The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1890-10-30

n the face. He seemed absorbed In the
Knot on the end Of his wAplash, and
never even looked her way.
''So.' she said 10 herself. "sets the
wind that way2 Mr.. Dalrymple does mol
seem TO approve Of this new enterprise Of
mine. Well, Pm sorry, but can't help ii.
Chariey Borden, now, Views things In an
entirely different way"
And she smiled little as she saw. lean
ing anxiously over the gate beyond, the
slalWart inquire OF the young farmer.
miss Ellis y he uttered pleadingly.
IN sure you cant want " buy any
more willow ware, . said Emma checking
her horse. There cant be room for IL
in the house"
No; but won't you let me put this
horse In the stable, or drive It home for
you, while you come In to tea1 Alice will
be delighted to see you. And yon must
be so tired !" urged be.
Emma thought a moment, and AS she
reflected how refreshing cup Of hot tea
would be, Alice Borden put hor curly head
out Of the window.
DO come, Emma - she cried. wen
have waiiles and maple syrup aud broYl
ed ehickensi and I've got SO many things
to tell you"
And Emma capitulated
But as Charley Borden helped her
down from her high seat. he stood a
minute holding both her hands In his.
Emma" said he. II know I've no
business to speak so abruptly, but | can't
heip H. don't know why you are doing
this thing, but if it Is to earn money, let
NE earn II for you, Emma-give me the
right to do 1t. I'm only farmer, but I've
got nice place here, and can keep you
ike a lady. And love you, Emma. i've
loved you well and truly this many day.
NOW I'm not going to tease and bother
you about this. Take time to make up
your mind. I'll drive the old horse home
ana then I'll take you back myself In the
little buggy when you and Alice have had
good visit. And you can give me nv
answer when you please, and not before"
Emma broke from him and ran into the
house, blushing yet not ,dispeased.
Alice met her at the door.
Where is Charley?n, said she. ooh.
going to take your load of wlllow-ware
homeF Now, Emma, tell me what this
really means. Have you lost all your pro.
perty?"
"No."
Are you going into trader"
You won't answer me2"
mo"
"Then,' laughed Alice Borden, "Ill
AJAX you no more questions. Hereafter
m as dumb as an oyster. Now come In
and help me dish up the chickens and
watiles."
1t was past eleven that night when
Charley Berton brought Emma Ellis home
to the old house, where tho squire was
nodding over his evening paper.
We'll" said he, viewing her over the
edge of. his spectacles, with a waggish
twinkle In his clear blue eyes, how did
the thing work."
First rate papa" said Emma IL sold
twenty dollars worth-within few cents
And Mr.. Borden here was one of nv best
CUSTOMERS
Then" said the squire, with sigh of
comic resignation. I've lost nv wager
You see, Borden, my girl wanted me to
buy this stock of willow-ware, with the
morse and wagon, to set old Miss Barhydt
up In business-and told her no woman
would succeed in such an enterprise. let
alone their being unwilling to undertake
this sort of work. But Emma stuck to it
that 1t could he done, and / was weak
enough to wager the whole outfit that 1t
couldn't. SO Emma declared she would
PT0TTaiHt praotiioaiiiiy-aIi i didn't think
she had pluck enough but, by lingo, she
has Yes, yes, Emma, you've beat me
square and fair !"
And Miss Barhydt is to have the out
fit of willow-ware = cried Emma, joyful
ly, clappng her hands, land the horse
aud wagon. Oh, Mr.. Borden, you can't
think what nice old woman she is, nor
no" anxious she is to earn livelihood in
the open air like this. And now you
KNOW" with the archest and most be-
witching Of glances, chow it,came to pass
that | was peddling willow baskets
around the country. Wouldn't you have
done 1t, If you had been me?'
Young Dalrymple was in despair when
he learned Of Charley Borden's engage
ment to the prettiest girl-aye, and the
richest girl-in the country.
But who was to suppose" said he
that she would take such an unaccount-
able whim into her head?"
And Mrs. Gibson always declared that
she never had clothes-basket wear like
the one she bought of Squire Ellis daugh-
tel l-Saturddy Might