Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1891-07-24

1A0 |o"I tsnlp, the nand OF the feather
hearted tailor had quivered euspiciouslv
IN the operation of shaving sor this i'm
portant occasion. In the adjustment
OF his necktis his clumsiness had been
phenomenal-for a tailor. His steps up
| the broad walk which led to B. C.'s
front door had been noticeably unsteady.
b. Z. had coyly sent the servant to usher
MIN In, and often, with an affectation of
careless Indifference, received him with
out rising from her chair.
All that had long been changed, but
this particular night seemed to repeat the
experiences of old. Old Hundreds tot
let was accomplished with laundering
slowness. And why does the odor of
liniments follow the fiery lover from his
room2 And why does he groan as he
bends to reach the gate latch2 And
what has become of his brisk, swinging
gait up the board walk? And why does
not B. Q. receive him, smiling, at the
door! Why does she remain in that thick
padded armchair, and stretch her hand
out to him so slowly? And what is the
use of using cologne where arnica has
beenl
"Miss Bennett" said Old Hundred, at
ter few wandering remarks-(he al
ways Missed her)-"didn't I notice
bicycle standing in the hallway"
"Why, Mr.. Simmons Didn't you
know that could ride?" asked B. G.
with d radiant smile.
sis it possible! Why, we must have
a ride together!' cried the astonished
tailor.
''Together, Mr.. Simmons2 Can you
ride, too?" inquired B. c., with real
amazement.
"Of course [ can! That is-um-er
in fact, I'm learning. And I'm get
ting on we'll, excellently we'll, Mr.. Spoke
tire says, for a man of my-er-I should
say, excellently we'll. But how did you
learn so soon?" Old Hundred asked, ad-
miringly.
"Well, can't say that ain through
with my pprenticeship yet," confessed
B. c., with a charming blush, "but Mr..
Spoketire says he hardly has to hold the
machine at all, and he thinks Pm doing
better than most girls do who are many
years youn- that is, that I am doing
very we'll. need to be helped into the
saddle"
$50 do l." admitted the tailor, hon
estly.
''But once in, have absolutely no
trouble, provided the road is smooth and
level, and Mr.. Spoketire just keeps his
hands on the machine, to kind of steady
me, you know"
81 still find it a rather difficult task to
Recommendations letting the wheel
fall, that is, Miss Bennett"
"Why, do you? The last time Mr..
Spoketire helped me out he said I was as
graceful as young girl. mr. Spoketire
is SO nice"
"Miss Bennett, we must go out to-
gether next week, and as soon as posi-
BILE! Or rather-about Saturday, Ell?
Wen both be in better trim by then,
you know"
"Without Mr.. Spoketlre, Mr.. Sim
mons?"
''Of course. What do we want with
that contemplate little dandy?"
B. G. smiled happily at the tailor's
manifest jealousy, yet smiled rather I'M
easily and fearfully. However, she
agreed, with many misgiving, and the
next Saturday afternoon was fixed for
the adventure.
Many time during the following week
Old Hundred and B. G. regretted their
precipitancy. But B. G. was clear grit,
if she was approaching that awful for
tieth birthday, and the little tailor had
been reused by the Spoketire hints to
somewhat Of the ardor a lover should
have.
Saturday dawned perversely fair, with
roads out1ageously perfect, ard the after
noon saw our hero and heroine trundling |
their wheels through the village out to
the Middleton Road. wen not ride !
through town." each eagerly agreed.
''because people might laugh" which |
was very true.
The Middleton Road was an excellent |
stretch for the purpose, in prime condi-
ton, and little freqU7nted. Old Hun |
dred and B. c. walked out Of sight of |.
the village, chatting gayIy, avoiding all
mention of the wheel. At length it be-
came impossible to deny that the right |.
spot had been reached, and with set
faces they placed their bicycles in posi- |
ton.
"You must help me on, you know"
said B. c.. with a rather pale face, but
brave withal, "Mr. Spoketire thinks it is
still necessary"
"Oh, yes! Why to be sure!" suffered
the little Tailor, looking awkwardiy
around for something to lean his bicycle
against, and at last laying it down clum-
silly IN the middle of the road.
B. C. sprang into the saddle with a