The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-05-09

"Oh, I'm not very wet, uncle. Let
me bring some more wood for the hre. "
"Aha! 80 you're ashamed to be seen in
your uncle's duds, ehG Well, catch cold
if you will; you'll have yourself to thank
for it. The consequences must be on
your own head"
"And in it, tool" laughed George
Paine, who was beginning to get dry be-
fore the generous blaze, and whose
natural vivacity thawed out correspond
ingly. The young man joined in the
laugh and drew up in front of the fire.
Meanwhile Uncle Ben bustled around,
made another fire in the stove and pro-
ceeded to brew some tea.
George Paine fingered in the " snug.
gerry" with her new found friends and
getting warmed through" as she ex-
pressed it, until she noticed, with start
of apprehension that it was beginning
to get dark. "Dear me-" she exclaimed,
III had no idea it was getting so late. l
positively must CO."
At that very instant there came a
rap at the door. The masculine George
sprang to open it, and who should march
in but-Aunt Mary" -.
"Well, lam astonished, George Paine ~
was the good lady's first exclamation:
Then, recovering herself, she apologized
to the gentlemen for her rudeness and
sank into chair completely overcome.
"Oh, do explain it to auntie!" cried
George Paine, appealingly, to George
Matthews.
Madam" said the young man, ad-
dressing Aunt Mary, sit certainly is my
duty to explain how myself and my
worthy uncle so summarily made the
acquaintance of your niece" Aunt
Mary settled herself to listen, with very
aggrieved expression of countenanee.
However, in less than five minutes the
whole matter was cleared up, and the
good lady was joining with her niece Ia
Soluble expressions of gratitude. "What
can we do, SIR" she cried, ito show how
greatly we appreciate your bravery and
kindness2" -.
"Allow me to escort you ladies home, :"
replied George Matthews, gallantly, with
O smile and bow.
'And me, too" broke in Uncle Ben.
Very naturally, it happened, on the
way through the fields from Unc.e Ben's
snuggery to the old manse, that the two
elderly people drifted together and the
two Georges were left to follow behind
"a privilege of which they avalled
themselves, nothing 10th. ..
81 hope we shall see each other again, i"
said George Matthews, in low voice, as
they parted. ,s~
s;so do l." answered George Paine,
frankly, "T want to catch that big fish
that pulled me into the lake, and perhaps
you can help mes"
81 should like to try very hard" e1-
claimed her companion.
Six weeks later, on the very spot
where George Paine had had her adven-
ture with the monster fish, the same
boat was floating, George Matthews idly
toying with the oars, George Paine try
ing to pick the tiller ropes to pieces. .
1sWell, we haven't caught him yet" l"
said George Paine. >: =.
"No, we haven't-that's true" as.
sented George Matthews. Then followed
a long silence, which showed how little
the young people cared whether they
caught the fish or not. Finally George
Matthews broke the silence. His voice
troubled slightly.
"Don't you think it is ridiculous that
there should be two Georges in this little
town2" ...
ssYes-I do"
"And-and, you know, there might be
only one if We chose"
"How so2" -,
:sWhy, if we two should-should
marry we would become one, wouldn't
we2' .,'
"Y-e.s." -
"And will you marry me9" He was
kneeling at her feet now, his hands
clasping hers, his voice passionate with
earnestness. Darling" he pleaded,
"you know love you better than life.
You know cannot live without you'll Do
not, do not say there is no hope for mel"
George Pain lifted her tear-wet eyes
and looked into those of her lover.
That was all the answer he needed. The
next moment the happy girl was clasped
to his breast.
Aunt Mary and Uncle Ben assured each
other that they had known all along just
how it would turn out. "After all,
there's something in names," quoth
Uncle Ben.-Neao York MeTcury.