The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1885-09-18
Ia noeu AoG go away, 81; tnAU Is,

IF what, Bessie ?"
Mother said this morning she would
be very proud to be the minister's
mother-in-law."
Mr.. Leroy looked little surprised,
but not at all displeased, as Bessie stood
demurely before him with her roseate
cheeks and disheveled curls, like
schoolgirl on her bad behavior.
did she really say SO, Bessie ?"
st heard her say So"
"To you?"
"No, not to me, sir"
"Bessie, would you like it? ?"
"Oh, sir, I should be delighted !"
cred Bessie, clapping her hands glee-
fully.
ga minister's wife has many trials to
deal with, Bessie"
"Oh, yes, sir; but if she loves her
husband"
do you think my little wife would
love her husband?"
How strange it was to think of Minerva
as "little wife!" Bessie thought love
must have cast glamour on the young
ministers eyes; but she answered never
theless.
81 am sure of it, sir Minerva is so
sensible and learned"
eyes, I know" answered Mr.. Leroy,
with something of a puzzled expression
in his face. "Miss Minerva is very
wor by person, indeed, and shall be
very happy to be connected, however
distantly with her.
Bessie stared until her blue eyes were
like newly opened bluebells. What on
earth did tbs minister mean?
Mr.. Leroy. however. appeared to be
cry Clear ON the subject OF his "lnten-
tons. He took Bessies hand in his
and drew her toward him with caress-
ing gentleness that the young girl felt to
be very pleasant.
but you, Bessie, my dear little wild
flower, when you are my wife"
"I! " echoed Bessie, suddenly becom-
ing as rosy as her own pink neck-ribbon.
81 your wife, Mr.. Leroy?"
"Who else?" demanded the young
minister, with puzzled countenance.
II have been in love with you for the
last three months, my Bessie. Nay, do
not try SO tremblingly to escape from
me! Surely-surely I am not SO dsa-
greeable to you as that!"
"N-no," hesitated Bessie, cit isn't
that-but I thought it was Minerva"
Mr.. Leroy laughed.
Prospect Miss Minervave very sincerely;
but I should just as soon think of marry
ing my Greek dictionary"
But L am such silly little goose, and
I am only sixteen, and mamma and
Minerva are always scolding mel"
But" mimicked Mr.. Leroy, with
playful fondness. "they will not scold
the minister's wife And shall never
let the winds of Heaven blow too roughly
on my little flower"
Il can't believe it, said Bessie, ener-
getically.
but you love me, Bessie, do you
not?"
II have never thought about it be-
fore, said Bessie, meditatively twisting
one of her curls around her finger; "but
I think do"
"Bessie! Bessie, child"
Half-an-hour had elapsed, and Mrs.
Elliott was calling loudly Tor the little
stray to come and set the table for
dinner.
81 never saw such child" sighed
the widow. always out of the way
when she's want. Oh here you are!
Where on earth have you been?'
''In Mr.. Leroys study, mamma"
"What were you doing there?"
"Talking to him, mamma, about his
marriage" answered Bessie mischiev-
ously.
els Mr.. Leroy going to be married ?"
eagerly demanded the widow.
"Yes, mamma
Mrs. Elliott elevated her eyes and
hands in unison.
"Bless my soul alive! Minerva, do
you hear that? And to whom"
"To me, mamma"
"Nonsense
"But it isn't nonsenEe, mamma, cried
Bessie, triumphantly, showing a little
gold ring with blue stone that Mr.. Lee
roy had placed ON the foretnger of her
left hand. "And we are to be married
in September next! Mamma Won will