Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1888-02-03


can't tell why, but do want to go. 1
l can wear my black cashmere, and you Ii
be so proud of me-"
Proud of you, indeed, my child, no
matter what you wear. Yes, we'll go"
And thus it happened that among the
ten guests that sat down at Josiah May
berry's hospitabie, overlooking board,
that cold, bIue-skied day, Winnie Will
mIngton and the little old man were
two-and two to whom Ernest May
berry paid more devoted attention than
even his father had asked and expected.
OF course it was grand successful ex-
cepting the cold hauteur on Mrs. May
berry's aristocratic face, and that was
failure, because no one took the least
notice of it, so much more powerful
were the influences of Mr.. Mayberrys
and ErEest's courteous, gentlemanly at
tentions.
81 only hope you are satisfied" Mrs.
Josiah said, with what was meant to be
whitening sarcasm, after the last guest
had gone, and she stood moment before
the fire; Il only hope you are satisfied
particularly with the attention Ernest
paid to that young woman-very I'M
necessary attention, indeed"
Mr.. Mayberry rubbed his hands to-
gether briskly.
Satisfied! Yes, thankful to God I
had in my power to make them forget
their poverty, if for only little hour.
Did you see little Jimmy Hurd's eyes
glisten when Ernest gave him the second
triangle of pie? Bless the youngsters
hearts, " they won't want anything to eat
for a week.
Il was speaking of the young woman
who''--
Mrs. Mayberry was icily severe, but
her husband cut it short.
$50 you were-pretty little thing as
ever saw. A ladylike, graceful little
girl, with eyes beautiful enough to ex-
cuse the boy for admirlng her."
The boy. You seem to have forgot
ten your son is twenty three-old enough
to fall in love with and marry even a
poor, unknown girl you were quite quix-
otto enough to invite to your table,"
''Twenty- three? So he is. And if he
wants to marry beggar, and she is
good girl why not!"
A little gasp of horror and dismay
was the only answer of which Mrs. May
berry was capable.
"Gran0pa''
Winnie's voice was so low that Mr..
Wilmington only just heard it, and when
he looked up he saw the girls crimson
cheeks and her lovely dropping face.
"Ye5, Winnie. You want to tell me
She went up behind him and leaned
her hot cheek caressingly against his, her
sweet, low voice whispering her answer:
"Grandpa, [ want to tell you some
ma
asked-he wants me to-oh, grandpa,
can't you tell what it is?''
He felt her cheek grow hotter against
his.
He reached up his hand and caressed
the other one.
eyes, 1 can tell, dear Ernest has
shown his uncommon good sense by
wanting you for his wife. So this is
what come of that dinner eh, Winnie?"
"And may 1 tell him you are willing,
perfectly willing, grandpa? Because
do love him. you know"
"And you're sure it isn't his money you
are after, eh?"
She did not take umbrage at the sharp
question.
81 am at least sure it is not my money
he is after, grandpa" she returned,
laughing and patting his cheek.
Yes, you are at least sure of that;
there, / hear the young man coming
himself. Shall go, Winnie?"
1t was the ''young man himself"
Ernest Mayberry, with shadow of deep
trouble and distress on his face as he
came straight up to Winnie and took
her hand, then turned to the old gentle
man.
Until an hour ago I thought this
would be the proudest, happiest hour of
my life, sir, for I should have asked you
to give me Winnie for my wife. Instead,
1 must be content to tell you how dearly
[ love her, and how patiently and hard
/ will work for her to give her the home
which she deserves-because, Mr.. Will
mington, this morning the house of May
berry s. Thurston failed and both families
are beggars."
His handsome face was pale, but his
eyes were bright with a determination
and braveness nothing could daunt.
Winnie smiled back upon him, her
own cheeks paling.
"Never mind, Ernest, on my account.
/ can wait, too"
Old Mr.. Wilmington's eyes were al
most shut behind the heavy, frowning
foreheard, and quizzical look was on
his shrewd old face as he listened.
''Gone up, eh? Well, that's too bad.
You stay here and tell Winnie am Just
as willing she shall be your wife when
you want her, as if nothing had hap
pened, because l believe you can earn
bread and butter for both of you, and my
Winnie &c a ooptanta6 littIa rirl I'll