The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22

nette, for she has the lovellest black
hair in the world; but have promised
to bring you to see her tonight. Say
you'll go, Uncle zeke-Tll call for you
at 8, shall Il'
1t had been many years since Spriggs
had gone out calling and he was 10th to
begin now, when he needed all his
time for his Investigations; however,
he promised and sent his nephew away
rejoicing.
Spriggs found Mabel all that Dick
had claimed for her and was well
pleased with his boys choice; yet the
evening dragged somewhat, and his
dress suit made Uncle Zeke overly con-
scious of his society shortcomings.
He was standing near the window for
a moment alone, when ho heard his
name called. Turning quickly, he saw
Dick approaching with a vision of
loveliness on his arm.
One look was enough, and the next
instant Spriggs had wheeled about and
jerkcd aside the haugings. Trotting
slowly past, and directly under the
street lamp, was the inevitable white
horse.
Then he remembered that Dick posi-
bly, wanted to present him, and, drop
ping the curtain in great haste, he con-
fronted the pair. The vision had a
cold and naughty look, and Dick was
clearly embarrassed. Spriggs appreciat :
ed his awkward position fully, and with
a great effort made himself exceedingly
agreeable. Indeed, in his abjcct hui
initiation he was so devoted that Dick
was led to whisper to his ianceo; Your
sunny headed friend seems to have
caught Uncle zcke hard"
When Spriggs went home he sat down
and went over the events of the evening.
The vision was certainly handsome and
could talk as few women wcrc able, but
he shuddered at the thought of her
hair. 1t was an unmistakable red.
Nevertheless, he had asked permis-
sion to call and it had
been graciously granted. Spriggs
called and then called again. In short
time his leisure hours were about evenly
divided between his investigations and
tho vision. Spriggs was struck hard, SO
hard, indeed, that when in her delight
full presence he almost forgot his hobby.
He invariably hired white horse, how
ever, when he took her out driving.
Once he had the temcrity to try bay
horse, but he never repeltcd the expert
mcnt. He was uneasy the whole time,
for while his heart and soul werc with
his companion his mind and eyes sadly
missed the familiar sequence.
One evening as matters wero ap-
| preaching crisis, Spriggs found him
self seated in close proximity to his
inamorata. He had fully made up his
mind to settle the matter at once and
have done with it. There was just
enough of manly conccit about him to
make him feel assured that his suit
would not be unsuccessful, but it was
with considerable trcpidation that he
approached the subject. The conversa-
tion had driftcd, as lovers talk invari-
ably will, to the personal, and Spriggs
was expatiating on early struggles and
ambitions.
'I had hard time when I was
young" he was saying. MY nature
was not one to mako friends readily,
and female friends were exceedingly
rare. Indeed, my mother was the only
woman with whom / felt really at ease.
Then, as my business grew, l had SC
much to attend to that social pleasures
were almost unknown"
There was silence for moment; both
intuitively felt that the time was al
most at hand. The vision was seated
facing the deep bay window with hel
head just touching the curtains, while
Spriggs sat SO that his back was to
wards the street. He generally sat thai
way when in her company, to avoid thc
temptation of looking out when h,
heard horse passing.
Then Sprlggs meditativcly resumed
Until lately thought that should
always move along in tho rut l had
fallen into, but now l am bold enough
to hope for something infinitely better.
As Spriggs in his carncstness leaned
forward his quick car heard the distan
pit-a-pat of a trotting horse. His frs
impulse was to turn and look out, bu
with mighty effort he restrained him
self, aud, leaning still further, h
CROPPED blindly, excitedly for her hand
Nearer and nearer came the horse, bu
Spriggs now had q firm grasp on he
hand.
81 do hope for something infnitel,
better, and-and--"
~NYcll," softly breathcd the vision
while her glorious eyes gazed dreamil,
past him into the deepening night.
"And-and now it all rests on
single word. Can you-will you-dca
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