Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1886-05-29

AHSer, 20 Duluiy 10 MT. DolSou anu CA
PLAIN its posi- ion there.
She did, indeed, get as far as putting
il on, and gazing at it fondly and adj
miringly, and tearfully, from every con-
teivablc point of view; hut there her
courage failed her.
Dear old Uncle Dodson! how could
she dash his we'll meaning hopes to the
ground with a cruel word or twol He
was so far from strong, besides. Sud
den disappointments 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 a 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.
CHE is asleep" he remarked, after
timid pause.
Il 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 stiffly.
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 Wallpaper
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 cruelty unresponsive.
"May inquire what you think of it2"
said Mr.. Hobart, with face grown pale
with agoni2cd 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
fIl'y mistaken" she went on, more
mildly, indicating Mr.. Dodson. sit
can't possibly be..''
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. /"
She pau, ed in bewilderment. The face
of her listener had been suddenly trans
formed with unmistakable relief and JOY
He seized her hands warmly.
''Engaged9 Well, if we aren't in the
same boat! So am Il"
Anaie's severity vanished Her cold
gaze gave way to quick smile of sym
pathy.
care you, Mr.. Hobarta" she cried.
'I'm so glad!"
Don't call me Mr.. Hobart!" said the
young man, impetuously. "Call me
bud. Ever body calls me Dud."
Annie laughed; and then they sat
down again, in friendly way
II have only been engaged since this
morning." sad Annir, contidcntially.
''See; he s just sent the ring around. He's
the incest fellow in the world! You'll
think so when you see him."
Gle 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 gave Genevieve was some
thing like it, bud continued, briskly.
"Pretty name-Gencv:eve-i t it2"
every pretty" said Annie.
shes pretty girl, too!'' said bud,
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 triu1nphantly.
'Shc is pretty" said Annie, looking
down approvingly at the fair young face
in the picture
81 knew you'd think So" said bud,
looking gratified.
II have Howlrd's p cture in the album
down stairs sid Annie. 'Ill run down
d get it."
She trippod away softly, AID came hur-
rying back breathless, with the plush
covered book in her hand.
"He looks as though he had some
gct-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 guitily.
ITO tell the truth" sail the young
man, candid'y, I'D rather be shot"
My case exactly" Annie respop died.
"You see, sid bud, looking an xious,
'he means it all as favor, a ben fit to
us; and to 60 and knock all his plans
cndways in that style-I d just as lief he
let out of it for my part!'
&C. recisely 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 d bud, again.
But that was as far as it went.
A rustling sound from Mr.. Dodson's
arm chair rous, d them to a sudden sense
of his presence.
"Are you awake, Uncle Dodson2" said
Annie, getting up slowly to 60 to him,
Dud followinp