The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1885-12-25

lngraham, indeed! We'll see!"
The doctor was caught and bind
fooled, and as soon as that was accom-
plished Ia ny walked ser nelly out and
81 wv ~" 'rantel, one white hand
neld out to the fire. Her eyes were cast
demurely down, and the next she knew
two strong hands caught and held her.
She struggled violently, d in the con-
fe to the floor. And Doctor Ingraham
found himself with one arm half around
slight, girlish form, his hand upon
mass of soft, dark hair. Such a dainty
creature! Her brown velveteen dress
suited her small white face perfectly. A
huge bunch of crimson roses fastened in
her belt gave color to her dress, and
matched i'll hue the curved mouth Her
hair and eyebrows were very dark; but
the large eyes, fringed by dark lashes,
were clearest gray
81 am t, kiss you, am l not?" he
asked, laughing. lis not that in the
game"
6 You kiss me if you dare, Noah!"
The same face took q saucy look, the
gray eyes flashed fire, and Ill this aspect
he could not help recogniz ng her.
Eighty"
She gave a sudden twist, amidst the
laughter that fol owed and walked de-
iberately away.
The do tor kept as near as possible to
her all the terno, n; her pert ways
were too fascinating for him to resist.
And then, at dark, he escorted her and
the children home and spent the even
ing there. When he babe her good
night he had made up his mind to win
her for his wife.
| One bright day, only three days be-
fore Christmas, the doctor, having spent
nearly two hours in selecting diamond
ring for which he knew Fanny was long
ing, repaired homeward and found the
saucy object of his meditations costly
drinking tea and eating buttered toast
Will us mOCn6T.
"Oh, doctor!" she cried as he en-
tered. e:he had not called him Parke
once since his return.) 81 ana so glad
to see you! can stay an hour longer,
and you will take me home won't be,
Aunt Evelyn"
ITO be sure I will, Parke answered
for himself. "And now, Fanny, will
you please give me some tea2''
Would like to, COZ, but laziness pre-
vents me. There is the cup directly UNI
der the spout, and at your elbow"
He helped himself silently.
The hour she stayed put him in misery.
and he was more glad than sorry when
she donned her wraps and started.
Fanny chatted necessarily for o time,
but at last Parke spoke.
Fanny, you will let me say q few
words" E.
1.-Two or three dozen. If you like" \
"But it IL something of the greatest
importance TO me. and"
Goodness. Noah, doE's brighten me ~
"Cant you Gail me PArke, Faanyf"
"Couldn't possibly. Make haste
with what You have to say. We are al
most home, and unless you want to tell
others that secret you must talk hlst"
"How can I talk fastl' he asked. dis
oonsolstely. Who ever heard of . girl
hurryiug proposal sO2 Fanny, I love
you aud want You for my wite."
Dead silence. broken only by hurried
breaths from Parke then Fanny's red
mouth curved scornfuiy. @
4"I am afraid you will get tired Of
wanting" she said slowly and bitterly;
then, struck by the panied look in his
eyes, she went ON. You do not really
need wife. Parke; and if you did. you
need not feel obliged to ask me. for
there are many girls who would be bet
ter wives than could be-"
but listen I love you, my dearest
CHOW, don't! Didn't we agree. three
years ago, never to believe such nom
sense2 It's all trash!"
"Flighty, you belong to mel" he
cried, thoroughly aroused by the saucy
defiance ON the small face. "Did you
not promise me that on Christmas Eve.
three years ago."
She laughed scornfully.