The Forrest City times., 1891-09-04
likewise down my stairs just in time to

1 likewise down my stairs just in time to keep her in view.
 It was almost dark. the street we'll nigh empty of it's throngs. as the slim i figure paused under the tarnished gilt ! balls of the pawnbroker. She put one i hand on the door knob then passed on up the street half square. turned re- traced her steps and again halted, frightened. at the door. A second time she turned away from it. and again, after few hesitating steps down the street, came back to it. This time as if nerved to it's doing, she opened the door and went in. 1 stood guard out side.
 Through the gaudy trinkets and motley assortment, boxers gloves and guns, and some one's worn Bible lying in the window like truth set in lies, I saw her hand an old-fashioned watch across the counter to the beak-nosed kull-capped old pawnbroker, hurried ly pocket the five silver dollars he clinked out to her, and swiftly pass out again under the dingy balls As she hastened up the street, pass cd a dark corner dimly touched by lamplight, a man stepped out of the shadows, caught her by the arm. leer- ing down into the frightened face.
 You coward, she panted. How dare you2n
 You're too purity to go long the street unprotected, heard as I dart ed forward across the street. and then l had him by the neck for one minute, and then the gutter had him the next Not unprotected. you whelp!' l hiss ed. so furious 1 could scarcely articu- late.
 Missy looked at me with pale face in which recognition took the place of terror, accepting the arm I offered with a confiding gesture that made me want to go back and kick the cur ir the gutter
 | Swift tears were rolling down her cheeks. Don't cry I said Don't cry, or l shall have to thrash the wretch She smiled bravely under the tears. 'I-hardly dly-think- is worth the exertion. in uncertain QttdNets. I--l--tui oO SFdbciui JO you"
 We'll " 1 laughed, Fl am grateful for the chance of being of service to you; glad I happened along" Hap pened Whew! I smiled a broad smile-mentally-at my successful du- plieity. Happened Rather. You see, l have been so long acquainted with your morning glories that real ly feel as though know their owner. n
 And then we quite primly introduc- ed each other to each other, and then left her at her door, and went up- stairs on my side the alley.
 1 did not read Blackstone that night. was too absorbed in telling fortunes with fate, sitting in the starlight until the clocks all around the neighbor- hood struck midnight. l counted at least six different toned recorders of time, and then went to bed. my last conscious thought being cogitation as to whether she objected to cigars or cigar smokers.
 'tMorniugglory" did not appear at her window next morning, but she did in the evening. lowing in response to my greeting. I feared my manner was too tinctured with the pleasure I felt at seeing her, for she only tarried 6 moment and l passed the remainder of that evening reviewing what she said and what said
 l could not call; that landlady was too economical of space to waste any in a parlor So sent a note asking if l might accompany her to church the coming Sunday evening. Back came a quaintly formal permission. Then l had a dear old lady who ''mothered' some of the youngsters of our set 10 call upon her. Then tho young lady returned the call. She had new situation, office work. and presently that blessed old woman coaxed that blessed young woman into making her visit and gave me u cordial invitation to run In" when ever my studies would permit Studies! Humph! I think so! was in the last chapter of Cupid's last and most interesting work. and law went begging.
 Then proposed. and the little lady did not say nay" and before many new moons there's going to be we'd ding at which she and are to assist; and she's going to be dressed all in spotless white and carry bunch of roses, and 1 am to have band of yellow gold in my vest pocket, and if do not blunder, am to be permitted to put it on the dearest little hand in the world, and listen with proud se- curity while she promises the minister she'll 'love honor and obey"-me. .-. Kansas City Journal.