The Osceola times., 1885-08-15

Jennie Archer, Of Essex, was an only
child. and, since her mothers death had
0een "the immediate jewel Of her IA
ther soul. She was two years older
than Jennie Archer, Of Butternuts, and
thereafter to distinguish them, we will
say Jennie ST. and Jennie jr.) was a
Wild, afiectionate creature, ready to en-.
ter with zest into anything that would
sford support. The plot suggested by
JENNIE sr. met her warmest approval.
and her own active brain concocted
another that promised additional amuse-
ment.
She was seated very demurely in the
parlor, when the door bell rang and Mr..
Blodget was ushered in. She arose and
made profound courtesy.
well. Miss Jennie, am glad to see
you looking so charmingly."
This was said in an insinuatinp tone.
and with precision, rs though the visitor
knew that wcll-timed Hattery would tell
on the susceptible heart of the one he
addressed. A dignified bow was the re-
ply.
81 fancied, Miss Jennie, that you
were not well or happy when saw YOU
last, and 1t gave me sympathetic pain"
You are over-sensitive. Ny general
health is good, and l am not troubled
with hypochondria.
"But there are real sorrows that bow
even self-sustained men," and the lover
gave a long sigh.
IL have never met them. don't
like gloomy topics"
Her answer was flirted out in a flip
pant, careless way. The wind was ad-
verse, and he tackled to new subject
MY Freddie and Annie wanted to
come and see you, but desired to have
you all to myself. Are you fond of
childrenp"
mo, l have no patience with them.
they are such bothers."
This was a great fib, but she did not
care to please. He veered his course
again.
MY dear young lady. won't you ia
vol me with some music? BE kind
enough to play Home. sweet home. !"
Il don't like those old.fashioned
things, Mr.. Blodget."
And she commenced rattling off some
gay opera tunes in most affected style.
She had an intuitive perception that
they would jar on his feelings. He evil
dent,y considered her volatile, and re-
garded her with uneasiness; but her
youth and beauty were attractive, and
he therefore again shifted sails and set
the tiller for another direction"
"Jennie, you have a fair hand" and
he gently touched the dainty digits
resting on the piano keys. Whoever
succeeds in obtaining it may account
himself happy. would be willing to
serve for it as Jacob did for Rachel
''lndeed, Mr.. Blodget, you are oppres-
sively familiar. 1t is positive rudeness
to employ so warm language on so short
an acquaintance.
''Short, Miss Archer? We have
known each other for years! Besides,
your father has sanctioned my addresses.
But my eyes have been opened, this
afternoon, to better knowledge of
your disposition, and have no longer a
desire to press matters further. Good
day."
She could scarcely retain her mirth,
but finally succeed for she saw through
the open door an advancing figure,
which she was sure must be Rodney
DAYTON. She settled herself among the
cushions. and commenced pouring over
the contents of newspaper, rs though
she heard no eager, resolute footstep
upon the graveled walk, now on the
doorstep, and now stopping by her very
side. Playfully Dayton pulled the paper
away, and, looking up, she encountered
par of darkly, radiant eyes.
Have you no welcome TO give me?"
he said, mo congratulations to offerp"
"Why should | congratulate you?
What made you surprise me with this
unexpected visit?"
you are like wet blanket with your
cool questions. Jennie, but you can t ex-
tinguish me. have come to tell you
that have been admitted to the bar"
Il am glad to hear it, Rodney"
"And have come to tell you that you
are dearer to me than sister or mother"
Are you sure of itP"
A doubling, teasing expression was
on Jennies face.
"Sure of it! Yes" was the impctu-
GUS answer.
He offered to make it more emphatic
by bestowing a caress.
Take carcl have thorns about
me-"
Il believe you have, for feel them in
my heart. You witch! you brierIose!
will you be my wife'"
IL must have some serious talk with
You first, sir"
"Quick. then, / am all attention.
"Do you expect that shall obey youP'
she asked, saucily.
81 can answer that question more cor
rectly in the future" "
81 am stubborn. and love my own
way"
80 am /, and so do L.
IL am selfish and eXacting."
IL know it.
81 shall require my husband TO tell
me at least twice year that he loves
me. He must kiss me every holiday.
"very well, agree to these terms.
81 am flashy, and shall now and then
have a fit of the sulks.
"Wellph
II shall scold."
"Well?'
IL shall sometimes burn the steak and
spoil the coffee. shan't always get
dinner at the regular hour"
Anything more"
Il shall he coward, and keep you
at home evenings"
"What elseP"
II shall need great deal of pin
money" .,
Anything more to tell?"