South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1889-01-25

nails Of household truce, upon the
liues, while Mrs. Carson, knitting
briskly at the south window watchs
ing her tall sun, Royal. potting his
geraniums and bringing them into
the house one by one.
He'll be doin't for somebody else
next yesr, she muttered to hersai6n
and tear splashed down upon VI
blue yarn sock she was fashioninS
AT the same moment Royal looke]
up, and saw tho elittering Of the pri
matte drop as it fell. In an instat
he Get dawn the scarlet 'Geuer
Grant sbat he was trimming of, du
tel the earth from lis hands,
came hurrying in 10 the sunny kee
ing room.
Mother said he, ARE you sic
What's the matter. mother dear p
Nothing said Mrs. Carson. No
ing out CT the ordir airy, mean.
only what all mothers have to stan
| suppose.
Royal put his brown hand kind
on his mothers shoulder.
Tell me what you mean, mothq
said be.
You oughtl't to let nee hear ii
a gossip like Susannah Sears, Roy
said Mrs. Carson, mournfully.
US really true, why didn't you &C
and tell Inc yourself 2
'But mother, l don't know wi
you mean
About your bein engog TO Cla
Paddock. Royai?' said Mrs. Cars,
s,ernly, tr, fixing her son with
eyes. ooh, l see. You're blush
like gal! 1t must be truer
Royal did color little, but
smiled nevertheless.
Your accusation is little sud-
den, mother, said he. And / do not
kaow who has been talking To you.
| am rot engaged to Clara, although
/ don't deny that I should like to be.
| am very fond of Clara, mother
a little dark thing like that
spiteiully uttered Mrs. Carson. with
no more idea of housekeeping than
yonder kitten! Oh! Royal how can
you talk so!
Il love her, mother the young mau
answered simply.
Il know it, said Mrs. Carso n sob.
bling. Folks has always told me
LoS il would be. You bring up q
son. and you do everything for his
sake, and just as you're beginning
TO take little Comfort of your life,
off he gees after some girl that'll be
a trial to you the rest of your days.
Royel, don't marry that grill Take
your mothers advice. She's only a
little Insignificant chit, and you'll
repent it,
Rog al locke panied.
Mother said be, don't, YOU think
that this is a subject upon which eve.
~ man and woman ought 10 choose
for themselves 2
Mrs. Carson screwed up her lips
and shook h,r head.
Remember the Good Book, Royal
said she. Homer thy father and thy
mother. Amt that what IL says ?
And | tell you plainly, never can
feel like mother TO Clara Paddock >
But mother
IF it was Lejitia Dart now,' went
on Mrs. Carson, knitting away as if
for dear life. I'D be suited exactly.
A nice, handsome, stirring girl, that
would be sure to push husband on
in the world.
DO nee ! pushing. mother p said
Royal with half smile
sEvCry man Iooc o,,o.;uoI., .uIs-
ted Mrs. Carson.
You would like me 10 marry Lett
tia Dartf'
I'd like it Of all things, Royal
cried The old lady, her keen eyes be.
ginning 10 sparkle again. Il don't
know brighter girl than che is. Nor
prettier, nor sweeter tempered
Blu: perhaps she wouldn't have
me. mother, hazarded Royal.
Mrs. Carson laid her hand caress.
ingly on her sons arm.
There amt many ss would saw
No TO you, Royal, guess, said she.
For a moment or two be was silent.
You are asking a good deal OF me,
mother, said he in serious tone.
You have never disobeyed me yet
pleaded the old lady. Don't let this
time be the first.
Royal returned TO his work among
the 9eraniums. Mrs. Carson knitted
on with flying fingers and needles
that cleaned like lines Of electricity,
and in her minds eye she beheld all
the parSphernalis OF a joyful we'd
ding, and saw black Letitia
Dart sitting at the heal OF the Ii tie
round table, pouring out tue tea and
dispensing the preserves, while she
herself occupied an honorable post.
I'm most certain she aud me will
get along together h;s,.rite, thought
shr, with a thrill Of exulIatiou at
her heart
In tue afternoon when The gera-
Diums were oil placed in the sunny
window, and the bousowork was done.
Mrs. Carson put on ber ruby merino
gown, aud started 10 20 TO Mrs. Co
lionel Ricketts, 10 tea.
I'll 90 by way Of tho woods she
thought and take Lucy Rickerts
some o. them red spice berries that
she's 80 fond OF paintin' on plaques.
Poor Lucy she's lame, and She's
dreadful pleased with any such lit