Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1886-05-29
sight of her engagement ring; but that is
/ yhok

hHSeT, ~ Dtluiy W tE. Doisoh anu ga
PLAN its posi- ion there.
She did, indeed, get as far as putting
i. on, and gazing at it fondly and adj
miringly, and tearfully, from every con-
,eivable point of view; hut there her
courage failed her.
Dear old Uncle Dodson! how could
she dash his well-meaning hopes to the
ground with cruel word or twoa He
was so far from strong, besides. Sud
den disappointment always did him
harm.
She had dried her eyes, as these
despairing thoughts came over her, and
started mechanically for Mr.. Dodson's
room.
Mr.. Dodson sat facing the window, as
usual. His head was thrown back and
his eyes were closed.
Annie drew sigh of relief, he was
asleep
Dudley Hobart was sitting in back
corner OF the room, with newspaper in
his hand, and his feet disposed comfort
ably, if not gracefully, on a second chair.
He rose hastily as Annie entered.
Gle is asleep" he remarked, after a
timid pause.
81 had observed it." said Annie,
shortly, not deigning to look at the
speaker.
The young man looked confused. He
laid down his paper, and passed his hand
over his closely cropped head in a
troubled way, and finally offered her
char.
There seemed to be nothing else to do,
and Annie sat down stitf1y.
Mr.. Hobart took the other chair. If
Annie had glanced at him, she might
have seen that pleading look filled his
boyish face; but she looked coldly over
his head at the wall aper.
There was silence for several moments.
Then the young man, with - nervous
clutch of his chair back, and with visi-
bic effort, began, desperately:
"He said he had told you his--his
plan"
Anne was crue'ly unresponsive.
"May l inquire what you think of it2"
said Mr.. Hobart, with face grown pale
with agonized embarrassment.
Annie rose sharply.
words could not express what think
of it," she said, flashing an indignant
glance toward the young man. 1T is
absurd and abominable! He is dread
fully mistaken" she went on, more
mildly, indicating Mr.. Dodson. "It
can't possibly ben'
The occupant of the arm-chair moved
restlessly; he was waking up.
Annie lowered her voice as she went
on, severely:
81 am already engaged. L"
She pau cd in bewilderment. The face
of her listener had been suddenly trans
formed with unmistakable relief and Joy.
He seized her hands warmly.
"Engaged2 Well, if we aren't in the
same boat! So am II"
Anaie's severity vanished Her cold
gaze gave way to quick smile of sym
pathy.
care you, Mr. Hobarta" she cried.
'Im so gladm
Don't call me Mr.. Hobart!" said the
young man, impetuously. "Call me
bud. Everybody calls me Dud."
Annie laughed; and then they sat
down again, in friendly way.
81 have only BEEN engaged since this
morning." sad Annie, contidentially
"See he's just sent the ring around. He's
the incest fellow in the world! You'll
think SO when you see him."
"He ought to lie the happiest," said
bud, CALAMITY, taking her hand to ex-
anime the ring.
They had lowered their voices care
fully; further than that, Mr.. Dodson's
presence was ignored.
The ring l gave Gcnevieve was some
thing like it" bud continued, briskly.
"Pretty name-Genev.eve-i t it2"
every pretty" said Annie.
"She's a pretty girl, tool" said Dud,
warmly. II just wish you could know
her! She's only seventeen; but you
wouldn't think it. Here, I'll show YOU
her picture"
He took it out carefully from an inner
pocket, and held it out triuruphantly.
''She is pretty" said Annie, looking
down approvingly at the fair young face
in the picture.
81 knew you'd think So" said Dud,
looking gratified.
II have Howlrd's picture in the album
down stairs" sid Annie. GIL run down
d get it,"
She tripped away softly, aad came hur-
rying back breathless, with the plush
covered book in her hand.
"He looks as though he had some
get-up to him." was Dud's masculine
comment.
"Well, he has" said Annie, with a
proud smile. "Of course" she went on,
hesitatingly, I'VE must tell Uncle bod
son."
"Of coursc!" said bud, rather family.
Their eyes met; they smiled guihily.
ITO tell the truth" sail the young
man, candid,y, I'D rather be shot !"
MY case exactly" Annie respop ded.
"You see, said bud, looking anxious,
"he means it all as favor, a ben 1T to
us; and to go and knock all his plans
cndways in that style-I d Just as lief lie
let out of it for my part"
".rcciscly as feel" murinured Annie.
"What shall we do!'
''Dont ;sk me, sad bud. cntrcat-
ingly.
An uneasy pause, filled by helpless
contemplation of each other with
wrinklod brows.
"Of co use," we must tell him." Annie
repeated, irresolutely.
''Of course" 50 4 bud, a.a:n.
But that was as far as it went.
A rustling sound from Mr. Dodsons
arm chair rous, d them to a sudden sense
of his presence.
"Are You awake, Uncle Dodson?" said
Annie, getting up slowly to go to him,
Dud following