"
"And, perhaps" continued she, n mis-
chievous smile revealing to the lawyers
eyes quite new dimple, hitherto wholly
unsuSpectcd, in her cheek, "and perhaps
you would even let me come to you for
legal advice in my choice, If paid wcll!"
''Certainly."
"Wcll, then, advise" cried the widow
desperately.
She had been perfectly sure for two or
three months that Mr.. Sharpcrson was
longing TO propose 10 her could he but get
the words over his tongue, and she had
said to herself that this afternoon he should
do it if feminine wit could devise way.
Anything short Of deliberately proposing
herself she was prepared to do, and she
began now to fear lest she should be
forced to even that extreme measure.
Now when everything had been so ad-
mirably worked up to a speaking point
for him, instead Of uttering the decisive
word the lawyer only smiled and was
silent. To tell the truth he was rs eager
to get the important q uestion asked as was
the widow, could he but overcome his
natural laconic habit anl the bashfulness
which just now exaggerated 1t. Mrs.
Widgin's mouth set itself triile more
firmly than before.
"That is always the way If one really
wants advice. II didn't you d probably
be ready enough to give it," This was so
obviously absurd that they both smiled,
and both, pretending to move near tie
fire, moved their chairs a little nearer to-
gether.
81 see," Mrs. widgin said, with an air
OF mock despair, 81 shall have to make it
catechsm. Do you think had better
get married; yes or no?"
EYES" lie replied, with a significant
smile.
"ITave you any idea where had better
look for a husbanG:"
"Yes."
"Good! Now we are getting on.
Where is it?''
"Here."
"Here in Westerly? Oh. very well,
Mr.. Shsrperson, but who IS there in Wes-
terly for me to marry! / assure you |
wouldn't think of Mr. Snithcrs, with his
i've small children; never could endure
Mr.. Green, the tailor; Pm sure you don't
mean me to marry Mr.. Church, the BUTCH
er; and Mr.. Stinchicld is too odious for
anything. You see, don't you, that l
can't marry any Of tiIcm!"
eyes"
swell, who else is there?"
"Me."
"YOui"
"Me.n
1t was done at last. and if the iawrcr
could Tut have so FAR conquered the habit
Of half century Of bashfulness as TO fol-
low up his advantage, everything would
have gone on swimmiugIy.
He was, however, almost supplied by
his own temcrity, and while the widow
on her side of the Fireplace cast her eyes
down coyly, believing. that now at least
he would take the initiative, Mr. Sharp
erson OIL his side none the less abased his
giahces out Of sheer bashfulness.
s'1Ieavensr' thought the widow, silly
accommodating out OF the corner OF her