Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1888-04-04


experiencing mixture OF joy and alarm.
She was SO delighted to hear that dear
voice again; so fearful lest her lovers
stratagem should be discovered
Mr.. Browne noticed her agitation,
and was careful to divert Maj Hender-
sons attention from his niece, in case
her confusion should betray the secret.
The trio had to cross stream by means
of stepping stones. The stranger of
fered to assist Maude. Managing to
keep his back to Maj. Henderson Mr..
Browne, alias Lieut.. Mapleson, tenderly
pressed Maude's yielding hand, and
with world of expression in bis blue
eyes whispered BE careful, my dar-
ling, and all will be we'll with us"
The next morning Mr.. Browne called
on Maj. Henderson. 81 have just re-
ceived these, and [ thought you would
perhaps like to look at them," he said,
producing packet of periodicals.
Maj. Henderson was glad to avail him
self of the offer, as current literature
was rather difficult to procure in SO out
of-the-way place.
After little further conversation Mr..
Browne was asked if he would care to
Join the uncle and niece in their morn
ing ramble. Again he would be only
too pleased.
u6n Vie GIlO udu S)He oOl1o uIoIdHC0
Mai. Henderson, wishing to enjoy
quiet half hour reading, suggested that he
should sit down and rest little, while
Maude conducted Mr.. Browne to spot
close by, whence good view of Snow
den could be obtained.
81 would fain, like you, rest awhile"
replied Mr.. Browne; "but as the day is
so unusually clear feel must make an
effort to take advantage of it, especially as
this young lady has so kindly consented
to act as my guide" And so Mr.. Browne
hobbled off, with Maud walking patient
" beside him.
As soon as the trees had hidden the
lovers from view Jack drew Maude to
him, while she, half laughing and half
crying, stroked his long gray beard.
"Oh, Jack, whatever made you come
like this? What do you intend to do?"
This, my sweetest" and the bold
lover drew from his pocket marriage
license and wedding ring. Half play
fully the gallant lieutenant removed
Maude's glove and slipped on the ring.
"What dear hand it looks ~ he cried
rapturously, land how happy I shall be
when I can callits dear owner my sweet
little wife,
A slight sound fell on their ears, and
looking up they beheld Maj. Henderson
not hundred yards off.
Maude would have been grateful to
the earth had it opened at that moment
to receive her, but as it showed no signs
of accommodating her, she disengaged
herself from Mr.. Brownies embrace and
hastily handed him back his ring.
Mr.. Browne was equal to the occasion,
although he had grave misgivings, as he
hobbled toward Maj. Henderson.
"Were you fastening to join us? You
see we haven't got far. [ am wretched
walker at the best of times; and in such
scenery as this, one feels forced to pause
frequently to look around"
Il expected to meet you coming
back" explained the Major. but |
was looking for you in that direction"
indicating another path more to the
right 81 was quite surprised when
saw you coming toward me-"
With what feelings of relief did the
lovers listen to the Majors innocent re-
marks.
Attheir early dinner the Major drew
from his pocket letter which he had
received by the mornings post and had
forgotten to read. With a polite "EX-
cuse me, my dear" to his niece, he
hastily glanced at the contents. 81
must leave for London by the IL o'clock
train tomorrow morning" he ex-
claimed. This letter is of the utmost
importance. How stupid of me to have
delayed reading it."
Am | to accompany you, uncle? ''
asked Maude family.
''No, no, my dear. There's no need
for you to do that I shall be back home
by the evening of the following day."
The Major was very preoccuped until
dinner was over, but as Maude had also
much food for reflection, silence was
agreeable to both.
81 wonder if l could do anything for
Mr.. Browne while / am in town ?"
queried the Major. ''My DEAR" turning
to Maude, '.just write little note to
him asking him to step over for min
ute. You know we halfpromised to
show him the way to Fairy Glen this af-
ternoon. I don't feel inclined for any
more walking myself. but there is no
him, If you are not tired and he is agree
able to the arrangement
Maude's note quickly brought Mr..
Browne, and the lovers were soon on
their way to Fairy Glen.
my darling, we are in luck's way ~
exclaimed Jack. 'Your uncle's alb
sence will make matters as simple as an
A b G guide. [ shall have tomorrow to
make the necessary arrangements. We
can be married the following morning,
and by the time your uncle returns in
the evening we shall be miles away from
here"
Maude acquiesced rather reluctantly.
She loved Jack dearly; but she had
some compuncIion about deceiving her
uncle, who, with the exception of the
unaccountable obstinacy he had shown
toward her lover, had always been
ready to humor her. Jack, however,
drew such glowing picture Of the hap
piness in store for them, and declared
with SO much confidence Maj Hen
derson's anger would not last more than
three weeks when once the irrevokable
step was taken, that Maude was much
comforted.
When they returned Maj Hender-
sen pressed Mr.. Browne to spend the
evening at Honeysuckle cottage. Tea
being over, the Major asked Maude if
she would mind packing his portman-
teau for him.
81 have laid out the things I wish to
take. my dear. You will fit them in