Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1886-03-06
What Bltlglt Her to Terms.

through the open doorway TO escape the
hot shower of berry juice, while poor pussy,
not so fortunate, was dancing dainty quick
step TO her own musical accompaniment
suddenly transformed by hot splashes Of
fruit mo semoIance OF her feline cousin,
the leopard. A young girl, flushed and
frantic, was struggling to remove the kettle
of boiling preserves, of which her brothers
strong hand quickly relieved her.
.Oh, john" she exclaimed. with a pant
ing breath, "Pm all audible, just like the
preserves"
Then, catching up the big gray cat, she
began brisKly rubbing its despatched fur.
when will this cOnfouDdeo mess be over,
Jennie2 For nearly three weeks we've been
pick led, canned and preserved, until every
thing seems to taste and smell OF spice,
sugar and vinegar. Aren't you afraid you
have undertaken too much while mothers
awayT'
mo. at all. I've been very particular to
follow my recipes. Mrs. Sadie Cooper has
given me some useful hints, and have lit
tie judgment Of my own. But you have
letter; when will mamma be home? Such
long visit! But what lot have done since
she went awayp
Yes" said John, dryly, glancing at the
floor where pussy now sat having her wounds
with an expression Of melancholy reproach
In her large, celestial-loOking eyes. then
reading from the letter in his hasd:
"Will reach the city at midnight Don't
fail TO meet me there"
"Why. that is tonight. Bless her heart,
she's coming at last! But, John, it's such
long drive! You will not get back until to-
unconventional we are expecting com
pany. you know, this evening""
ave are not expecting company, little sis
ter. don't think Tom Maxwell will notice
my absence. And will stop and get Mrs.
Cooper to come over and stay with you until
morning. Her husband won't mind keep
ing house one night alone; so make mea cup
Of tea, for must be off,"
"Oh, dear, wish could go, too! Tell
Sadie she must not fail to come. 1 won't
stay here without her."
John and Jennie Kerr were the only chill
dren Of widow owning and managing the
comfortable dairy farm upon which they
had been born. Mrs. Kerr had been visiting
an only sister, living in distant city, and
during her absence Jennie had made some
wonderful housekeeping experiences, with
view to entering an establishment OF her
own in the near future. But she loved her
happy home, was coy and willful, and per-
sisted In her refusal to name the wedding
day.
Her lover had grown impatient; TO night
was the anniversary of their betrothal, and
he had vowed to have it settled before their
engagement entered its second year.
Jennie had declared she would not be
badgeTed into anythlng-she would die first
and knowing her lover, she felt q strange
fOrebodiDg for tonight
John drove of In the old family carriage:
and by the time the uniidy kitchen was care
fully brought to rights, Mrs. Cooper arrived
with her baby and her matronly dignity, and
Jennie felt somewhat treasured.
She tied back her yellow curls with a blue
ribbon-the color Of her shy, dropping eyes
and met her lover, who appeared promptly
at eight, the curves OF her scarlet lips marked
by sharp line that indicated the firmness of |
her resolution.
Tom Maxwell played with the baby and
kept up light, running conversation, until
the little one becoming fretful, Mrs. Cooper.
in spite Of Jennie's remonstrances. made II
an excuse to retire.
But her absence did not alter his manner
in the least. He chatted away upon every
imaginable subject until the clock struck
eleven; then, stopping suddenly in the md. |
die OF some badinage, he said:
Jennie, il lacks just one hour OF midnight
You know my decision. When will YOU |
marry me?'
Utter silerce followed this question.
am waiting for your answer" be said.
at last
u shall not hinder you from waiting, "de-
elared Jennie, ring of war In her tones.
Il shall wait no longer than
Lh.re that will do. You need wait no
And here Jennie succeeded In feeling very
much abused, and after some sharp, bitter
wuIusIsns usual vocabulary OF lovers
quarrei-she aDgrily tore the engagement
ring from her finger, and haught:Iy dis.
missed the one who had dared to suegest
rights. ="
He offered to remain in the house until
morning, but she scorned his prolfered pro.
tsction. aud no could do nothing but leave
You viii be sorry for this, Jepuie.n
II WI call you back when get sorry"
Add bidding her goodnight, he was eoue.
Then,i and not TIL then, did she realize Il
all Her anger and pride gave way to a
sense o. loneliness and regret as she recalled /
every word OF the stormy interview. And a |
nerv M tcar almost paralysed her as she |
rose Remblingly 70 lock the door behind |
The ticking Of the clock sounded like the
5tr0k6e o. olackemith's anvil. A thrill of |
pcrod scross he door. Her little coid S Ssns
hod hardly reached the bolt, when-oh. hor.
Ior % h0fforsl--a deafening report Sounded |
|ouoWhere e the back OF the hOuse and
% loQGI paf1ly red IN tongue or limb. with |
Ella ehsleo Of terror. she bounded up the |
.0h, Sadie, Sadier' as another and an.
!(1or roport sounded, sscme one b shooting /
1IQQG0 >ho bock Windowp
yUp<o8 STROKES on the bedroom door /
|Eo1z<6 the sleeping mother and child.
n49 y tty On, what Is it?' exclaimed /
~ ~, - Jennie fell almost fainting
'slfe 1ring; Iistsn- there r. a still another
op1t 1QuuooQ through the house.
seree9ed sadie, s'itis-jtia Where
~ MAXWELL Call himy
= gooeP walled poor Jennie, wiring