Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1889-10-18
A Romance Of SpoonyiIIe.

a Romance OF Spoonvilie.
In the romantic rural hamlet Of
Spoonville along whose quiet streets
and shady lanes the bare footed ur-
chin with long fishing pole over his
shoulder sneaked down toward the
milldam, and the frisky bee buzzed
noisily among the clover blossoms like
an assistant librarian at Sunday
School picnic, the June sun, on one
of those rare occasions when he for
got himself and condescended to
shine, lit up the interior of the store
of Markup & Comedown, dealers in
dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and
caps, notions, groceries, drugs, medi-
cines, queensware, paints, oils, wall
paper and window blinds. In one
corner of the room was the village
postoffice, occupying space six feet
square, ..and behind curtain partition
in the rear was a milliner's shop.
1t was the witching hour of noon.
Spoonville was at dinner. A pleasant
odor of fried ham, mingled with sug-
gestions of boiled cabbage and the
rich aroma of the seductive onion,
pervaded the dreamy atmosphere.
On the counter of the store OF
Markup & Comedown were spread the
samples that j. Harry Peduncle, COM
mercial traveller, had just taken from
the iron bound, baggageman proof
trunk for the inspection of the young
woman with the blue eyes and golden
hair, who acted as head clerk, chief
milliner aud assistant postmaster.
II came at this time of day, Miss
Winnie, said the young man, leaning
confidentially over the counter, 'be-
cause l was sure OF finding you alone.
There's no hurry about making any
selection from this line OF goods. Mr..
Markup doesn't come back from his
dinner till half past 12, and old Come
down always takes nap at noon.
I've got both of them down fine, you
see. / haven't been coming TO Spoon
vile for the last three years for moth
ing. And now tell me, you dear girl,
how you've BEEN
AIRY letters yere fur the Markleys
ur the Gorumsy'
The fair young assistant postmaster
shook her head.
"Ur the Milses?"
No"
"Nur the Jacobys, nur the But
lers2n
mo. Wait a moment. Are you
going home past the Beercesg'..
"YasW
well, here's letter for Mr.. Kelso,
that's visiting them"
IF that boy has gone, Winnie, "
said the drummer a moment later, II
want to tell you something. I've got
tired of this thing Of having just
twelve half days OF happiness in the
year. The route ! have to go over
brings Inc here only once in thirty
days, and / can't shorten il TO save
my life. / am going TO quit the road.
| have saved up something and i in
tend to go into business for myself.
Then / shall build little home in the
suburbs Of
I'D like to git about five cents wuth
of plug tobacker," piped a lank, bill
ious looking customer who had just
dropped in Miss Winnie waited on
him and he went out again.
"And you know, Winnie, resumed
young Peduncle, whom am going
to ask to share that home with me-"
"Got any eggs?' called out a shrill
voice as little girl with faded sun
bonnet, who had slipped into the
store unobserved, stepped up to the
counter.
I'VE have"
"Freshf''
Yes
Don't want them If they amt fresh.
Gimme a dozen"
The drummer waited patiently
few minutes longer.
Has she gonef' he asked.
Yes
Then / must speak quickly, for
time is flying. 1t will break my heart,
Winnie, if l have to go away from
Spoonville again without the prom
ise want from the dearest girl In the
world. Darling, will you be my wi"
"Mr. Peduncle," quickly exclaimed
the young girl, in confusion, IL ought
not to have permitted you to go on in
this way, but l did not dream you
were speaking of me. Why, l have
promised to marry Mr.. Spatula."
THE young chap that travels for
Drugmiller Il Cor
THE gentleman that travels for
Drugmiller & Co., sirr'
The drummer buried his face In his
hands and leaned for few moments
motionless against the counter. Then
he wiped his brow with a lavender
tinted silk handkerchief, took his
order book from his pocket, and asked
briskly:
Miss Wagstaff, to begin with, shall
/ put you down for dozen bottles Of
this prepared gluel'