Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-11-20

ana more seenly: 70. 40 not IKE the In.
reference of the secular arm in what
should be II solely sue ed Office. Besides
that, there is even Il premium put on pub
LEFTY, rs Is right; i've shillings for the
one proclamation, but only half n crown
ii you have them proclaimed two follow
ing Sundays. Well, well, we mustn't
complain ] see sufficient reason. From
all can learn-and you were ever
truthteller, Ronald, in season and of out
season, ms well | mind-it seems to me
you are fulfilling the laws Of God. and
breaking none OF mans making so Just
you go TO the Register Of the parish and
give him the particulars, and deposit
half crown rs the worthy mans fee, and
then, eight days hence, you call on him
again, and he'll give you a certificate en-
titling you to be married in any house or
church in the kingdom of Scotland. And
II there's no other place handy. .ye're well
come to the room you're standing in at
this minute, though 1 would as lief have
the marriage take place anywhere else,
and that's tie truth, Ronald; for al
though can defend what little | have
done 10 my own conscience, Pm no sure
should like to stand against the clishma-
clavers of lot OF auld wives"
Where am to find the Registrar, An
drew he asked; he was little bewil
dered by the rapidity with which this
crisis seemed approaching.
81 suppose you've good Scotch tongue
In your head. and can ask for the loan of
a directory" was the laconic answer.
The Reverend Andrew had taken up the
photograph again, and was regarding it.
"An honest, sweet face as pretty Il lass
rs ever man was asked to work and
strive for and to win. Well, do not
wonder, Ronald, lad-with such prize
before you-But off you go now. for
must get to my work again and II you
come over and have a cup of tea in the af-
ternoon, between four and five, ] suppose
DuRald Mannering will be here. and
maybe YEN be the best hand to explain
the whole situation of affairs"
And so Ronald left. to seek out the Reg
istrar; and as he went away through the
b sy and sunlit streets, he was asking
himself it there was not one of all those
people who could guess the secret that he
carried with him in his bosom. and that
kept his heart warm there.
The Rev. Dugald Mannering. rs it
turned out, was not nearly so eager and
enthusiastic as Ronald's brother had
prophesied for it behooves youthful
divine to maintain II serious and delibera-
tive Cuuntenance when weighty matters
are put before him for judgment. But
afterward. when the two young men were
together walking away home through the
dusky streets of Glasgow, the |. Il. minis
ter became much more frank and friendly
and communicative.
81 see your brothers position we'll
enough. Mr.. Strang," said he. can UNI
derstand his dilfidence and 1t is but
right that he shoald be anxious not to
OF talking. He is willing to let the cere-
mony take place in his house because you
are his brother. IL were you, | would
rather have it take place anywhere else
both as being fairer to him, and as being
more likely to insure secrecy, which you
To- it,ls
Ronald's face burned red; should he
have to ask Meenie to come to his humble
lodgings, with the wondering, and per
haps discontinued and suspicious landlady
rs sole on-looker.
well, now" the young preacher con
tinued, when come to Glasgow, there
are two old maiden aunts of mine who are
good enough TO put me up. They live or
Rose street, Garnet Hill, and they re very
kind old people. Now | shouldn't wonder
at all if they took it into their heads to be
friend the young lady on this OCCASION
mean il you Will allow me to mention the
circumstances to them; indeed, am sure
they would; probably they would be de
lighted; indeed. can imagine their expe
riencinR fearful 10y on finding this piece
OF romance .uddenly tumbling Into the
midst of their prim and methodical lives
The dear Old creatures!-I will answer FOL
them. will talk to them as soon as
get home now. And do you think yor
could persuade Miss Douglass to call or
them!'
Ronald hesitated.
IF they were to send her message
perhaps"
"When are you likely to see her,
"To morrow morning, at eleven h,
said, promptly.
Very well. will get one OF the old lade,
to write II little note to Miss Douglas; anc
| will post il to you tonight: and to-nOr
ah.. IA ina hrNt
her along and introduce yourself and he
will you' shall NE there, SO there Won
be any avkwardness; and | would no
hurry you, bat I've to get back to Airdrie
tomorrow afternoon. Is it q bargain
80 far rs | am concerned-yes, ant
babe his companion sood-by and wen
away home to his solitary lodgings.
But when, the next morning, in Ran
dolph Terrace-and after he had rapidly
told her all that had happer ed-he sug
gested that she should there and then g
along and call on the Misses Mannering
/ Meenie started back in kind of fright
and n flush of embarrassment overspreaC
her face. And why-why-he asked, il
wonder.
"Oh, Ronald" she said. glancing hur
riedly at her costume, "these-these ar
the first of your friends you have asked
me to go To see, and do you think coult
go like this|'
This meant that she had on plaiI
and serviceaDle ulster, Il smart little ha
with "A ptarnigan's wing on it. a pair o
not overnew gloves. and So forth. Ron
aid WAS amHZel. He considered tina
Meenie was always a wonder of neatnes
and symmetry, no matter how she wa'
attired. And to think that any one Nigh
find fault with her?
Besides. they're not my friends" h.
exclaimed. never saw them in my life.
They know who your brother is" sh
said. "Doyou think would give any on,
occasion to say was marrying a slattern
Just look"
She held out her hands; tte gloves wer
certainly worn
Take them of, and show them the pref
tiest shaped hands in Glasgow town" sail
he.
And my hair-I know it is all rough an,
untidy-isn't it, now'' she sand, feeling
about the rim OF her hat.
well. il is a little, - he confessed, "onl,
it's tax pyettier that way than any other.
Ronald" she pleaded "some othe
time-on Friday morning-will Frida.
morning doI'
"Oh, | know what you want" said he
"Nou want to 20 and get on your seal
skin coat and your velvet hat an,