The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-08-11
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"Hope," said Aunt Prudence. "I am astonished at youw
 "I don't see what there is to be as- tonished at," retorted Miss Hope, de- murely. al suppose it is natural enough for girl to fall in love, isn't it?"
 "But after weeks acquaintance !" exclaimed Aunt Pettengill. "And with travelling clock agent" 1"
 "There's no sin in selling clocks, is there?" said Hope, working away very rapidly.
 "And after Uncle Hopkins has in- vited you to visit Saratoga and Long Branch with him p added Miss Pet tengill. "There's no telling what grand matches you might make, Hope, if only you had behaved like sensi- ble girl, and kept yourself free"
 "I like wealth and station well enough, Aunt Prudence," said she; "but 1 am in love with Rufus Exfleld and if l ever married any one else, l should be untrue to myself"
 "What viii Uncie Hopkins say to you?" Miss PetteDgill groaned.
 "What he pleases l" said Hope de- fiantly. "Uncle Hopkins has been very kind to clothe and educate me, but all that gives him no claim to dis pose of my heart"
 The old fashioned cinnamon roses conAt.sr fhafps 4act fumes in the dewy twilight, and Hope Cheriton stood out under the apple tree, with tall, straight figure at her side.
 "You're quite sure, Hope, that you will not forget me when you are gone2" said Rufus Exfeld.
 "Forget you2 Is that likely?" she asked innocently, as she placed both her hands in his.
 "My little Hope! But you will be an heiress if this rich uncle takes A fancy to you. You will meet others more attractive, perhaps, than my self; you will have a new world opened to your eyes,"
 "My new world is opened already" said Hope, smiling up in her lover's eyes. W shall go to Uncle Hopkins this summer because 1 have promised him-not because l have any yearn- ings tor change or gayety but shall only stay three months up there."
 "And then, Hope, we shall De mar ried. Now, goodbye, my darling 1! Remember, trust you"
 And Miss Pettengill felt thrill of relief the next morning when she heard that the two young clock agents and their teams had departed before daylight from the village inn.
 q was almost afraid that Hope would have gone with him." said the old lady.
 Pretty Hope Cheriton is sitting In Uncle Hopkins parlor at the Saltsea house, with rare, yellowish pile of warm cobwebs lying in her lap.
 "Oh, uncle, is 1t real point lace? And is it possible that the one hounce cost $500? And do you mean 1t for me, uncle?"
 MT. Hopkins chuckled. "So you never saw any point lace before, eh?" said he. "Yes, to all three of your questions, my dear. You are to be my adopted child now, you hear? l think shall change your name by act of legislature"
 "Hope Hopkins wouldn't be a very pretty name, uncle" said Hope. "And don't think should like to be an heiress."
 Don't be goose !" said Uncle Hop- kins. You shall furnish your boadoiy in the New York house to suit your- self, and I'll pick you out the hand somest husband in all New York. l know him. I've got my eye on him already p
 Hope grew rosy. "Oh, uncle, yon can't do that!" said she. "Because-becaus am engaged already p
 "Girls are always getting engaged" :" said MT. Hopkins, with the utmost indifference.
 "But I really love himl7 asserted Hope.
 aGirls are always thinking them- selves in love-" "Yes; but, uncle" aYes; but, niece" "l'm in earnest" "So am 1" And Uncle Hopkins took up his newspaper and prepared to make him. self comfortable. Hope CheritOn looked very pretty and dimpled in the blpe silk dress, /