Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1888-03-21
DELLfS WAGER
Loves Devious Path.

"What a queer-looking yellow house
that ls," said Dell DuvaI, pointing
with her parasol in the direction of a
canary cottage.
And the owner is queer, too" said
MlRnie Hammond, who with her sister
Sarah maze one of the party on the
hill. that bright dav.
His name is Isaac Golden. and the
story runs that he was crossed in love,
and since then has lived all alone il
that yellow house which he calls The
Sunfiower.' There ne is now," as man
OF about thirty came out of the cot
tage and disappeared among the trees.
II should like to meet him, very
much" said Dell who was something
of fiirt. 81 am always interested in
a romantic lIfe.''
When they were leaving the hill for
home, she turned to Minnie and said
with a laugh: Minnie l will make
you wager of my opal ring against
your volume of Mrs. Browning's po-
ems that Will get Mr. Golden to pro-
pose to me before the Summer is
over" The other full of the spirit of
mischief readily agreed to the wager,
and so they separated.
Opportunities were not wanting for
Dell to meet Mr.. Golden and they
were soon on friendly terms with each
other. One day when she was out
boating. IN trying to reach for some
water lilies she fell IN the lake and
would have undoubtedly perished If he
had not appeared opportunitely and
saved her life.
She began to be a little ashamed of
her wager after that, but the Summer
was drawing to a close and still he did
not speak. One day as she was driving
by the yellow cottage he came out and
asked her If she would not like to look
at his flower garden. So she hitched
up the horse in the shed and went in
the gate among the sundowers and
blooming plants.
( Dell laughed when she saw them,
but the view of the surrounding coun-
try was very fine and she praised it TO
Mr.. Golden's content. Then she said
she must go at once, for the girls
would be uneasy about her.
II must bid you good-by.'' she said,
as her host placed her upon her horse,
''for l am to go home tomorrow"
$50 soonp' he exclaimed, quickly.
''Ies, and may not see you again.
Good-by.'
''Good-by," he returned, taking her
hand. always wear blue riding
habits. and smoking-caps with feathers
on them, for they are very becoming. .
Blushing rOslly she rode away.
''Smoking-caps, indeed!'' she ex-
claimed. well, l have lost my wager
and more, too," she added, with a
sigh; "but no one shall know of it,"
Toward evening she sat under an
In hn -
den, thinking of her folly, and the
tears rose to her eyes. Suddenly she
heard footsteps approaching, and in d
moment Mr.. Golden stood beside her.
Strange to say, he seemed nervous
ana excited.
She rose in embarrassment, the result
confusion invited him to 60 into the
house.
"Stay please,'' he said, gently detain
ing her, 'I've something | wish TO tell
YOU" And lie went on rapidly. 81
love you, Dell. earnestly and sincerely.
Wont you take pity on me and accept
me for your husband?"
Startled by this abrupt declaration,
Dell's face grew red and then white
and, finally, she burst into tears.
"Y ou wouldn't care for me If you knew
how had talked about YOU" she said.
ut last.
Il don't believe you said anything
very dreadful" he replied, with a
smile, as he drew her to him. Tell
ne about il,
After much persuasion she told him
Of the wager she had made with Min
ME,
lis that allF' he replied. coolly. ''I
know 1t already, for heard you"
at this she dried her eyes, and true
to her character, even in that blissful
moment, boxed his ears.
IL think am entitled TO the ring, -
he said. Wont you give 1t to me,
pleasef"
YES" she replied; Though 1 don't
Ike to see gentlemen wear rings"
Nor I;'' and he slipped it on his
watch-chain. Minnie spied the ring at
once, when they entered the house, a
few minutes later.
You don't say''--She began
laughing.
Dell blushed.
I'VE do, indeed said Mr.. Golden,
smiling, as he took Dell's hand in his
own. ALLOW me, Miss Minnie. to
present to you the future mistress of
Sunfiower.