Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-06-30

"Wonders will never cease. exclaineu
Caroline. II thought You hated nIM ~.
there, | think be would talk any over WIN
that sweet voice OF his. -,
Jessie thought so too, but sne dio S nUs
give vent to her opinion in words. pug
was looking unusually well, Color DC
came her. but it was not the rose nusn
upon her cheeks that made her look 80
lovely. There was change IN ner .o
night, and her sister was vaguely con
scious of it, as the girl stood looking
earnestly down into the glowing hre 10
the kitchen CRATE.
"Our Jessie is growing a regular
beauty" observed Caroline to her fatner'
when her sister had gone up to bed.
Handsome is as handsome does. re-
turned Mr.. May brick, putting away at MS
pipe.
Jessie's education had cost him no end
of money, while the more homely Caro-
line had put pounds in his pocket. But
Mr.. Maybrick had no eye for beauty. !
He was not like his lodger. who could get
very little sleep for thinking OF pair OF
bright eyes and slim girlish figure.
Next morning, as Mr.. Leith sat al
breakfast, he caught sight of Jessie talk
ing to stoutly-built, curly-headed young
fellow, and his heart gave a jealous throb.
Who was that rustic she seemed so IN
terested IMP He could not be her sweet
heart-surelv girl like Jessie would not
throw herself away on such an awkward
cub.
Mr.. Leith tried to read the newspaper,
and forget the happy looking couple In
the garden; but it was no use. There
they we're parading up and down in full
view of his window. and now and then
their voices were waited to him on the
breezes
He felt he could stand it no longer, and
slammed down the window in rage. What
was the use of coming to the country for
quiet. if people would persist in making
such a racket
He took his hat and went for walk
and when he returned home had the
pleasure of seeing that rustic. through the
kitchen window, dining with the family.
Mr.. Leith closed the door of his room,
but he could not shut out the sound of the
fellows noisy laughter.
''If he is a frequent guest. my stay here
will not be of very long DURATION" he
thought.
Presently, to- his intense annoyance. he
saw Jessie and the stranger out in the
garden again, aud after his own dinner
had been served, he heard Miss Caroline
calling them in to tea, and found that the
young mans name was Bob-detestable
name! Mr.. Leith had never felt more
miserable THAI he did that evening, and
his lille had not been devoid of trouble.
Mr. Leith was sitting in the dark. and
presently heard voices outside the door.
IL am sure he is out. child" said Caro-
line. The lamp is not lighted; you can
go in and play tor little while, and MFR.
Leith will never be a bit the WISER"
He did not hear Jessie reply-her voice
was not so loud; but the door opened and
she came into the room going straight
over to the piano.
Mr. Leith held his breath, lying back in
the arm chair, while Jessie played softly
in the darkness. He could see the dim
outline of her form as she sat at the piano
for what little light there was fell upon
her He was angry with her-most unrea
sonably angry-but he could not lose the
chance of speaking to her alone.
"Miss JESSIE" he said quietly.
Jessie gave faint scream. He has
frightened her so much that she trembled
like leaf. She was going to run out of
the room when his voice arrested her
movement.
81 shall be very sorry that | revealed
myself, if you are going to RIM away, he
continued. sit is not often that I have
the chance of hearing you playing, Miss
JESSIE
Jessie sat down at the piano, but she did
not play. Her little brown hands were
trembling too much. Mr. Leith rose, and
stood by her side
Il shall be going back to London soon,"
he said, land it will be pleasant to think
of these few moments spent with YOU at
the piano"
You are going away soon,'' faltered
Jessie, and something in her voice made
George Leith's heart beat more quickly
81 saw you and that young fellow to-
day." he said abruptly. "You seemed
very happy"
"Bob and are always like that" OBJ
served Jessie. her ewes beginning to spar
kle, and little smile quivering to her
sweet lips.
But George Leith could not the signs of
merriment.
81 hope you will always be-" he SAID.
May wish you every happiness P"
You may if you like" said Jessie with
an odd break in her voice; for she was
trying hard to smother her laughter.
"When is it to bep" asked Mr. Leith.
trying to speak lightly. but not succeeding
very well.
when is what to be?" asked Jessie
with a little gasp.
Your marriage. of course" returned
MIR. Leith, rather coldly, for he knew now
that she was laughing at him.
81 think YOU are putting the cart before
the horse" observed Jessie. demurely.
''What do'you mean?" he asked impati
emily.
81 mean" said Jessie suddenly grow
ing digniied, "that have no lover, so it
is rather premature to talk OF my mar
rage"
''Then that young manp" began MIR.
Leith.
ais the affianced husband of nv dearest
friend"
AS she uttered these words Jessie rose
from the piano to find herself clasped in
the arms OF her fathers ledger.
"And to think" said Miss MAVERICK af
terward, THAT you should make all that
fuss about Mr.. Leith coming here and
then marry him after ALL was never so
surprised in my life."
ut is the best thing that could have
happened to her." observed her father