The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1884-10-09
UNDER DIFFICULTIES.

y
''Of course l do, Frank. Do you
think L would joke about such sub
iect?" replied pretty Grace Ramsey to
her affianced husband, as she nestled
her sunny little head on his broad
shoulders one bright March evening, as
the dying sun glinted through the cosy
drawing-room, casting a golden glory
upon the pictures, carpet, and crimson
curtains. as if trying to outvie the
cheerful fire that blazed in the highly
polished CRATE.
II could not refuse you anything, my
sweet Grace" he said tenderly, as he
pressed her dewy lips; ''but l would
much rather you had asked me any
thing in the world than this"
"Why. Frank?" she returned, look
ing up into his handsome face with one
of her bewitching smiles, that always
finished any argument in her favor.
''Well, you see, to spend ones hon.
eymoon in q now house, and at this
treacherous time of year, might not be
so comfortable, my pet, as q well-ap-
pointed hotel in the South of France or
Italy" he urged deprecatingly, feeling
the ground slipping fast away from
him with her bright eyes looking shyly
into his, her sweet face in close prox-
unity to his moustache.
''But it is my great wish; and l will
obey you in everything after we are
married. you know, like dutiful little
wife" sho said playfully.
What put this notion in your little
headP"
.'Grandmamma; and you must agree
that she is clever. Now you sit down
here, and | will take my old place on
this STOOL" as she ensconed herself at
his feet coaxingly.
80 grandma has put this notion in
to your mind?"
Eyes; she said that when she was
married grandpa took her straight
from the church to their new home, and
they were as happy as birds"
But what time of year might that
happy event have taken place?" he
asked mischievously.
July. / believe" Grace said de-
murely. What matters the time?
Surely it could make no difference"
THAT is just what does. March and
July, little sweetheart, are very differ
ent in our changeable climate; besides,
| fancy little bird whispered to me
that their home was fine old mansion
that had welcomed several brides,
whereas ours is n newly-built modern
villa, that should be well-aired before
we take possession"
80 it is, she persisted. "Jane and
grandma were there all last week, and
the fires are blazing beautifully from
morning till night. Come, say 'yes';"
and her soft white arms were round his
neck, and pair of tempting lips placed
dangerously near to his; and Grace, as
usual. gained her point, but she had to
pay her lover the penalty of q score OF
kisses.
This is delightful, darling usband, "
whispered Grace, as they drove to their
new home at Clapham, after the we'd
ding-breakfast. Il shall be such a
happy little wifey-commencing life in
our o IN dear home; it must be better
than those big, cold-looking hotels,
with staring walters and pert chamber
maids"
$50 long as my sweet wife is happy,
am content" he said tenderly; .'but
there Is nasty east wind to-day" this
as he folded her furs around her with q
lovers s anxious care. 81 hope every
thing is ready for u.s."
''Oh, you need not be uneasy; / feel
sure Jane will attend to everything; she
is a perfect paragon.
"Here we are at last! Welcome, dar-
ling wife, to your homer he said as he
led her up the flight of steps where old
Jane stood with two maid-servants to
receive their young mistress.
81 wonder why Jane looks so anx-
ious," thought Grace; Il hope every
thing is all right. Oh dear! what should
do if there was anything gone wrongp
Frank would never cease teasing me-
Where are the stair-carpets. JaneP" she
whispered. when they were in the draw
ing-room. 81 thought everything was
straight"
so it was, but the drafted cistern
took to leaking this morning, and be-
ing Easter-time no man can be got for
love or money. | never saw such q
gingerbread house as this in all my
born days3 she said gloomily.
Cant you manage to put them
down, so that Frank won't notice it?"
the poor little bride faltered.
Put them down to be spoilt! Why.
they are already wet through in some
places; but here comes the master" as
she hustled out of the room.
This certainly looks cosy and home
like" said Frank Wharton as he clasp-
ed his bride in loving embrace, and
seated her in an easy-chair by the fire;
but what is the matter with that wallP
Why. believe it's damp. the paper is
perfectly wet and peeling of. must
see the fellow who papered it; such O
room cannot be tit for my little wifey."
''Oh, that is nothing, Frank; it is Of
ten like that in new houses, believe"
she said timidly.
II must insist that you don't stay
another moment" ringing the bell