Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1888-08-17

and / was in a dreadful dilemma. !
finally decided, though, that the best
thing would be to make a scamper for
home as fast as my feet could carry me.
So l took = fresh grip on all my bundles,
and was just striding along with my
most Elizabethan-like strides, when that
most exasperating shoe of mine came I'M
tied-o course. l would have on those
thin, low things. That was in the plot,
ing my heart, thinking how muddy my
skirts and the tassels were getting-you
know these are my grand state occasion
shoes, she remarks, looking despairingly
at them-"when somebody came dash
ing frantically along, with an umbrella
far over his head, and knocked slap up
against me, and down went that precious
flask and was shivered into sixteen
million pieces!' she cries, jumping up
and striking tragic attitude.
why, what was the matter with the
man? Where were his eyes?" Janet
asks, GROSSLY, sitting up very straight.
''Oh, he had them with him, my dear,
and now, who do you suppose it was?
Well, it was the original of that mega
tive that I've been raving over all day."
and having announced this piece of news
with telling force, Cleo folds her arms
and looks across at Janet.
Is that so? Well, WELL After that, the
Deluge! By the way, you were in one
at the time. l am amazed It was fate,
my dear-it was written. Well, and
go on-what did he do, and what did
you say?" jamie questions in a most
futtering state of interest.
Say? If you'll believe me, never
said anything couldn't! and shall be
ashamed of myself for ever and a day,
and you'll blush for me, know, when L
tell you that | actually stood there and
began to whimper. Yes, positively, I
did, and couldn't help it either. And
what did he do? Well, the first thing
was that he stepped a little nearer, and
held his nice big umbrella over me, then
he lifted his hat, in the most graceful
manner imaginable, and he said: My
dear young lady, l beg ten thousand
pardons; and l am more than sorry to
have been 50 awkward as to cause this
accident. What was in the fask?' he
asked, giancing down. 1 told him, and
then he fairly insisted on going and get
ting another one filled for me; but, of
course, l could not permit that, so when
he saw how much in earnest [ was he
did not urge me further, but said
well, at least you'll let NE relieve you
of some of your packages, and allow me
the pleasure of seeing you safely home,
or some one else may 60 even further
than l did and knock all your packages |
out of your arms
''Well, he was so very polite and /
charming about it all, and did look so
handsome and distinguished at the time,
and his beautiful eyes were so eloquent |
that naturally gave my consent. And |
now, who do you suppose he is, after
all" Cleo demands, pausing to take
breath. "Here is his card" with very
elaborate flourish; "Mr. Julian Van
Ness, at your ladyship's service"
why, why, Cleo, you don't really |
mean that he is the Julian Van Ness that |
used to live at uncle's, and that we
romped and played together with?' quite
GREATNESS.
"The same madam, " with overwhelm-
ing dignity.
''Why, Cleo!' And after this e acu-
ation the young lady seems to subside !
into blank and profound amazement,
and Cleo, quite elated with the effect she |
has produced, continues:
eyes, it is the very same youth. Didn't !
keep telling you how familiar his eyes
seemed? Well, he still makes uncle's
house his home, and he has gone into
business for himself, and he has Just re-
turned from Europe-been there six
nonths-and is immensely wealthy. how
he ever kept from laughing in my face
when l was so utterly crushed about that
vine, | can't think. That's somebody at
he door"
She flies to open it and comes face to
face with huge colored gentleman.
Eyes, am Mi Cleo Heath" she in
forms him; then he puts great bunch
IF freshly-cut, dewy flowers in her
land sets good sized demijohn inside
he door, bows to the bewildered young
aides and vanishes as mysterio Isly as he
came.
"Well, did you ever?" Janet cries, ex-
;itedly.
''Wait until I read this note Cleo
makes answer, ''aud we will probably be
''To Miss Cleo and her sister. with my com
and heartfelt wish that both the
md make you happy. Very sincerely, your
I'D friend, JULIAN VAN Ness.
There now! Was ever anything more
done2 Didn't l tell you he
vas the incest man l ever metz" looking
With worshipful eyes at the flowers.
Two days later there comes another ex-
Iuisite bouquet and a note in which
ickets are enclosed for lecture.
''What are the tickets for. leo?"
"They are for lecture that is to be
riven this evening at Temple Hail and