West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1886-01-15

past.
Deacon Folgrovc was the first to az
riye--a hard-handcd, hard-headed old
man, with complexion OF leather and
the kocne>t of twinkling black eyes
Il got a letter from YOU, Miss Whit
man. said he. Il s'posc YOU want TO
consult me on business.
LA, deacon, what very strange
ideav' said Miss Whitman, with a
gigglc. "No. indeed. j only wish 10
promote sociability during this festive
season
Well, then. guess Id better be
goiu' said the deacon. II hain't no
time for no SiCh foolery.'
Don't DC i'm a hurry, deacon" said
Miss Whitman. II do wish 20 consult
YOU.
About what?" said the deacon.
shoulders and purple arms Of the lady.
Would YOU advise me. dear deacon.
TO commit my future into the hands of
anothor?'
"Eh?" said the deacon, chad an
ohcr?'
Yes" said Miss Whitman, driven
by his directncss to AN absolute lie.
Then, if / was YOU" said the
deacon. I'D accept it, Cause it amt
likely you II have many of en-"
Miss Whitman colorcd under all the
rice powder
But, deacon, she stammercd. what
if i don't love the man? What if | love
another who-'
Then don't accept him." said the
deacon. But" suddenly becoming
electrically aware Of his danger ms Miss
Naleria moved her chair q little closer
to his, my horse is gcttin drcodfully
Uneasy outside. guess III be going
No, thank you as Miss Whitman took
up the plate of cake; II don't never
eat nothin except at my reg lar meals
Good morningr
And thus the deacon escaped.
Squire Hart was the next to put in
appearances heavy somber gentle
man, who was slightly deaf. and who
sat solidly down in the big chair.
"Ah, Squire simpered Valera,
there is sort of fitness in your call
ing here, isn't there?"
"Ma'am,' said the Squire, and the
sentence had to be repeated one degree
louder.
"Oh, yesm said the Squire. YES.
exactly. / understand. But why?"
Because we are both so solitary"
smiled Miss Whitman.
The Squire put his hand back of his
ear.
Would you repeat it little loud
er3'' said he. "Oh, solitary! Yesr
If he should marry me-" thought
Miss Whitman, 1.-the very first thing /
shall insist upon will be an ear trum-
pet
docs your soul ever sigh for con-
genial companiOnshipP said she, IN
high falsetto. mine does!"
The Squire's heavy face lightened a
little.
Miss Whitman" said he, with an
unctuous chuckle, may confdc in
you?'
Miss Whitmans heart gave an up
ward leap.
Certainly she answered
We'll, then said the Squire, "Im
going TO hev congenial companionship
arter the first of next month. I'm go
ing to be married to Cornelia Cooper"
OH said Miss Whitman, feeling as
if some one had violently boxed her
ears. lin sure congratulate
YOU!
"Hey?" said the Squire, leaning for
ward
Il eon--gratu-late your bawled
Miss Whitman
No cake for me, said the Squire.
I'm little troubled with dvspepsy.
But COrnelia's smart, stirring girl.
and home like mine needs a mistress.
SO I've concluded TO get married, and
I'm very glad you approve of my idea. "
And the Squire departed, chuckling
all the way to the front gate.
II never saw such a deaf old fool i'm
my life, cried Miss Valeria, aloud.
"Eh, what's that noise? Ii it's the cat
jumping at my canary again--but it
sounded Ii Ike some one laughing, and
cats don laugh. Who's that? Philo
Lusk, / declare. Wen, he's likely
young fellow-not as rich as Squire
Hart, may be, but-Oh, come in. Mr..
Lusk' come in! l am so glad to see
you Lovely day, isn't it? DO have a
little cake-or just drop of my own
currant wine.
Philo Lusk sat down with his hat in
his lap.
81 received your card. Miss valeria. Z"
said he. land | am here in response to
it,
80 kind Of you," said Miss Whit
man, with a smile which even the tabled
Cats of Cheshire could not excel, al
though they are reported 70 be good at
smiling
To tell the truth" said honest
Philo, Il wanted little talk with you. g"
"Indeedr' said the lady. Wont
YOU come here and sit bv me on the
sOfy? It's more sociable like"
"Oh, yes, II you like" said Philo.
obeying her gesture Of invitation you
see, my mother is getting feeblcr every
day, and we feel the need Of some
younger person at the farm. And I
am eight and twenty now. and The place
Is in prime order and have money at
interest. so that I've pretty much made
mp my mind 10 marry.
Miss Valera let the pulled and frizzed
head fall on bis shoulder
" Dearest PhilOl' she exclaimed.
Yes exactly" said Philo Lusk.
moving as far away a. the arm Of the
sofa would allow $50. IL YOU thought
That your niece Bella would have me -"
Ny niece Bella" ga,pcd the elder
LADY, the immOvablc bloom never fall
t"rIug on her face. although her heart
beat wildly and her lips blauched
Yes. said PhilO 81 hopcI 10
have seen her here to-day
Mo- said Miss Valcria. sharply.
'She has gone away and n she hadn't
She WCuIdu accent yguf'