Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1885-07-01

With an innocent smile, she began
a rapid pantomime with her berry
stained fingers, showing her well-filled
pail and pointing to the large, ripe
berries with childish pleasure.
"She is deaf, and a mute as well, "
added Hugh Denham in q pitying
tone, while he answered her in the
same silent language. "Don't make a
motion to tell her she is not welcome
here, Pete, and let her come as often
as she likes"
'"That's the way a pretty face will
make a fool of man." grumbled
Pete, as he walked away. "Now she
can trample my grass all down, all
| because of them baby curls like gold
threads, and pretty blue eyes. Deaf,
is she? Can't say nothin,' can't she !?
| b'lieve she's maxim it"
Wise Pete Dorman!
| Meanwhile Hugh Denham, reading
the sentences made by Lottie's fingers,
and watching Lotties mischievous
face, accompanied her to her aunt's
door, declining that astonished lady's
invitation to stop to dinner with the
laughing answer:
"No, thank you, Mrs. Jonesl Not
to-day. | haven't time; but [ hold
the invitation good. You will see
enough of me. And meanwhile, any
time that you want berries, you are
welcome to pick as many as you
wish.'
fWell, I never!" exclaimed the good
lady, looking first at his disappearing
figure and then at the pail of coveted
berries. "Now tell me just how it all
came about, Lottie Adams. Pm dread
full glad to get them berries. But how
did you get acquainted with Hugh
Denham?
'"There are your berries, and I'm to
go again whenever we want any"
cried the girl, as she danced around
| the kitchen.
And then, amid peals of ringing
laughter, she told the story of her adj
venture, and concluded, as she flung
herself upon the low stool at her aunt 8
feet and took her hands within her
own
"And now Aunt Sally, you must re-
member that l am a deaf mute. If
Hugh Denham calls here want you to
remember that particularly"
''Just as you say, child" answered
Mrs. Jones, as she wiped her eyes with
a corner OF her gingham apron before
INDUCING in another fit of laughter
'EThe idea of him taking you for a
dummy If he could hear you talk
sometimes Ooh, dear. It'll come
pretty hard on you to keep still
though, Lottie."
The sewing circle supper was per-
feet success, and the guests praised the
strawberry shortcake in way that
'caused Mrs. Jones face to beam with
complacent satisfaction.
can [ owe it all to you, child" she
said, when they had all gone. 81 never
| could have made it without them ber-
ries, an | did want to show Betsy
Smith that could make shortcake as
good as hers, anyway. | hope 'twan't
a sinful feeling, for she thinks she
knows little more'n anybody else.
The time was near at hand for Lot
ties return to her home
Hugh Denham had been a. constant
visitor at the Jones farmhouse, never
suspecting the deceit practiced upon
him, and each evening Lottie well
coined him with an added feeling of
guilt.
"Pity is akin to love-" and so Hugh
Denham found it. Compassionf for the
supposed unfortunate girl soon ripened
into a warmer feeling, and one night
he made Mrs. Jones happy by asking
if she thought he could win her niece
for his wife
Cant tell you nothin' bout it."
she said, excitedly. I'm bound by a
solemn promise, but you can ask her.
Lottie, Lottie! Mr.. Denham is here,
and wants We. You have my consent,
such as tits; an [ wish you success,
Mr.. Hugh. Don't be too hard on her,
poor dear she feels bad enough about
it now"
And she disappeared before Lottie
came down the stairs, leaving the
young man in maze of astonish-
men5.
Lovers VOWS are the same the
world over, whether whispered low in
eager, listening ears, or told by the
silent finger language of the deaf mute;
and Hugh Denham soon cherished
the hope that his affection was re-
turned.
She would give him no promise ex-
cept to write him his answer as soon
as she reached home.
With that he was forced to be con-
tent, and two days later he received a
delicate, scented envelope that con-
tanned touching confession, which
concluded thus:
"And now that I have told you all,
Mr.. Denham, if you can forgive the de-
ception which [ cannot excuse, you
may come and ask papa"
Need | tell you that he went, and
what mis- reception was? Or can you
imagine a vision of white satin and
orange t1OWersP