Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1892-01-29
IN VAIN i protested

why, you little gooSic," laughed Jen-
ME. "tbere'll be fun enough to last life
time. John wanted to come awfully, but
l knew he'd make an awful noise and spoil
everything. SO wouldn't let him."
The WHY schener took the precaution to
lock the closet door from tile outside. so
there was NO fear of detection. Ga high
bench, still rs two mice ue awaited results.
Presently Cousin Mark, rs if arousipg
from protracted reverie, asked, "Wouid
you like to have me reau.''
"Oh, am not particular" replied Miss
Kent.
"Here is an excellent article on elective
afinities How would you like that?"
Jennies elbow in my side almost took
away my breath.
''Who is it by?" she inquired.
Jennie exclaimed (clear in my ear),
THAT'S to gain time, see if it amt"
cts by Il prominent French writer, !
believe" answered Cousin Mark.
81 don't think care for translation to-
night" said Miss Kent.
'Nor /; nor reading of any kind" he
continued. "Ths is my last evening in
New York, Miss Kent"
II hope you've enjoyed your VISIT" she
returned.
Aib1O my WY HStti CillS ClUlc),
"She's rs shy as 3-year-old colt"
81 didn't think l should feel so bad
about leaving" Cousin Mark went on"
"He is the wreck, you remcm ber," whis-
pered Jennie.
A long pause.
81 think l hear the baby" exclaimed
Miss Kent.
ooh, no." said Cousin Mark "You are
fond of babies. are you not, Miss Kent?"
No answer from Miss Kent.
Il have been a very lonely man, Miss
Kent" Cousin Mark resumed, "but never
realized how lonely the rest of my life
must be until l came to this house."
ooh, how lonely" echoed Jennie
"Now | must return to my business and
my boarding house-boarding house for a
man SO fond of domestic life as | am, Miss
Kent"
Just then we very distinctly heard lit
tie kind of I. purr. which sounded very like
note of intense sympathy from Miss
Kent.
81 have friends in San Francisco, of
COURSE" said Cousin Mark, "bat no fire
side like this. no one to care fer me if
am i'll, nobody to feel very badly il die. :"
"That'li fetch her." said Jennie.
81 wish that lived in San Francisco. -
said Miss Kent in little quivering voice
you could call upon me at any time if you
needed anything"
Jennie in conyulsions.
eff you will go to California with me,
Miss Kent, I'll wait another week"
"Why, Mr.. Lansing, what do you mean !?
What would folks say?" she said
1--WE don't care for folks" said Mark
III you will go, we will have house as
pleasant as money can make it. You shall
have birds and flowers and horses, and all
the scientific monthlies that you want,
deuced if you sha'n't, and you shall never
sew another stitch for anybody but me-
Will you be my wife?"
Just then Jennie and l stepped up an
other peg, and there was that little old
maid, who would not marry the best man
that ever lived, Rugged close to the mans
breast who wouldn't marry the best wom-
an that ever lived, not even to save her
life. we came away then, but it's my
opinion that they remained in just that
position till we rang the bell half an hour
later.
''How did you know" asked of Jennie.
My DEAR" she answered, my whole re-
lance was upon human nature; and let me
tell you, dear goosie, whatever else may
fail, that never does"
"Why, Miss Kent, what makes your face
SO very redo" inquired Jennie upon enter
ing; and Cousin Mark, how strangely you
iookl Your hair is all mussed up"
"And hope to have it mussed often, I"
said Cousin Mark boldly. fsMisa Kent and
are to be married this week.
Jennie laughed till her face was purple
aud when went up stairs Miss Kent was
pounding her back.-Waverley Magazine