The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1885-07-02

LtiN q iNNtltlAiOn- AAANA -
in love! l didn't know women who
wore spectacles ever did fall in love-
And Mr.. Leroy a male coquette
Well, never should have thought
that of Mr. Leroy. l really think,
as mamma says, some one ought to
speak to him myselfr' and, fred
with the arder of her new plan, Bes-
sic slid nimbly down from her
perch in the cherry tree, to the
great astonishment of her friends,
the robins, and ran into the house.
Il won't stop to consult mother
or aunty," thought eager Bessie,
''for | know they'd think l ought
not to speak, just because IR only
sixteen years old"
So Miss Bessie was like a white
mouse along the hall and tapped
softly at Mr. LerOy's study door.
''Come in called out the clear,
sonOrOus voice of the young clergy
man.
Not until our Bessie was fairly in
the room did she fully realize the
awkwardness OF her position. Then,
with the roses mantling on her
check, and her head hung down,
she stood pretty picture of maid
en- confusion.
"M-Miss Bessie" said Mr.. Le-
roy, abstractedly, glancing up from
his paper, and Frightening visibly
when he saw who it was, 81 am
happy to see such little sunbeam
in my gloomy old study room. Sit
down"
mo, sir, 1 can't stay" said Bes-
sic, taking courage. 81 only came
to speak to You, sir about-about
being married"
''About being married" echoed
Mr.. Leroy, in genuine astonish-
ment.
eyes sir" went on Bessie, twist
ing her fingers together; "the peo-
pie in the parish think you could
do so much more good if you were
married"
$50 1 might" assented the min
lister, musingly. Il have thought of
that myself"
''Oh! then you have thought Of
it, SIR" cried Bessie delightedly. Il
am so glad"
"Bessie, have been here a long
time"
Yes, sir; l know you have"
"Should you be sorry to have me
go away?'
Bessie lifted her eyes with a
roguish sparkle beneath their curl
ing brown lashes.
"You need not go away, sir; that
Is, if"
'If what, Bessie?'
Mother said this morn she
would be very proud to be the min
ister's mOther-in-law."
Mr.. Leroy looked a little surpris-
ed, but not at all displeased, as
Bessie stood demurely before him
with her roseate cheeks and dishev-
eled curls, like a school girl on her
bad behavior.
did she really say SO, Bessie?'
Il heard her say so"
ITO your
mo, not to me, sir"
''Bessie, would you like it?''
ooh, sir, 1 should be delightedw
cried Bessie, clapping her hands
"a minister's wife has many trials
to deal with, Bessie"
ooh, yes, sir; but if she loves her
husband"
s'Do you think my wife would |
love her husband?'
How strange it was to think of
Minerva as "wifep Bessie |
thought love must have cast a gla-
mOur on the young minister's eyes;
but she answered nevertheless.
II am sure of it, sir. Minerva is
so sensible and learned"
Yes, l know" answered Mr.. Le-
roy, with something of a puzzled |
expression in his face. "Miss Mi
nerva Is a very worthy person, in
deed, 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 the minister
mean?
Mr.. Leroy, however, appeared to
be very clear on the subject of his
intentions" He took Bessie's
hand in his and drew her toward |
him with a caressing gentleness
that the young girl appeared to be
very pleasant.
':But you, Bessie, my dear little
wild flower, when you are my wife
-
"Ir' echoed Bessie, suddenly be
coming as rosy as her own pink
neck ribbon. 81 your wife, Mr..
LerOy?"
"Why else2" demanded the young
with puzzled coppten-
ance. 81 have been in love with
you for the last six months, my
Bessie. Nay, do not try so tremb-
Iingly to escape from me? Surely
surely 1 am not so disagreeable
to you rs that"
"N-no," hesitated Bessie, "it
isn't that-but 1 thought it was
Minerva"
Mr.. Leroy laughed,
81 respect Miss Minerva very
sincerely; but should just as soon
think of marrying my Greek die
tionary."
"But I am such & silly little |
goose, and am only sixteen, and |
mamma and Minerva are always
men'
But" mimicked Mr.. Leroy, with |
playful fondness, "they will not
scOld the minister's wife! And l |
shall never let the winds of heaven
blow too roughly on my little flow
er."
81 can't believe it" said Bessie,
energetically.
But you love me, Bessie, do
you notY''