Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-11-01
Roxanna; ana / wouIanr De mnaer-

bars opposite his own gate, and at the
gate, his forefeet deep in hollow paw
ed by their Impotence, stood Mr..
Kirby's gay sorrel.
At the spectacle Mr.. PERKINS, heart
bounded within him, and he clutched
the topmost rail for support. Should he
lead the forgotten horse away to the
stable, or should he by so doing appear
to take too much for granted? He de-
sired to be hospitable. he desired to be
exceedingly hospitable, but he must not
convey the impression that he was over
jealous for brother-in-law, and thus
annoy Roxanna. Sister was so fastidi-
Gus!
In unprecedented excitement the
habitually easy-going man debated
within himself regarding the course of
conduct BETTING this exceptional occa-
sion, and finally judged it best to inter
fere with the probable wooing in no
particular. Accordingly he crept quiet
ly around to the porch door, with sur
reptitious glance at the sitting-room
window in passing. A brisk fire of
chips revealed to him his rather prim
blonde sister seated in low rocker be-
fore the hearth and Joel Kirby leaning
against the mantel near her, volubly
discoursing.
They've opened the ball without me,
fguess," unused the skulking host, face
tiously, as he hitched his chair along to
the kitchen stove to warm his feet in
the oven. Seeing that it's the first
visit, must say Joel stays it out WELL
Unquestionably he means business
What's to prevent? He's tirst-rate
fellow, and he'll make kind husband.
If | wasn't sure of that | wouldn't con.
sent to his having Roxanna / should
hate to have him take her out to Cali
fornia. hope it's true that he has
bought back the old homestead. Well,
we'll, wouldn't like to be little mouse
IN the sitting-room wall about this
timer"
Could he have had his wish, most
astounded little mouse would the worthy
man have personated.
you are the most morbidly conscien-
tious person, Roxy, that know of, " Mr..
Kirby was saying, with frown that
scored his forehead with horizontal
wrinkles like the staff in written music
eff | could only convince you that it
was your duty to be my wife, | should
stand some chance of getting you; but.
unluckily for me. you've cherished this
notion that you ought to keep house for
your brother till you"
Brother needs me, murmured Miss
Roxanna tears swelling in her eyes of
"baby blue"
And don't need you? Haven't
some rights? During your stricken sis
ter's illness | consented to waive these,
but now sine is gone. and | want you"
Don't Joel, don'tr'
Il tell you do, and can't help it"
cried Mr.. Kirby with grim humor.
when couldn't move you by letter l
resolved I'd come and speak for myself
You used to say you loved me, Roxy.
Can't vou--"
You know plenty of other ladies,
Joel. younger and more pleasing falt-
cred Miss Roxanna, nervously smooth
ing the pale gliding of hair that framed
her temples in Gothic arch
They are nothing to me-" replied
the gentleman, curly, almost as if he
esteemed the fact q matter of regret.
Assured Of the favor of more than one
pretty girl of his acquaintance, was it
not little hard that the full current of
his being must needs set toward this
unresponsive woman of so? 1t had
been ever thus with Joel Kirby from his
perverse childhood. when, if he wanted
cake, no human power could induce
him to nibble gingerbread.
No, Roxy, there's only one woman
in the world for me-" he continued in
softer tone. Your brother is of
different temperament. Has it never
occurred to you that he may marry
second timer"
Brother marryi o, no. indeed, he'll
never marry-neUer" cried Miss Rox-
anna, rooted and grounded in the belief
that her brothers heart was entombed
with the dead Climena. NO he could
not take another wife. Joel, and you see
he has only me, | couldn't be so cruel
as to leave him."
To all Mr.. Kirby's subsequent plead
ings she made this same reply, but it
soothed his chatting spirit not little
that she made it with faltering, and
that she parted from himself with tears.
As the sound of his rapid wheels died
in the distance she hastily dried her
eyes and hurried into the kitchen to see
about the belated supper. Mr.. Perrin,
still gloating over castles in Spain, look
ed up with the roguish purpose of greet
ing her as "Mrs. Kirby" but, dismayed
at her troubled countenance. remarked
instead that 1.-THE days were getting
shorter'-a fact that she had observed
before.
He felt as If he had received a blow.
For him there was, there could be, but
one Interpretation of his sisters I'M
wonted emotion. She loved Kirby, and
Kirby no longer cared for her. Poor