Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-03-20

VI d gOOu uldI 1--WE
So persuaded myself yet it was little
hard to feel myself, shut out from all the
beauty and sweetness of woman's ma
tural lot. | think Inever felt the bitter
ness of being an old maid quite so acutely
as did that night, when Roydon had
gone to the village inn and Edith lay
sleeping ON the pillow at my side and the
scent of honey suckles came waiting in at
every stir of the dewy night breezes.
Well he came often to our house, and |
used to make all sorts of little excuses to
leave him with Edith, while | went UP
stairs to sit by myself and weave little
threads romance in and out of the meshes
of my fancy knitting. How happy she
would be with him and how
| should enjoy, or try to enjoy going to
the old Grey homestead to see its dim
pied mistress under the balsam trees where
| had played as child.
One day Roydon Grey came to me, for
young Burnham had called, and was chat
ting with Edith. and | dare say Roy
thought I looked lonesome with my work
in the hall.
Penny" said he, "what do you think
| am going to do?"
A dim idea that he was going to make
me his confdante fitted across my mind,
II don't know" | said smiling, what
is it, Roy?"
I'm going to refurnish the old house.
1t lo As dim and dusky and old-fashioned
now and want it to be fresh and win
some. Will you help me with your advice
and counsel?"
Of course promised; and for the next
two or three weeks we were as busy as
bees.
I'VE mustn't let her know what we are
about, ~ said he that night, with a mo-
ton of his head toward Edith.
''Oh no, to be sure not" | answered
cit will spoil the SURPRISE
How pretty he did make the old place
Every room was like a casket, ready to
receive jewel, the bright carpet glowed
with bouquets and moses, and trailing
arabesques or Persian brightness, all over
the floor; the windows were draped with
the softest and freshest of muslin, the
pictures on the walls seemed perspectives
of tropic sunsets and soft Alpine moons
while every case and book case was ar.
ranged as | knew Edith would best like
it,
Roy" said I guardedly, the afternoon
that our work of transformation was com
plete, and we stood congratulating one
another on our successful endeavors, for
up to this time had been very discreet
and asked no questions when will the
queen of this enchanting realm take pos
session of her fairy bowers? In other
words and | could not help laughing al
his puzzled look-''when shall you be
married?"
$50 you have guessed it, you dear little
Gdipus!'
Eyes, | have guessed it.
''Well, when do you think would be an
suspicious time?'
Let me see; this is July. Why dom
you say the first of August?'
1.-The first of August be it. then he
assented. You are sure there is every
thing here you can possibly thing of?''
Yes, everything.
Because he went on, ''when you
come here to live
Am to live here?' | asked "But,
Roy, perhaps she wouldn't like it,
''She Who is she?" he inquired.
"Whv Edith, to be sure''
"What has Edith got to say, | should
like to know?' cried Roydon. laughing
my darling Penny, if you are satisfied
the rest of the world may say, do and think
as it pleases. Since you have promised tc
be my wife,
''I!' The chinz-furnished little break.
fast room seemed to swim around me.
Stop. Roydon, for a minute, please; II
don t quite understand"
You said yourself, the first OF
August:''
But thought it was Edith"
Edith, indeed! a mere child-a school
girl whose heart, moreover, is wrapped up
in Harry Durham! Why, Penny, where
have your eyes been?"
Where, indeed! Could | have been SO
blind all the time so resolutely, incorrigi-
bly, blind!'
"Do you love me, Penny? Don't look
the other way; will be answered.
| did love him; | had loved him long
and tenderly, and | told him so, not with
out some blushings and misgivings, how
ever.
"Oh, Penny he whispered, holding
me close to his heart, eff you knew the
years and years | have been looking for
ward to this time!''
So | was married, quietly, of course,
and with no bridesmaid but Edith; but |
think the sun never shone on happier
bride. And live in the old place and
Edith is here with me; but next week we
are to have another wedding, and my
blue-eyed blossom goes from me to Harry
Burnham s care.
But, as said before, it all seems like a
dream; and as | sit alone in my beautiful
home almost fancy myself a solitary old
maid again, until Roydon's footstep in the
hail. and his voice calling for his ''dear
little wife, rouses me to a sense of my
new life and happiness.
And dare say | will get used to it
after while-Hartford Times
Shaking Hands with Lion.