The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-06-14

my mind.
"Mr. Adair." said I: in a tremu-
leus voice, shave you ever thought
of getting married ?"
Mr.. Adair seemed trif1e surprised
at my Interrogation, but answered
frankly that he had considered the
question and had concluded TO get
married as soon as he could f1nd a
nice little woman that would have
him.
"Dear Joe." I exclaimed, at the
same time sinking upon my knees
before him in truly masculine style;
II am so glad that you are willing ::
l love you devotedIy. My life would
he barren waste without you! viii
you, my darling, consent to make
me happy, and name the day when
1 can call yoH my own dear hus-
banu ?''
II haye long KNOWN l continued
"that you regarded me sssomething
more than friend, and although l
may have taken you by surprise l
hope you will not he afraid to give
your answer now"
what do you mean. Miss Gray 2"
said Joe, in surprised and dignifieh
voice.
"Surely you understand. l am Of
frrinG you my love al-0 promise
to try and make you Happy By life
of devotion, It you will promise to Dr
mine"
Consent to he yours. Are you
crazy. Mss Gray 2 Do you think that
l would consent 10 mafry Il woman
| who so tar iofst;ts Herself Us 10 usurp
the privileges hf gentleman and a
! lover"
joe" pleaded. Il love you dear
ly and why should that ,nake any
difference !"
"The woman I marry must he a
w0manlv woman, with so much self.
respect and consciousness of her own
worth and dignity that will ever deter
her from making any foolish breaks
or mistakes"
"Consider how much love you,
Joe. / shall 60 mad if you refuse me.
1 will do even worse. l will get
drunk"
"Miss Gray, the subject is becom.
ing painful. / hope you will not
press it further. / decline your pro-
Dosal with thanks. If you threaten
to get drunk before marriage you
might do worse after the knot wat
tied. Allow me to bid you good
evening""
"Joe. Joe. come back !" 1 shrieked
"Do not leave me thus"
For answer l received a mocking
smile and courtly bow. then the
door opened and closed and Joe was
gone.
Did feel sorry over the loss of my
lover? Well, rather. Against Mr.
BplIamy my anger knew no bounds.
The more l thought over the matter
the higher rose my wrath. Woman.
like, l took refuge in tears. and cried
until my head ached so badly that
could not sleep or rest throughout the
entire night.
When Ada came over in the morn
ing to hear report of my success as
a wooer, refused point blank to tell
her the state of affairs.
"H0w dre4dfuIly cross you are
Nellie." said Ada. sweetIy. "When
Havelock proposed to me I was all
tears and smiles. / told you that Joe
Adair was a bear. Fred. am sure,
would make far nicer husband
Did he accept you. Nell 4? Tell me
that much"
II shan't tell you ANYTHING, Ada
sinclair" replied I. in very un'
gracious manner.
"Well, good.by, then. Nell we
won't quarrel. will we. dear ? said
Ada; still smiling sweetly. II am
going now. dear; won't you say
good.bv ?"
was too miserable and angry to
be even polite to my friend. so with
out taking further notice Of my per
turbed state, she departed, singing
softly as she went down stairs an ole
Scotch song.
When Fred Macarthur called my
head was still aching and my eyes
were heavy with tears yet unshed.
"NelIie. my darling are you iffp
cried Fred, at the same time taxing
me In his strong arms.
mo, Fred. I am not ill.," I replied
hheekly. "but am an awful fool"
IA fool. and why such name fol
my little girl. I don't think SO al
any rate" Continued Fred. II think
you are an awful nice little woman
1 have been thinking about you al
day and have arrived at no Other
conclusion. Oh! / say. Nellie. CAM