Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1886-02-25

enough. if she would sober down little"
And the two elderly ladies went in, with
their bowl of sparkli 9 currants, leaving
their unsern auditor still sitting among the
cherry boughs, with her bright, brown curls
all blown about, and the scarlet velvet Of
her lips deeper and rudd er than ever.
Dear me- thought Daisy, there's =
revelatioul Our Cybele in love-I didn't
know women who wore spectacles ever did
fall in love; and Mr. Vining male CO.
qu-tte-wel, never should have thought
that of Mr.. Vining. | really think, ss
mamma says, some one ought to speak to
him. I've great mind to speak to him
myself"
Aud fired with the ardor of her new plan,
Daisy slid down from her perch in the cher
ry tree, to the great astonishment of her
friends, the robins, and ran into the house.
" | won't stop to consult mother or aunty,"
thought ager Daisy; for | know they'd
think | ought not to speak, just because |
am only sixteen years old"
So Miss Daisy stole like white mouse
along the hall, and tapped softly at Mr..
Winnings study-door
Come in" called out the clear sonorous
voice of the young clergyman.
Not until our Daisy was fairly in the room
did she fully realize the awkwardness of her
position. Then with the roses mautling on
her cheek and her head hung down. she
stood pretty picture of maidenly confu-
sion.
"M-lIiss Daisy" said Mr.. Vining ALB
stractedly, glancin. up from his paper. and
Frightening vishly when he saw who it was,
Il am happy to see such little sunbeam in
my gloomy old study. Sit down"
mo, sir, | can't stay" said Daisy, taking
courage IL only came to speak to you, sir
about being married"
About being married - echoed Mr.. Vim
/ ing in genuine astonishment.
YES, sir, went on Daisy, twisting her
fingers together "ihe people in the parish
think you could do much more good if you
were married"
so might" assented the minister, mu-
sngly Il have thought Of that myself"
"Oh, then you have thought Of it, sir F"
cr I'd Daisy dclightedy. IL am so glad"
"Dlisy, have been here long time"
Yes, sir; know you have"
should you be sorry to have me 60
away"
Daisy lifted her eyes with Il roguish spar
kle beneath her curling brown lashes.
You need not go away, sir that is, if"
IF what, Dlisy?"
Mother said this morning she would DO
very proud to be the ministers mother-in-
law"
Mr. Vining looked a little surprised but
not at all displeased, as Daisy stood de-
murely before him with her rOseate cheeks
and disheyeled curls.
did she really say 50, Daisy"
IL heard her say So"
"To you?"
No, not to me, sir"
Daisy, would you like IL"
"Oh, sir, should be delighted - cried
d ,isy. clapping her hands gleefully.
"a ministers wife has many trials TO bear
with, Daisy"
"Oh, yes, SIR but if she loves her hus.
band"
"Do you think my little wife would love
her hu>band?'
How strange it was to think Of Cybele a.
a little wifep Daisy thought love must
cast a glamour on the young ministers eyes I;
Dut she answered nevertheless:
81 am sure of it sir Cybele is SO sensible
and 50 learned"
ayes, | know" answered Mr. Vining,
with something Of puzzled eTpression on
III, face. "lliss Cybele is a very worthy per-
son. and shall be very happy to bs con-
.cted, however distantly, with her."
Daisy stared until her blue eyes were like
n wly-opened blue-bels What on earth
d the minister mean?
Mr. Viniog, however, appeared TO be very
clear on the subject Of his intentions.
lie took DAisy's hand in bis and drew her
toward him with carcssing genteness that
the young girl felt to be very pleasant.
But you, Daisy, my dear little wild-ho".
er, when you are my wife"
Il echoed Daisy, suddenly becoming a.
red IL her own pink neck-ribbOn. IL your
wife, Mr.. Vining?7
"Who eIse?' demanded the young minis
Ter with a puzzled countenance. 81 have
,een in love with you for the past three
months, my Daisy. Nay, DO not try 80
trembingy to escape from me! Surely
surely am not 80 disagreeable to you as
lhat?"
Mo-" hesitated Daisy, "it isn't that
BIT though, it was Cybele."
Mr.. Vining Iau he'd.
81 respect Miss Cybele very sincerely, but
should just a. 50 n think Of marrying my
ireek dictionary."
But am such silly little goose, and |
im only sixteen, and mamma and Cybele
IRE always scolding M" I"
But" mimickrd Mr. Vining with play
ul iondnes-, they Will not scold the min
/ ...,g.f aud eIafl pever let the NJ N IA