West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1888-05-10

Gussy grew pink. Mr.. Proggett's re-
marks were piercingly audible. The
young man opposite looked up in
startled way. The two old ladies turned
astonished faces toward them.
Il knew you as an infant sec YOU
now in the full flower Of womanhoody' ~
Mr.. Proggett went on.
lie put hands on his knees and held
back for good view of the flower of
womanhood. His sharp eyes twinkled
admiringly.
Gussy clasped her hands together with
In her muff. The young man looked
steadily at the floor. The old ladies
stared.
Mr.. Proggett gazed at her in silence
Tor several moments.
81 have been for many years without
the soft refinement of woman's compan-
ionship, he proceeded at last, pensively.
cher sweet sympathy, her gentle care.
her tender love is a sealed book TO me-"
He sighed loudly aud edged little
closer to Gussy. She drew away alright
edly, but Mr.. Proggett moved after her.
"A sealed book. And yet, have
thought, / have hoped that such happi.
ness may yet be mine. now believe
it,"
Mr.. Proggett leaned closer, his lips
parted in a tenderly persuasive smile. his
eyes aglow with eagerness.
my dear young lady," he went on.
pantingly, ''be not alarmed at my sud.
denness. Remember that knew YOU
in your infancy. Think only Of my
warm affection, of my pure Devotion
Accept the heart Of one who faithfully
adores YOU"
Gussy sat stunned and motionless.
The two old ladies shared her fright
They clutched their black hand bags and
half rose from their seats. The
young man turned hurriedly and looked
out of the window.
Look not at my gray hairs Remem-
ber that my heart is young and fresh ~
Mr.. Proggett implored, wildly-"and
that its store OF pent-up affection. the
growth Of years, is yours-all yours! !"
Gussy stared at him in helpless. trem.
bling horror. She saw dImly that the
two old ladies were hurrying toward the
door, in which the conductor stood
broadly grinnng She herself was
weakly unable TO move.
Mr.. Progett peered into her face in
deep agitation. Then, with placid dc
Liberation Of movement at strange va
Rance with his heated face and glowing
eyes, he placed himself on his knees at
her feet.
he two old ladies, glancing back
ward, screamed family as they stepped
of the car; the conductor laughed un-
restrainedly; the young man, with
face Of grave alarm started forward.
''Do not doubt mel" Mr.. Proggett was
saying, shrilly. "Do not hesitate TO &c
cept the lifelong de otion Of heart
which beats for you alone! have long
awaited this opportunity; long have /
hoped and prayed"
Gussy pulled herself together with
mighty effort. Her heart was humping
furiOusly and her head whirling around.
She looked up and met the eyes OF the
strange young man fixed upon her with
solicitous anxiety.
In another moment-she could not
have told how it happened she was out
side the car, under friendly grocery
awning; the strange young man, laden
with her muiT, her pocket-b book, the re-
mains of her marsh-mallow, and her
three bundles, was at her side; the car
was rolling on.
"Thank you-thank you so muchp'
she said, gaspingly. "I-I don't know
what i should have done"
She looked up at Iamp-post.
." i am only four blocks from home"
she said, trying to smile, and made
movement 10 relieve him Of his burden.
But she was pale and her voice was
and the young man bowed
negatively.
" will see you TO your door if you
will permit me, " he said.
They walked on, in a palpitating 81
lence. Gussy was trembling still; her
checks were red and pale by turns. with
the embarrassment Of her lingering hOr-
ror. Her companion kept his eyes con
siderately turned away.
"I-I think" said Gussy family,
that he isn't in his right mind lie
must have been iusanel'
am sure Of it, the young man rc.
sponded, ins respectfully sympathetic
tones.
And they smiled at each other, in
relief.
Gussy's father came out at the door Of
his dignifcd brown stone house as they
paused at the foot Of the steps.
He nodded to his daughter, but at the
sight Of the strange young man he
stopped short.
"Well Delaney Tatum :" he acul.
ated, "where did you fall FROM Where
did you find him, Gussy2 Upon my
word, didn't know you knew him, my
dear
Mr.. Coleman turned about and dragged
tho young man up the steps
The latter looked at Gussy in gallant
silence.
~ don't know him, papa" Gussy
"but he-he-on the car
'I was able TO be Of some slight assist
ance TO Miss Coleman, " Delaney Tatum
interpOscd, with gentlemanly serious.
ness. I'VE had not the slightest notion
Of our respective identities. am ex-
ceedingly happy TO meet you, Miss Cole
man.
lie met Miss Coleman's eye. In that
brief glance, Mr.. ProgQett's proposal
was forever sealed TO the knowledge or
the world
Mr. Delaney Tatum was prevailed
upon to stay TO lunch
Gussys opinion OF him may be gath
cred from the succinct description Of
him with which she favored n particu.
lar friend. She said he was "iust sweet.
She was not astonishod later. when she
gained the information mater eau
tiously gradual jogging Of her fathers
memory that Mr. prOgQott had been
feeble In mind for some fifteen years.
that be was prone to do unexpected and
MU