The Penn's Grove record., 1888-03-17
DELIiS AGER.
Loves Devious Path.

"What a queer-looking yellow house
that 49," said Dell DuvaI, pointing
with her parasol in the direction of a
can~ary-colored cottage.
And the owner Is queer, too said
Mianie Hammond, who with her sister
Sarah maze u Of the party on the
hill. that bright day.
"His name Is Isaac Golden, and the
story runs that he was crossed in love,
and since then has lived all alone ia
that yellow house which lie calls 'The
S~unfOwer.' There he is now. " as man
OF about thirty came out OF the cot
tage and disappeared among the trees.
~ should like to meet him, very
mpch," said Dell who was something
OF a tiirt. 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 a wager Of my opal ring against
your volume of Mrs. Browning's po.
ems that L will get Mr.. Golden to pro-
pose to me before the Summer is
over" The other full of the spirit OF
mischief readily agreed 10 the wager.
and so they separated.
Opportunities were not wanting Tor
dell to meet Mr. Golden and they
were soon III friendly terms with each
other. One day When she was out
boating, IN trying to reach for souie
water lilies she fell In the lake and
would have undoubtedly persisted If he
had not appeared opportuniteiy 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 size WAS driving
by the yellow cottage he came out AMI
asked her II she would not like to look
at his flower garden. SO she hitchei
up the horse i'll the shed and went In
the gate among the sunilOwers ana
blooming plants.
Dell laughed when she saw them,
but the view OF the surrounding coun-
try was very Gne and she praised it to
Mr.. G0lden's content. Then sls said
she must go at once, for the girls
would be uneasy about her.
- must bid you good-by," she said,
as her host placed her upon her horse,
for l am to go home Tomorrow"
80 soonl" he exclaimed, quickly.
YES, and l 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, I have lost my wager;
and more, too" she added, with Il
sigh; "but no one shall know of it,"
Toward evening she sat under an
apple tree, in the corner OF the gar
den, thinking of her folly, and the
tears rose to her eyes. Suddenly Siip
heard footsteps approaching, and Ill "a
moment Mr.. Golden stood beside IL
Strange to say, lie seemed nerSuu5
and excited.
She rose In embarrassment, the result
of her recent mood, and to cover her
confusion invited him 10 go into the
house.
"Stay please" lie said, gently detain-
ing her, ''I'ye something | wish to tell
you." And he went on rapidly. ~
love you, Dell, earnestly and sincerely.
Wont you take pity OH mt and accept
me for your husbandr"
Startled by this abrupt declaration,
Dell's face grew red and then willie
and, finally, she burst into tears.
you wouldn't care for me if you knew
how l had talked about you," she sand, |
Mt last.
Il don't believe you said anything
very dreadful" he replied, with a
smile, as he drew her to him. Tell
me about it,"
After much persuasion she told him
of the wager she had made with Min.
ME.
us that alp" he replied, coolly. Il
know 1t already, for l heard you"
AT this she dried her eyes, and true
to her character, even in that biissful
moment, boxed his ears.
II think am entitled to the rlng,'
he said. wont you give 1t TO me,
please2"
YES" she replied; Though l don't
like to see gentlemen wear rings"
"Nor Il" 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 s~ay'--She began
laughing.
Dell blushed.
I'VE do, indeed said Mr.. Golden, |
smiling, as he took Dell's hand III his
"Allow me, Miss Minnie. to
present TO you the future mistress of