The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-03-28
KITTY'S NEW COLLAR.
Her Uncle Discovers It Unexpect.
eddy But Is Satisfied.

edly But Is Satisfied.
Kitty Cutting was a nice plump little
maiden of eighteen summers. Her uncle
was miller and pretty well-to-dO in the
world. AS Kitty was likely to be his
heiress this consideration alone would
have attracted lovers if Kitty had been
considerably less attractive than she
really was
1t SO CHANGED that Kitty's affections
happened to center on young man
whom her uncle, the miller, by no means
approved. This was Harry Billings, a
young farmer in the neighborhood. The
miller's sole ground of disapproval was
that the young man had not quite SO
large a share of worldly possessions as
he thought his niece had right to ex-
pect in husband.
The consequence was that he forbade
young Billings the house and required
Kitty to give him up.
Her eyes snapped in a very decided
manner, and though she said nothing ii
was very evident that she meant consid-
cradle.
However, she was obliged to dissem-
BILE, and Harry thought it was most
prudent not to approach the house when
the miller was at home. BY way OF
compensation Kitty was in the habit of
letting him know when her uncle was
absent, and on these occasions they
would pass sociable evening together
in the great square kitchen, Kitty sit
ting on one side intent upon her knit
ting and her lover fully occupied in
looking at her. He succeeded in get
ting away before the miller arrived.
otherwise there would have been a
scene.
kitty" said her uncle, one day, Il
have got to be away this evening, and
probably shall not be back before
eleven or twelve o'clock"
Kittys eyes eyes sparkled-I dare say
my readers may guess why.
II have got to go over to a town ten
miles distant to see Squire Hayden
He owes me some money. So you will
have to pass the evening by Yourself
Il don't think l shall feel lonely, I'M
Gle said Kitty, demurely. 81 shall be
SO busy"
Il shall be at home as early as posi-
ble." said the miller.
Don't hurry on my account" said
Kitty, innocently.
The miller went over to his work. and
Kitty hastily scratched the following
note:
DEAR HARRY-Uncle has got to go away this
evening, and thinks he shan't be back before
eleven or twelve o'clock. 1 thought you might
like TO Know KITTY.
Folding this up and directing it to her
lover, she called little boy who was
passing.
do you want to earn a three-cent
piece?" she asked.
Don't | thought" was the reply of
young America"
''Then carry this over and give it to
Mr. Billings, and mind you don't let any
body see it,
The boy nodded understandinglv.
and was off on his mission.
Kitty was unusually lively and cheer
full through the day, and was unusually
active in expecting her uncles depart
ure.
Il am afraid it's going to snow" said
the miller, looking up at the clouds.
80, no it won't" said Kitty, decidedly.
You seem quite positive" said her
uncle.
''At any rate, l don't think it will. "
said Kitty.
Zone might almost think you want to
get me off, remarked the miller. con-
siderably nearer the truth than he i'm
agined.
$50 do" said Kitty, with lucky self
possession. You said, uncle, you ex-
pected to receive some money, and
thought if you did you might give me a
little to buy me new collar"
''Ha. Hal" laughed the miller: that's
It, is it? | thought there was something
behind. Well, Kitty, you shall have
the collar, if it costs a bag of meal to
buy it,"
Kitty was seized with momentary
conjunction; but after all she was not
going to do any thing much out of the
way, and so she soon got over it.
Precisely ten minutes after the mil
ler's cart was seen rumbiing up the road
Harry Billings made his appearance.
Perhaps the reader will not be aston
ished at his hitting the time so we'll.
when he learns-I beg pardon, she
learns Il always give precedence to nv
own sex)-that Harry had been watch
ing round the corner for some over an
four. in great Impotence, for this sign
/, the coast was clear?
Kitty was knitting demurely by the
fire when she heard "Harry's step on
the door-sill."
Good gracious Harry, how you sur
prised me-" said she, looking up with a
merry smile. $50 unexpected, you
know"
81 thought I'd just look in upon you,"
said her lover, with an answering
smile. 81 suppose your uncle is at
home"
I'm very sorry to say that he will be
off all the evening. You will have to
call again."
Il guess I'll sit down and wait till he
comes back. said Harry, taking seat
In as immediate proximity as he dared.