Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-07-23
PEGGY.

L
porch where little Msrgsretts Percy stood,
with the sunshine making golden sheck-
er-Work about her floating white dress and
chesinut-broWn hair.
oh, you know that was always was my
accepted destiny" said Peggy, lightly.
"And now that all the gsyety and hustle
of Franks wedding are over, can't help
thinking that it will be 80 nice to settle
down into quiet, everyday life again"
Mr.. Merrymsn took snuff and looked
sharply at the little girl in the white dress
and cherry. colored ribbons. 1t could not
be true, then, what his wife had said obout
Peggys being fond Of Frank in her secret
heart. He --,ver suspected how Peggy
cried herself to sleep that night, nor how
heavy her heart was in her bosom for days
al d weeks.
For Peggy Percy had allowed herself to
fall in love, almost unconsciously with that
tall, handsome cousin of hers; and Frank
himself, having in his college vacations
nothing particular to do but to hirt and en-
Joy himself, and carried out that mission
with especial regard to his dsrk.eyed little
cousin. And then just as Peggy, in the
blithaome fiutteriDgs Of her secret heart, had
decided that Frank really did love her,
Helen lockwood came to visit her-Helen,
with her hsil like yellow floss, and great
blue eyes, and slender, willowy fgure;sn
Just three weeks aftaSsard Helen whispered
to Peggy, the faithful con6dsnte Of srcr
school days, that Frank had asked her t. be
his wife.
You'll be my bridesmaid, won't you,
dear?' said happy Helen.
oh, Of course l will, said Peggy, chok-
ing down a sob.
The years passed on. Old Mr.. Merry
man and his wife were laid down to their
eternal rest in the shady corner of the
church yard, and Frank came home from
foreign parts bronzed and bearded man,
with black weed about his hat and three
unruly children hanging around him.
You see, Peggy, said her cousin, Il
couldn't do anything with them after poo
Helen died. They need o mothers care,
and / knew could depend on you, Peggy.
1t would be different of course, ifyou were
married and settled, but, as you're only a
quiet, little old maid"
AYES exactly" interrupted Peggy. "You
must all come back to the old homestead. l
little thought when dear Uncle Merryman
left it to me how it would enfold you all
once again
"hs Just exactly like home" said he.
And it's such relief to have the small
fry cared for as you care for 'em, little
Peg. Do you know. / think it regular
dispensation Of Providence that you never
married
Peggy smiled and said nothing. Frank
was the same old Frank as ever; that was
evident enough. And how glad she was
that they were not all within the palace of
truth, and Frank Merryman could not know
how dearly she loved him still
But suddenly, one day, Frank Merryman
discovered that some one else appreciated
dear, sunny little Peggy as well as himself
1T seems to me, he said, that Judge
Rochester comes here q great deal"
do you think soY said unconscious Peg
gy. You know bis father was one Of Uncle
desrest friends, and he always
visited here more or less. It isn't disagree
able to you, is 70"
"No-no," hesitated Mr.. Msrryman, in a
tone that meant YES" "0nly, you see,
Peg, q man likes his home to be peaceful
and quiet when he comes back at night.
And even q pleasant fslloE ike Rochester
is apt to be de trop at times
But can't very well tell him to stay
away, Frank, can II
IL suppose there are other ways than one
by which a lady can signify to gentleman
that bis presence is disagreesble to her.
But 1t isn't dissgreesblo to me, said
Peggy, artlessly.
"Oh! said Frank. "AIl right then.
You're not offended, are you, Frank,
pleaded Peggy, as her quick ear recognized
an unusual discomfort in his voice.
"Offended2 No! Bless your heart no!
WHY should l be offended? We won't dis
cuss the matter any further" said Frank.
And Peggy was more bewildered than
ever.
That very afternoon Mr.. Merrymsn was
button-holed BY an ofhcious acquaintance
on the street, -,
81 suppose may congratulate you, Mer'
lyman, said the acquaintance, With SIM
per.
Upon what?
"Upon the approaching marriage of your
cousin, Miss Percy, to be sure"
Frank opened his eyes very wide
what on earth do you meanT said ne.
Miss Percy isn't going to be married.
Not to Judge Rochester,
mot to Judge Rochester, nor to any
other Judge"
Il think you are mistaken, Msrrymsn,
said the bore, with an indescribable air OF
impertinent ofieiousness. "An the world
knows that Miss Margaret Percy Is soon to
be msrried to Judge Rochester"
"Ihe deuce it doesl was Frank Merry
mans disturbed reioinder. "rl thank the
world to mindis own business.
"Why, what objection have you to the
mSichY inquired the bore
"Who said I had any petulantly de-
mAnded Merrymsn, IS be jerked himself
loose and strobe down the street.
Peggy engaged Peggy about to be mar
red Frank could hardly have felt more
deeply wounded and hurt had Peggy Percy
BEEN aetually his wife, instead Of his pa
tent, uncomplaining, smiling htde drndgss
actually rs vifel And Tkoss fault VAS !,
shtk scssY was not h;z Ti{s{