The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1892-03-08

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gested Patty. And take it quietly
around before anyone else comes"
"It amt a bad idea" said Mr.. Greg.
DRY, shifting his hand on the table. q
will! That 'Marthy is a pretty picter
when you come to look close at it. The
palm trees is dreadful natural, and the
well almost makes you feel thirsty. It's
a sacred subject, too, and ought to suit
the parson. I'll take it around this
very day. P'raps he aciU be pleased
But maybe you'd better ask him
first, father"
So that Mr.. Corbin's quietude was a
second time interrupted by Mr., Greg
DRY, eager and smiling.
81 guess, parson," said he, 1--WE got
someGhin' ASH suit you this timel'
For" Mr.. Corbin looked inquir-
ingly up.
For the donation party" said the
farmer. ITS my Marthy.'"
"Sir!' exclaimed the clergyman, in
surprise.
They tell me you like her." said
Mr.. Gregory in an off hand manner.
- do" said the clergyman. Every
much, indeed. You can hardly tell
how much; but
"Then you're welcome to her" said
the farmer.
"To-"
"To my Marthy2" beamed Mr.. Greg
DRY. Shall I bring her around here?"
by no means" said Mr.. Corbin,
hurriedly. q would much prefer to
see her, if you really are in earnest, at
the farm house."
Never was more in earnest in my
life," said Nh. Gregory, rubbing his
hands.
And, being a man of few words, he
went away, leaving Mr.. Corbin be-
wildered beyond expression.
But this is very strange" he said
rising from his chair and pacing up
and down the floor. "How have they
ever surmised that l was partial to this
beautiful young brunette? Is she willing
to become my wife upon such short
notice. Ought 1 to take such advan-
tage of her inexperienced"
"Now, Marse Corbin, suggested old
Aunt Hester, who from the window
which she was cleaning had "taken
in" the whole situation. Don you
go flynn in de face of Providence. Miss
Patty Gregory's as pretty as a picter
and as sweet as a peach; an eff her pas
done willin' to glib her to you, jest TUX
her an be thankful"
Hester, you are a philosopher; and
in your remarks I trace the rudiments
of much good sense"
So he took Testers advice, and pro
ceeded that very afternoon to Gregory
farm, where Mr.. Gregory was painting
the doorstep, and Patty was thriftily
endeavoring to mend a ragged spot in
the carpet of the best room.
$50 you've really come arter my
'Marthyg Well, I am proud"
81 don't know how / shall ever ex-
press my gratitude" said the clergy
man.
Don't speak of it. Walk in, walk
in. Patty, here's the parson,"
Mr.. Corbin scarcely dared to glance
at Miss Gregory; but she smiled and
nodded at him~with the greatest com
"There it u.s." said Mr.. Gregory,
pointing his knotty fore finger at the
wall, "just as my poor grand father
left it to me, bronze frame and all"
"There is-what?' asked the clergy
man.
my Marthy," to be sure, answered
Mr.. Gregory, in surprise.
"Ohr said Mr.. Corbin, his counter
ance falling; 81 thought you
meant did't know"
"Eh! said Mr.. Gregory. It's my
of Martha and Mary at Bethany
"a hundred years old, and not to be
duplicated, they tell me, this side O.
the Atlantic.
Yes, I've no doubt it is very valu-
said Mr.. Corbin. "But not SO
valuable as-your daughter!"
"As-my-daughter!' repeated Mr..
Gregory.
Il thought it was this Martha you
meant" said the clergyman, gathering
courage to advance and get possession
of Patsy slim, brown hand. 1T GER
tainly was this Martha that l wanted!'
Mr.. Gregory glanced from one to
the other, lifted his shaggy, gray eye
brows, and drew a long breath.
"Well!" said he. "If Patty hain't
no objection, I hain't! What say you,
little gala Have you a mind to be my
donation to the minister, instead O the
old engravingt"
MI. r GoFbin' S's said { I'll" tie farmer, 81
don't believe she'll object"
"Oh, father" once more uttered
Patty. hiding her face,
And you two al talk it over,
while I go out and finish that there job
O. painting " added Mr.. Gregory.
So he vanished, and the two young