The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-01-06

pinned a bunch of chrysanthemums at
the left side, and pulled her newly
tinted hair in the most elaborate style.
II do declare" said Miss Val to her.
self, II don't look day over twenty"
And then she took up her position in
the parlOr, where bright fire blazed
on the neatly secured brass andirons,
and the smell of pancake and currant
wine was already perceptible, with a
piece of tatting in her hand. Fortu-
tunstely. the day was bright and clear;
the wcll-beaten snow now offered
every inducement to sleighing parties,
and the sunshine streamed in upon the
few geraniums and the monthly rose
in the window seat, as if cloud and
storm were altogether q thing OF the
past.
Deacon Folgrove was the first to ar
rive-a hard handed, hard-headed old
man, with a complexion of leather and
the keenest Of twinkling black eyes.
II got letter from you, Miss Whit
man." said he. II s'pose you want to
consult me on business"
LA, deacon, what very strange
ideal" said Miss Whitman, with a
giggle. mo, indeed. l only wish to
promote sociability during this festive
season." = III
"Well, then, I guess I'd better be
goin'," said the deacon. II hain't no
time for no SIGH foolery."
"Don't be in a hurry, Deacon" said
Miss Whitman. II do wish to consult
you" y
about whatp" said the deacon,
looking obviously at the chilled
shoulders and purple arms Of the lady.
"Marriager' said Miss Whitman.
"Would You advise me, dear deacon,
to commit my future into the hands of
anotherP"
"EhP" said the deacon, chad an
offer?"
Eyes," said Miss Whitman, driven
by his dircctness to an absolute lie.
"Then, If l was YOU" said the
deacon, "Id accept it. Cause it amt
likely you'll have many of EN-"
Miss Whitman colpred under all the
rice powder.
"But, deacon" she stammered, "what
if don't love the manP What if l love
another who" .
"Then don't accept him." said the
deacon. But" suddenly becoming
electrically aware of his danger as Miss
Valeria moved her chair little closer
to his, 'my horse 10 gettin' dreadfully
Uneasy outside. l guess ~ 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
appearance-a heavy somber gentle
man, who was slightly deaf, and who
sat solidly down in the big chair.
"Ah, SQUIRE" simpered Valeria.
"there is sort Of fitness in your call
ing here, isn't therep''
"Ma'am," said the Squire, and the
sentence had to be repeated one degree
l louder.
"Oh, yes!' said the Squire. eyes,
exactly. understand. But whyP"
because we are both so solitary
smiled Miss Whitman.
The Squire put his hand back of his
| ear.
"Would you repeat it little loud
crP" said he. "Oh, solitary! Yesr'
IF he should marry me-" thought
Miss Whitman, "the very first thing
shall insist upon will be an ear trum
pet"
"Does your soul ever sigh for con
genial companionshipp" said she, IN {
high falsetto. milne does!'
The Squire's heavy face lightened
little.
Miss Whitman" said he, with al
unctuous chuckle, "may / coniide il
your"
Miss Whitman's heart gave an up
ward leap.
Certainly" she answered.
"Well, chem" said the Squire, 'I'n
going to hev congenial companionshil
arter the first of next month. I'm go
ing to be married to Cornelia Cooper!
"Oh!" said Miss Whitman, feeling a
if some one had violently boxed he
ears. I-Tm sure l congratulate
you"
"HcyP" said the Squire, leaning for
ward.
II con-gratu-late you!" bawlet
Miss Whitman.
"No cake for me-" said the Squire
"Tm little troubled with dyspepsy
But Cornelia's smart, stirring girl
and home like mine needs a mistress
So I've concluded to get married, an,
I'm very glad you approve of my idea.
| And the Squire departed, chucklin,
all the way to the front gate.
II never saw such deaf old fool il
my life," cried Miss Valeria, aloud
"Eh, what's that noisea If it's the ca
jumping at my canary again-but
sounded like some one laughing, an
cats don't laugh. Who's thatP Phil
Lusk. 1 declare. Well, he's likel
young fellow-not as rich as SOUR
Hart, may be, but-oh, come in, MI
Lusk, come in! am so glad to Sc
you! Lovely day, isn't itP Do have
little cake-or just a drop of my ow
currant wine"
| Philo Lusk sat down with his hat il
his lap.
81 received your card, Miss Valeria,
said he, '.and am here in response t
it"
$50 kind of your said Miss Viii
man, with a smile which even the fable
"Cats of Cheshire" could not excel, a
though they are reported to be good &
smiling.
| 40 tell the truth" said homes
Philo, II wanted little talk with you.
"lndeed!" said the lady. "Won
you come here and sit by ME on tn
| S,fvS H. mora Soaio hlp ike "