Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1886-03-03


pared for the worst, sailed forth, and
proceeded to No. Fir Street.
Now, must premise that the dwell
ers in that modest abode, though SO
Familiarity designated as "the twa
Jameson la,sses," were by no means
young and giddy creatures, likely to
lead the worthy Andrew M'Nab into
any cause unworthy of his name and
calling. They were women who had
long since come to years Of discretion
They were often described by their
acquaintance as superior" They
were the orphans of 8 military officer.
though of what rank does not appear,
and managed to subsist genteelly upon
very slender pension.
Miss Jameson and Miss Maggv Ann
Jameson by no means underestimate
their social status; they were quite
aware, too, that it had been said of
them that they might have long since
entered the state of ''matrimony" if
they had not looked too high. With
such a. reputation it was natural that
they should not lend too willing an ear
to q sutton.
But to return to M'Nab. Duly ar
rived at his destination, and being
ushered in, he asked to see Miss Ja-
mieson. That lady complying with
the request, ascribed to the eccentrici-
ty of her visitor the early hour at
which he had called, little imagining
the purport of his visit.
After a brief salutation, MNab, who
had not taken seat, but stood firm
lvy,Y 1,
OF one intent upon the speedy dis
charge of an errand, proceeded at
once to state his in the following
terms:
Madam, have been recommended
by my Kirk Session to seek a wife;
they also advised me to ask you if
you would marry me. I have come
this morning desiring to know your
mind. Have you any objections ?"
Now, had her worthy pastor pre-
sented a pistol at her ear and demand
ed her purse, Miss Jameson would
hardly have been so completely taken
aback; indeed, utter amazement can
only account for the answer she gave,
and her subsequent conduct.
"Indeed, Mr.. M'Nab," said she,
blushing and bridling, ''I am surprised
that a gentleman of your discernment
should ask such question in such
manner. have but one answer, as
sure you. If [ had any desire to
change my condition with a most
lady,like simper) l could have done
so, my dear Mr.. M'Nab, long ago-at
least, that is to say, many, many
times. | have no wish, really, TOTO
change my name with more sim
pers) even for your sake. am very,
very sorry, dear Mr.. M'Nab. / can
not bear to make fellow creature SUI
fer as you will suffer; but really II
have You must try to for
give me. and forget me
Really you must, for [ have but one
answer, | do assure you"
"Then," said the imperturbable
NJ Nab; 81 am to understand that you
decline. Very good. Will you oblige
me by sending your sister down."
Now, Miss Jameson was so elated
by what had transpired that she
tripped up stairs as much excited as q
girl OF fifteen answering her first love
letter. and burst in upon her sister
breathless, exclaiming:
"Maggy Ann, Maggy Ann I've had
an offer of marriage; think of thatl
Poor Mr.. M'Nab, of course. I'm very
sorry for him; butt really couldn't
you know. In our position | thought
1t best not, you know. He will get
over it; time will help him, poor, poor
man. refused him, Macy Ann, re-
fused him!"
And Miss Macy Ann saw triumph
in her sisters eye.
els Mr.. M'Nab still down stairs?"
she asked suavely.
ooh, yes; [ forgot he asked to see
you. Call Jemima, for, of course, he
wants to have worship before he goes;
you run down, dear. | can't for q
minute or two until [ collect myself; 1
feel quite upset; scenes like this have
always disturbed me-"
And Miss Maggy Ann did run down
with nimble foot. Mr.. M'Nab was still
standing, and as the lady advanced
toward him, he used thesam formula
as before-"My Kirk Session. etc., to
which Miss Macy Ann responded
gracefully
"Dear Mr.. M'Nab, havelong valued
your N 'n1SUf6U1OnS, ana am happy
to devote myself to your future we'll
being"
Gam to understand that you will
marry me?"
"Certainly;th is exactly what in
tend" Miss Maggy Ann was an ex-
ceedingly practical woman.
'Well, will you kindly name the
day."
monday next" It was then Sat-
urday.
"Oh, that is very soon"
"The sooner the better, you know,
my dear SIR
"Precisely. Well-(putting on the
hat he held in his handy. ri shall
bring Mr. Macintyre, with the Rev.
Eneas Mackenzie, here on Monday
first"
eyes"
Woodworking"
HGood morning."
In the meantime Miss Jameson,
having recovered her composure, and
unfeignedly thinking that Mr.. M'Nab
L